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

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

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 (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

Need to know

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

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
Speed restrictions apply
No generators
No generators
No dogs allowed
No dogs allowed
No dogs allowed
No drones without a permit
No drones without a permit
No fires permitted
No fires permitted
No fires permitted
No firearms allowed
No firearms allowed
No firearms allowed
No horses
No horses
No horses

Warnings

Terrain hazards
Steep track

Deep hole

Slippery surface

Slippery surface

Slippery rocks

Slippery rocks

Uneven ground
Water hazards
Shallow water

Strong currents

Flash flooding

Submerged obstacles

Deep water
Animals and pests
Snakes

Snakes
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

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.

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.

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 Closed for Maintenance Works

Big Hill Campground is closed during weekdays until December 12th to allow important maintenance works to repair the toilet block to occur. Large excavators and concrete trucks will be on site during weekdays and it is necessary to close the campground for public safety. The site will be made safe for use on weekends during this period. We ask that campers use the portable toilets provided during this time.

Aire West campground - partially CLOSED

Aire west campground is partially closed due to ongoing wet and muddy conditions through until 08 DEC 2025.

Sites 17 to 22 and sites 27 to 40 are not open for camping during this time.

Camping in closed areas of a National Park is subject to regulations

Aire East campground - CLOSED

Aire East campground is closed due to ongoing wet and muddy conditions through until 08 DEC 2025.

Camping in closed areas of a National Park is subject to regulations

Melba Gully - Madsens Track Nature Walk Loop - CLOSED

Due to significant large tree fall, and consequent track failure due to landslide subsidence, Madsens Track Nature Walk is CLOSED for safety reasons.

The Melba Gully Day Visitor Area, picnic ground and toilet block remain open.

Parks Victoria is working with GORCAPA and contractors to consider all possible options for reopening as soon as possible.

Please do not enter this unsafe and closed section of the National Park. Regulations apply.

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.

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)

Lake Elizabeth Campground Upgrade Information

Lake Elizabeth Campground and the associated campground car park will be closed from: Tuesday 27^th January 2026 to Tuesday 31^st March 2026. We ask visitors to stay clear of the campground and campground carpark which will have signed closures in place.

As you plan for your holidays please do not attempt to book the Lake Elizabeth campground from Tuesday 27th January - Tuesday 31st March 2026.

The closure is for enhancing the camping experience and these renovations have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Victoria’s Great Outdoors is a $106.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.

All other areas at Lake Elizabeth will remain open, including ablutions, day use areas, walk to and around the lake.