Aire River East Campground | Otways Estuary Camping & Great Ocean Walk

Positioned in a stunning valley where the Aire River meets the wild coastline of the Southern Ocean, the Aire River East Campground is one of the most popular and accessible camping destinations in the Great Otway National Park. This magnificent Parks Victoria campground offers a quintessential Australian outdoor experience, blending the tranquility of a sheltered river estuary with the dramatic beauty of the nearby ocean beach. The campground is set on a vast, open, grassy flat on the eastern bank of the river, surrounded by rolling hills and coastal vegetation, providing a wealth of excellent, well-spaced sites. It is perfectly suited for all types of camping setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes, making it a favourite for families, anglers, kayakers, and hikers.

The main appeal of Aire River East is its incredible location and the diverse recreational opportunities it offers. The Aire River estuary is the star attraction, providing a calm, sheltered waterway that is a paradise for kayakers and canoeists. It is also a renowned fishing hotspot, famous for its large populations of Bream and Trout. A short walk from the campground leads to the spectacular ocean beach, where the river meets the sea. The campground serves as a key access point for the world-renowned Great Ocean Walk, making it an ideal base for those looking to tackle sections of the trail. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a huge variety of birdlife frequently seen in and around the campground. As a bookable national park site, it offers clean facilities and a well-managed environment. For a memorable adventure that combines the best of the Otways’ rivers, beaches, and forests, Aire River East is a top-tier destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Aire River East Campground
• Address: Great Ocean Rd, Hordern Vale VIC 3238

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.79996717675931, 143.4816911770923

Website

• Website: Parks Victoria – Aire River East

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Sheltered river estuary setting in the Great Otway National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible with care but can be corrugated.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines for booking limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: Non-potable water may be available from a rainwater tank. It must be treated before use. Bring your own supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated communal fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 20 designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water/water treatment, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, kayak.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent estuary fishing for Bream and Trout.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Ocean Walk and tracks along the river to the beach.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: A premier destination for paddling on the calm estuary.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Apollo Bay Hotel (Apollo Bay) – Approx. 25 km
  • Lavers Hill Roadhouse & Tavern (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 25 km
  • The 12 Apostles Inn (Princetown) – Approx. 40 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Black Snail Cafe (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 25 km
  • Extensive range of cafes and restaurants in Apollo Bay – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Great Ocean Walk – Onsite
  • Cape Otway Lightstation – Approx. 15 km
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 30 km
  • The 12 Apostles – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas (Cape Otway) – Approx. 15 km
  • Apollo Bay Holiday Parks – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Aire Crossing Campground (inland) – Approx. 20 km
  • Stevensons Falls Campground (inland) – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Apollo Bay – Approx. 25 km
  • Lavers Hill – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Visitor Information Centre in Apollo Bay.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm, often with cool sea breezes, averaging 14-24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm, often with clear sunny days, averaging 10-20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, wet, and windy, showcasing the coastline’s wild side. Averaging 7-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and brisk, with a mix of sun and showers, a great time for waterfalls. Averaging 9-18°C.