Parker Hill Campground

A view down towards a secluded beach.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Parker Hill Campground

Parker Hill is a small and quiet camping area in Great Otway National Park, located near Cape Otway. It is set on a forested hilltop overlooking the beach and river, with many walks and beach access nearby.

Parker Hill is a small and quiet campground at the southern tip of Great Otway National Park near Cape Otway. Set on a hilltop overlooking the beach and Parker River estuary, it is a peaceful place for a getaway near the coast.

Camp among a forest of stringybarks, which cover most sites with shade. Native animals often visit the campground, so keep an eye out for koalas, wallabies and a variety of other wildlife. There are 20 unpowered campsites, suitable for up to six people per site. Advance bookings and payment are required year-round.

Beach access is only a short walk from the campground. Follow the iconic Great Ocean Walk north toward Parker Inlet. A steep climb down 300 steps will lead you to a secluded beach at the mouth of Parker River. Explore the sheltered cove, go fishing on the rock platforms and see what you can discover as you ramble in the rockpools. Swimming is not advisable as the beach is unpatrolled and subject to strong currents.

The campground is a 40-minute drive from popular surfing spots along the Great Ocean Road, including Johanna Beach to the west and Apollo Bay to the east.

For a scenic clifftop walk, follow the Great Ocean Walk south from the campground toward Point Franklin. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and see if you can spot Cape Otway Lightstation in the distance. The walk joins the Stringybark Track, forming a 3km loop walk back to the campground.


BOOK NOW

Things to do

 
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Cape Otway and Apollo Bay

Breathtaking coastlines, dramatic cliff faces, deep valleys of tall forest and fern-clad gullies, and spectacular waterfalls all feature here in Cape Otway and Apollo Bay.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
A woman walks along the boardwalk at Maits Rest in the Great Otway National Park.

Maits Rest

There is an easy self-guided circuit walk through ancient, cool temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Maits Rest is renowned for its natural beauty and a must see destination.A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss covered roots, providing a unique view of the forest.
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.

How to get there

Parker Hill Campground

Parker Hill Campground is near the southern tip of Cape Otway, approximately three hours from Melbourne and 15 minutes from the small town of Horden Vale.

From the east, approach Apollo Bay and Cape Otway along the Great Ocean Road (B100) by taking either Anglesea Road or Surf Coast Highway from Geelong.

From Colac, approach through Lavers Hill (inland route C155).

From the west, pick up the Great Ocean Road by approaching via Port Campbell (inland route C164).

From the Great Ocean Road, take Lighthouse Road and then Blanket Bay Road to reach Parker Hill Track, which is accessible by 2WD.
Parker Hill Campground

When you're there

All campsites are unpowered and suitable for tents only. Sites one to 10 are drive-in, while sites 11-20 are walk-in. Parking for sites 11-20 is available on Parker Hill Track near the campground entrance. Download Great Otway National Park - Campground Maps.

Campground facilities are basic and include toilets and non-potable water. There are no fireplaces, so you will need to bring your own fuel stove or gas BBQ. Fires are not allowed.

Basic supplies are available at Bimbi Park caravan park approximately 6km from the campground.

Download the visitor guide before you go.

Need to know

Parker Hill Campground

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Be prepared and stay safe

  • No solid fuel fires permitted.
  • Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
  • Bring your own drinking water.
  • Come and enjoy the peace and quiet – please, no generators.

Parker Hill Campground is in the Great Otway National Park in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Triplet Falls Access Closed For Roadworks

    All access tracks to Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls within the Great Otway National Park will be closed from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May 2025.

    Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed during this time.

    Triplet Falls Closed For Roadworks

    Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls access tracks within the Great Otway National Park will be closed for roadworks from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May.

    Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed for the duration of this time and there will be no access to the waterfalls.

    Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

    Parks Victoria  will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025.  To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.
    Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites.  Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors.  Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

    Great Ocean Walk - River estuary conditions

    🚶‍♀️🌊 Great Ocean Walk Update 🌊🚶‍♂️

    Parks Victoria is monitoring water levels at the Aire River and Gellibrand River estuary mouths. Hikers may notice high water in these areas.

    ⚠️ If levels rise and pose a safety risk, track closures may be required.

    🏕️ Aire River West campground is open, including lower areas near the river. However, sites 24–40 may need to close if the Aire estuary remains closed and water levels increase.

    🌧️ Estuaries may open naturally at any time or be artificially opened when safe to do so.  Forecast catchment rainfall may see these conditions change quickly . 

    🗺️ Check conditions before your walk or stay, and take extra care near river crossings.

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Melba Gully - Large bus access

    Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

Similar experiences

 
A family camps on the shores of Aire River in the Great Otway National Park

Aire River West Campground

This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park located on the banks of the Aire River Estuary. This area is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing.
Setting up tents at Blanket Bay Campground in the Great Otway National Park

Blanket Bay Campground

This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park just a short stroll from the beach which is accessible via walking tracks. Picturesque views are obtainable only meters from this campsite looking out over the beach and surrounding landscapes.
A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

Johanna Beach Campground

Nestled between coastal sand dunes, a lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach, the dog-on-lead friendly Johanna Beach Campground has everything you need for an unforgettable seaside camping experience. Take in the salty ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or hike a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm