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

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

Located in a dense rainforest with tall mountain ash forest and blackwood trees, a tranquil setting located near the Aire River.
Five non-bookable camping spots available on a first come first served basis, provide you with a chance to encounter the myriad of wildlife nearby, including Koalas and many species of birds.
No camping in the car park or along Aire River.
A 4WD is recommended to access and nearby Halls Ridge Track (4WD) is seasonally closed.
Extreme fire danger forecast may close site, and site closed on forecast Catastrophic days.
Rapid weather changes may also impact access.

How to get there

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

Need to know

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

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No bicycles
No bicycles
No motorbikes/trailbikes
No motorbikes/trailbikes
No firearms allowed
No firearms allowed
No firearms allowed
No generators
No generators
Speed restrictions apply
No dogs allowed
No dogs allowed
No dogs allowed
No horses
No horses
No horses
No drones without a permit
No drones without a permit
No fires permitted
No fires permitted
No fires permitted

Warnings

Terrain hazards
Deep hole

Slippery surface

Slippery surface

Uneven ground

Slippery rocks

Slippery rocks

Steep track
Other warnings
No mobile phone reception

Trees may fall take care

Trees may fall take care

Limbs may fall take care

Limbs may fall take care
Water hazards
Shallow water

Strong currents

Flash flooding

Submerged obstacles

Deep water
Animals and pests
Snakes

Snakes

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

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.

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.

Big Hill Campground Closed for Upgrade Works

Big Hill Campground is closed until October 1st 2025 while upgrade works are in progress. These works will improve camp pad and grass surfaces and need time to settle in to allow for an improved camping experience.

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – Temporary Closure

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (and car park) in Great Otway National Park is currently closed due to tree strike damage to the boardwalk and tree risk.

For your safety, do not enter closed areas. National Park regulations apply.

If you are seeking a similar rainforest experience, Melba Gully (west of Lavers Hill) remains open and offers a comparable walk through ancient cool temperate rainforest, including the popular Madsen’s Track.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please check for updates before planning your visit.

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.

Aire East campground- Temporary Closure

The Aire River East campground will be temporarily closed from June 1st until October 30th 2025 due to wet conditions.

Alternative camping is available at the Aire west campground or Johanna Beach campground.

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.

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.

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.