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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.
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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.
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.
Parker Hill Campground
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Camping & accommodation
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.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.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsite rainwater tank levels
There is untreated rainwater currently available in tanks at each of the GOW hike in campsites at the following levels:Elliot hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 50%, toilet tank is 100% fullBlanket Bay hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 80%, walkers can also utilise water from the vehicle based campground tap.Cape Otway hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 85%, toilet tank is 80% full.Aire River hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 80%, walkers can utilise water from the vehicle based campground tap.Johanna hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 100% full.Ryans Den hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 60% full.Devils Kitchen hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 100% full.There is also untreated rainwater available at each of the Great Otway National Park car based campsites in the West Otways.Hikers need to take care only to use what they need and to be mindful of others requiring water. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are carrying enough rainwater for themselves. Parks Victoria do not guarantee rainwater will be available at each site. If in doubt, recommend that hikers either carry what they need, do a water drop prior to commencing their walk, or organise an LTO to conduct a water drop for them.Great Ocean Walk Water Tank Levels
Parks Victoria rangers would like to inform you that as of Friday 6th December 2019 there is untreated rainwater currently available in tanks at each of the GOW hike in campsites at the following levels:Elliot hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 50%, toilet tank is 100% fullBlanket Bay hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 90%, walkers can also utilise water from the vehicle based campground tap.Cape Otway hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 85%, toilet tank is 80% full.Aire River hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 90%, walkers can utilise water from the vehicle based campground tap.Johanna hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 100% full.Ryan’s Den hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 80% full.Devils Kitchen hike-in campsite – shelter tank is 100%, toilet tank is 100% full.There is also untreated rainwater available at each of the Great Otway National Park car based campsites in the West Otway’s.Hikers need to take care only to use what they need and to be mindful of others requiring water. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are carrying enough rainwater for themselves. Parks Victoria do not guarantee rainwater will be available at each site. If in doubt, recommend that hikers either carry what they need, do a water drop prior to commencing their walk, or organise an LTO to conduct a water drop for them. -
Great Otway National Park
Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track closed
Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track will be closed until 30 June 2020 due to a landslip undermining the road.Wye River Campground closed
Wye River Road Camping Area is closed until further notice due to dangerous treesUpper Kalimna track closed
The Upper Kalimna Falls walking track is closed until further notice due to damage to the boardwalk and lookout. The Lower Kalimna Falls are still accessible from Sheoak Picnic Area via Kalimna Walking Track and from Garvey Track via Kalimna Link Track. -
Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Herbert's Campground closed
Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.
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