Parker Hill Campground

A view down towards a secluded beach.

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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.

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.


    Temporary night closures of sections of the Great Otway National Park

    Between Monday 17th February 2025 and Friday 4th April 2025,  rolling closures park closures will occur between dusk and dawn Great Otway National Park to enable staff to safely undertake park conservation programs.  For your safety and for safety of park staff and contractors, please adhere to park closure signage.
     
    Visitor sites that may  be impacted by temporary closures include:
     
    Surf Coast Walk between Southside and Anglesea  
    Ironbark Basin
    Point Addis
    Eumeralla Area - including all mountain bike tracks
    Anglesea Heath
    Old rifle range between Cecil and Woodland Tracks
    Distillery Creek
    Moggs Creek

    Other areas that may be impacted by temporary closures include:
    Carlisle Heath, Kennedys Creek  and Chapple Vale areas
     
     
    Parks Closures will only occur at night and for short periods of time.  Closures will be signposted, supervised and patrolled by Parks Victoria staff and Authorised Officers.

    For further information please email: westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au

    Great Ocean Walk - Important Notice

    Parks Victoria is received increasing reports of concerning observations on the Great Ocean Walk .

    This includes use of bikes, horses, unrestrained dogs, campfires and hikers arriving at their pre-booked campsites only to find them already occupied.

    🔹 All hikers must book a campsite before their trip, even though camping is free.
    🔹 Camping without a booking or outside designated areas is not permitted.
    🔹 Campfires are NOT permitted at any Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsite.
    🔹 Only medical certified companion animals are permitted (on lead).
    🔹 The Great Ocean Walk is a walking/hiking trail - not a  long distance horse, trail bike or Mountain bike course.

    National Park Regulations Apply.
     
    Parks Victoria Authorised Officers patrol the Great Ocean Walk.  
    Evidence of a booking must be shown to a Parks Victoria Ranger on request.
     
    To ensure a fair and safe experience for all:
    ✅ Book your campsite before starting your walk.
    ✅ Only camp in designated areas and at your assigned site.
    ✅ Respect fellow hikers by only using the site you have booked.
    ✅ Do not light campfires—use fuel stoves for cooking.
    ✅ Do report observations of concern.

    If you observe:
    🚨 A campfire, bikes, animals other than native ones or hikers occupying an already booked site, please report it immediately (when safe to do so) to Parks Victoria on 131 963.

    ⚠️ Parks Victoria cannot respond to emergency situations involving hikers and campers who have not booked a campsite.

    Thank you for helping us protect the Great Ocean Walk and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
    For bookings and further information, visit Parks Victoria’s website.

    Parks Victoria
    Caring for Country, Connecting People

    Access to The Redwoods along Binns Road from the Great Ocean Road closed

    The Colac Otway Shire has announced that Binns Road access from the Great Ocean Road (southern end) will be closed for two weeks, from the 18th March, to fix a landslip.

    Access from this side of the road will prevent access to the Aire Valley (Redwoods) and Hopetoun Falls within the Great Otway National Park.

    Binns Road will remain open from the Beech Forest (northern end) which will allow access to visitor sites including Aire Valley (Redwoods), Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls.


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

    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.

  • 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.

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

    Aire Crossing Campground

    • Camping: Aire Crossing Campground has five (5) unbooked campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping outside these designated sites—including in the car park or along the Aire River—is strictly prohibited.
    • Campfires: Not permitted at any time.
    • Access: The campground is accessible via Aire Crossing Track. A 4WD is recommended.
    • Halls Ridge Track (4WD only) is seasonally closed and frequently inaccessible outside these periods. Use is not advised.
    • Vehicle Recovery: If your vehicle becomes stranded, retrieval must be arranged privately at your own cost.
    • Fire Danger > South West Fire District Closures:
    • The campground may close on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days.
    • It will be closed on Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days.
    • Weather & Track Conditions: Conditions can change rapidly due to wind and rain, leading to potential track closures.
    • Tree Hazards: Trees and branches may fall at any time, even in calm weather. Please be aware of the risk.
    • Phone Signal: No mobile reception is available at Aire Crossing.
    • Regulations & Enforcement:
    • National Park Regulations apply.
    • The area is regularly patrolled by Parks Victoria Authorised Officers, Rangers, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and the Conservation Regulator.

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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