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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.
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.
Things to do
Cape Otway and Apollo Bay
Surfing
Maits Rest
Great Ocean Walk
How to get there
Parker Hill Campground
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
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.
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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.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. -
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. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire River West campground - Sites 24 - 40 - CLOSED
- Aire River West Camp ground - camp sites CLOSED
- Sites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are CLOSED due to potential for flooding.
- Due to ongoing river mouth closures these sites are prone to inundation and not suitable for camping.
- Sites will require time to dry out once any river opening occurs.
- Sites 24 to 40 are advised as closed until at least 30 April 2025
- Sites 1 -23 are not impacted > at this point.
- The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp sites are not impacted.
- Closed areas can not be booked nor camped in.
- National Park Regulations apply.
- Flood water can be hazardous.
- Visitors and campers should avoid flood water.
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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.