Parker Hill Campground

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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.


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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.

Need to know

Parker Hill Campground

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.


    Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure


    Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.
    A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.
    Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.
    We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.

    Event = Great Ocean Walk - Saturday, 25 October 2025

    NOTICE TO PARK VISITORS
    A permitted trail running event will be operating on the Great Ocean Walk trail system on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

    Event: Great Ocean Trail Ultra
    Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
    Time: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (20 hours)
    Route: Apollo Bay to Princetown Recreation Reserve via Great Ocean Walk
    Participants: Up to 400 registered runners (100km and 45km events)
    ________________________________________
    AFFECTED AREAS AND TIMES
    Morning Activity (Higher Impact Period)
    Apollo Bay vicinity: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
    Blanket Bay Day Use Area: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    Cape Otway Lightstation Car Park: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    Aire River West Campground: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Peak Activity Period
    Castle Cove Lookout: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Johanna Beach Day Use Area: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (includes 45km event start)
    Parker Access Track/Great Ocean Road: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    Evening Activity
    Princetown Recreation Reserve: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (finish line area)
    GOW Lookout Car Park (near 12 Apostles): 1:30 PM - midnight
    ________________________________________
    WHAT TO EXPECT
    For Great Ocean Walk Users:
    The Great Ocean Walk remains fully open to public use
    You may encounter trail runners throughout the day
    Participants are required to give way to walkers and be courteous
    Event marshals positioned at key locations to assist
    Facility Access:
    All public toilets and facilities remain available
    Car parks accessible (brief periods of increased activity expected)
    Campground facilities protected - event routes bypass overnight camping areas
    Walk-in campsites not affected by event operations
    Traffic Considerations:
    Minimal road impact - event follows walking trails
    Brief activity at Great Ocean Road crossings with marshal supervision
    "Event in Progress" signage displayed at key locations
    ________________________________________
    ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
    Parks Victoria confirms the following protective measures are in place:
    Mandatory compliance with cinnamon fungus prevention protocols
    Leave No Trace principles enforced for all participants
    Waste management systems - all event waste removed from parks
    Professional medical support and emergency response procedures
    Regular monitoring by experienced event management team
    ________________________________________
    WEATHER AND CONDITIONS
    This event is subject to cancellation or modification due to:
    South West District Fire danger ratings (Extreme or Catastrophic conditions)  
    Severe weather warnings
    Track closure requirements
    Emergency service direction
    Event organisers monitor conditions closely and will cancel if necessary to ensure public and participant safety.
    ________________________________________
    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    Parks Victoria Information Centre:
    📞 13 1963
    Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA):
    📞 1300 736 533
    Event Information:

    Emergency Services: 000
    ________________________________________
    This notice will remain in effect until Monday, 27 October 2025

    Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar People as Traditional Owners of these lands and waters and recognises their ongoing connection to Country.

    Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity

    Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail Conditions
    Recent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.

    Safety Recommendations
    • Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
    • Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
    • Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards. 
    Protected Wildlife Notice
    • Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife. 
    • It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
    • Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
    • Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
    • If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
    Ecosystem Importance
    • Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
    • Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
    Reporting & Contacts
    For any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contact 
    Parks Victoria on 131963 or visit the 
    Conservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.

    Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.

    Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)

  • Great Otway National Park

    Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed

    Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site.

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025

    Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.

    Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.

    Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.

    These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.

    We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.

  • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

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

    Melba Gully walk track works

    Melba Gully Walk track works have commenced to repair sections of the track. Please be aware that some sections may be closed while works are undertaken.

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.
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