Explore
Distillery Creek Lower Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Near Aireys Inlet, this is an ideal location for social catch ups, bird watching and hiking, set in a dry Ironbark Eucalypt forest and wetlands. You can also Mountain bike on some trails.
How to get there
Distillery Creek Lower Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Distillery Creek Lower Day Visitor Area (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 allowed but must be on a leash
Restrictions
- No camping
Warnings
-
- None applicable
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coastal Hazard Alert: Great Otway, Port Campbell National Parks
Advisory for visitors to Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park, and the Great Ocean Walk:
A significant weather system is expected to bring hazardous coastal conditions from late Tuesday (24 June 2025) through Wednesday (25 June 2025).
Abnormally high tides and damaging surf are forecast, posing risks to coastal trails, beaches, and visitor sites along the Great Ocean Road. A Coastal Hazard Warning for high tides is anticipated within 36 hours, with damaging surf conditions closely monitored.
⚠️ Key Risks for the Great Ocean Walk and Coastal Sites
Abnormally High Tides: Tides will exceed the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) during peak periods:
Tuesday–Wednesday: Peak tides 0.4m–0.7m above HAT, highest during early morning/afternoon high tides.
Critical Areas: Low-lying beaches, trail sections near waterways (e.g., Station Beach, Johanna Beach, Wreck Beach), and coastal infrastructure.
Damaging Surf: Wave Heights: 7–8m along western coasts (Tuesday evening); 5–6m along central coasts (overnight Wednesday).
Rogue Wave Risk: Sudden surges may inundate beaches and cliff bases, especially at Wreck Beach and Station Beach.
🚧 Great Ocean Walk-Specific Advisory
High-Tide Alternatives: Use designated high-tide bypass routes at Station Beach and Wreck Beach. Avoid beach walks during high tide.
Wreck Beach anchors: Do not approach unless at confirmed low tide and conditions are visibly safe.
Trail Safety: Stay ≥10m from the water’s edge due to unpredictable surges.
🛑 General Precautions for Coastal Sites
Park Access: Trails and sites may close with short notice.
Check Parks Victoria for real-time updates.
Do not drive through flooded roads or cross inundated trails.
Stay Updated
Check Parks Victoria> BOM > Vic Emergency for real-time alerts and closures.
Postpone non-essential coastal visits until conditions improve.