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Red River Bald Hills Parking Area (Great Otway National Park)
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Red River Bald Hills Parking Area (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Red River Bald Hills Parking 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 not allowed
Restrictions
- No fires permitted
- 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.
Colac Tree Road Open, Skinners Track Closed
Colac Tree Road within the Great Otway National Park will re-open at 5pm on Monday 2nd December with a 40kph restriction.
Skinners
Creek Track, within the Great Otway National Park, will remain closed until further notice.
These restrictions will be in place due to fire
impacting the area.
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.
Toilet Issue at Johanna beach visitor area.
Toilets at Johanna Beach visitor area are out of order until further notice, due to blocked pipe. To use toilet facilities at campground, which are 200 meters west.
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.
Large Haulage Trucks Carting Timber Within the Aire Valley
Visitors to the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park will need to be aware that large Haulage Trucks will be using the Aire Valley area to harvest plantation timber.
Hopetoun Falls, Aire Valley Reserve (The Redwoods) within the Great Otway National Park and Beauchamp Falls within the Otway Forest Park will be affected.
Trucks will be using Binns Road, Beauchamp Falls Road and Seaview Ridge Road. Traffic Management signage and speed reductions will be implemented.
Please take care when driving and visiting these areas.
Aire River - East and West campgrounds - Tanks dry
- All water tanks at both the Aire East and Aire west campgrounds are reported as EMPTY.
- Dry conditions, vandalised infrastructure and inappropriate use has combined to fully drain all tanks.
- Empty tanks hold no water. Smashing an empty tank open will not make any water suddenly appear.
- Visitors are advised to fully self manage all water requirements at these sites.
- Aire River water must be fully and suitable treated if under consideration for any form of use.
Great Ocean Walk - Estuary closures
- Due to coastal environmental conditions both the Aire River and the Gellibrand River mouths are closed.
- Minor localised river flooding is being observed in tthese areas.
- The Aire River on approach to the Aire West campground is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- The Gellibrand River 500m south east of the Princetown Recreation Reserve is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- Hikers may need to walk through ankle/knee deep water in these sections of the walk.
- Estuaries may open naturally, or Parks Victoria may attempt an artificial opening if and when safe to do so.
- Campsites are not impacted.
- If the situation becomes a safety hazard closures will be required.
Aire River Estuary Closure – Aire West Campground
Parks Victoria operations are closely monitoring water levels within the Aire River estuary in Great Otway National Park.
Please be aware of the following important information:
- Estuary Closure: The Aire River mouth has been closed since 10 December 2024. Water is slowly rising in the estuary. Any rainfall in the Aire River catchment basin, will increase water levels.
- Water level can be monitored here > Aire River levels @ Horden Vale
- Impact on Campsites: Campsites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are prone to high river water levels when over 1.65m. Campers setting up in low-lying areas closest the river should expect the potential for flooding.
- Safety First: Floodwaters can be hazardous. Visitors are advised to avoid flooded areas for their safety, and comfort.
- Future Actions: When conditions, including tides and swell, are safe and suitable, another attempt to open the river mouth will be made. The river may also open naturally when conditions allow. Ongoing river mouth blockage may result in site closures.
- Water Recession: If, and/or when the river mouth opens, water levels are expected to recede quickly.
All visitors should plan ahead and choose campsites on higher ground to minimise the risk of water intrusion.
Despite high water in the river all tanks at this campsite are reported as dry.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Great Ocean Walk Water Tanks Low or Empty
Due to the recent warm and dry weather, drinking water in the rainwater tanks along the Great Ocean Walk have become low and in some cases empty, such as at the Blanket Bay walk in campsite.
Due to the remote nature of the campsites, Parks Victoria, DOES NOT guarantee rainwater availability at each campsite.
Hikers are responsible for their own water requirements. Tank-rainwater, when present, can be treated in several
ways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets.
Further information about the Great Ocean Walk can be found here: www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
Plan for a safe, unforgettable experience on the Great Ocean Walk