Explore
Great Ocean Walk - Aire River Hike-in Campsites (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Sheltered by Coast Beard-heath, this Camp offers a peaceful overnight stop on your Great Ocean Walk adventure. If the weather permits, take a dip in the Aire River and replenish your energy levels before embarking on the next section of the walk.Book your campsite well in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to get there
Great Ocean Walk - Aire River Hike-in Campsites (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Need to know
Great Ocean Walk - Aire River Hike-in Campsites (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
- Fees apply
- No fires permitted
- No horses
- No dogs allowed
- No drones without a permit
- No generators
- No firearms allowed
Warnings
-
Other warnings
- 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.
Aire East - CLOSED
- Following ongoing wet conditions the the Aire East drive in camp ground is CLOSED until 31 October 2024.
- Soft ground in the camp ground can not safely hold vehicles until it dries out.
- Do not enter a closed area of National Park.
- Regulations apply.
Aire West Campground - Reduced capacity - Sites Closed
- Following recent estuary flooding all sites from #17 and above are CLOSED at the Aire West campground
- Sites 1-16 are OPEN for booked, permit holder campers
- The Aire West Great Ocean Walk hiker camp is fully OPEN
- Camping in areas without a permit, or in areas that are not open, will attract a penalty under National Park Regulations 2013
- Under reg.83 the infringement value penalty is currently $395 per camper
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks.
Canyon Walking Track Closure
The Canyon walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. This closure will affect walkers trying to complete the "loop" from Phantom falls to Sheoak Picnic ground. Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls are all still open and accessible via alternate routes.
Erskine Falls Access Road Closed from Monday 7 to 25 October
Parks Victoria advises that
due to roadworks on Erskine Falls Access Road and in the carpark, vehicle
access to Erskine Falls will be closed to visitors from Monday 7 to 25 October.
Pedestrian access or vehicle access down
Erskine Falls Access Road is not available during this time.
Pedestrian access is still be
available during this time via the Lemonade Creek walking track. This track
starts from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and is a 8.8km return walk. The track is
suitable for most ages and fitness levels. It has short steep sections, a rough
surface and steps.
During this temporary
closure, visitors can enjoy other nearby waterfalls, accessed from the Sheoak
Picnic Area. See this short
video for information on waterfalls to enjoy from Sheoak Picnic Area and
elsewhere in the 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 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.
Reduced Capacity of Big Hill Campground Due to Unfavorable Conditions
Campsites at Big Hill Campground will be reduced over October and November while we wait for campsites to dry out. Only two tent sites (sites 5 and 7) will be available in this time. Graveled caravan and van sites (sites 8-13) remain open and in good condition. Other sites suitable for tents are available nearby at Allenvale Mill Camping Area and Jamieson Creek Campground.