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Great Ocean Walk - Blanket Bay to Parker Hill (Great Otway National Park)
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Great Ocean Walk - Blanket Bay to Parker Hill (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Great Ocean Walk - Blanket Bay to Parker Hill (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 generators
- No drones without a permit
- No firearms allowed
- No vehicles
- No fires permitted
- No horses
- No dogs allowed
- No camping
- No bicycles
Warnings
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Water hazards
- Strong currents
- Rough Surf
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure
Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure
Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.
A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.
Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.
We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.
Great Ocean Walk - Track Update
Great Ocean Walk Track Update
Following recent winter rainfall, sections of the Great Ocean Walk have become very muddy and slippery.
Key Hazards
- Muddy and slippery conditions: Many non-sandy areas are heavily affected by mud, creating hazardous walking conditions.
- Track hazards: Rainfall has led to slippery surfaces and deep mud in several locations, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Tree falls: There is an increased likelihood of fallen trees along the track.
Safety Advice
- Exercise caution when walking, particularly in non-sandy and steep, forested sections.
- Report tree fall when it is safe and possible to do so by calling 131963.
- Please take care and plan accordingly for current track conditions.
- Monitor warnings and incidents https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
Great Otway National Park & Great Ocean Walk - Severe Weather Warning > DAMAGING WINDS
Severe Weather Advisory: Great Otway National Park
Issued 14 AUG 2025 for conditions through until 16 AUG 2025
Key Advisory Points
Severe Weather Warning: parts of Central and South West Forecast Districts are currently under a severe weather warning with damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and a risk of falling trees and branches over many sites and walking trails.
Stay in Booked Campgrounds Only: All camping should be done exclusively in designated and booked campgrounds. Camping outside of official sites, especially under or near large trees, greatly increases the risk of injury from tree falls.
Camping outside of a designated camping area, and/or in vehicles is a breach of NATIONAL PARKS REGULATIONS 2024 - REG 73.
Tree Canopy Risk: Prolonged time under heavy tree canopy—particularly during or after storms—increases the risk of tree fall injury. Exercise extreme caution in forested sections or where the ground is saturated.
Report Fallen Trees: If you encounter trees down across the trail, report it to Parks Victoria when safe to do so at 131963. Only report if you can do so safely; do not attempt to clear fallen trees yourself.
Mobile Phone Coverage is Limited: Many parts of the park and trails have no mobile phone signal. Always have a plan that does not rely solely on mobile phones:
Inform someone of your route and estimated return time before you leave.
Know key locations and campgrounds in advance.
General Safety:
If conditions deteriorate, seek shelter in a safe building or official campground.
Avoid ridge tops and exposed tree stands where wind impact is highest.
Do not attempt creek or stream crossings during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Travel Plans: Consider postponing your walk if you are not prepared for hazardous conditions. Monitor BOM and VicEmergency for the latest updates on warnings.
Emergency Information
If traveling, rethink your plans and be prepared to turn back. Never risk crossing flooded or tree-blocked trails.
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.