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Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
How to get there
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Aire River West 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 dogs allowed
- No generators
- Fees apply
- No firearms allowed
- Load, weight restrictions
Warnings
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Water hazards
- Strong currents
- Rough Surf
- Submerged obstacles
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Animals and pests
- Snakes
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Other warnings
- Vehicles
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.
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.
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 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.
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.