Cape Otway GOW Campsite | Great Ocean Walk Hike-in Camping & Lightstation
The Cape Otway GOW (Great Ocean Walk) Campsite is a truly spectacular destination for hikers, offering a world-class overnight experience at one of Australia’s most significant coastal landmarks. This is a purpose-built, hike-in only campground, designed exclusively for walkers tackling the iconic Great Ocean Walk. Its dramatic location, nestled in the windswept coastal heathland of the Great Otway National Park and just a stone’s throw from the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, makes it one of the most memorable stops on the entire trail. Arriving on foot after a day of hiking through rugged coastal scenery is an incredible experience, rewarded with a well-designed and comfortable haven. The campground features a series of individual timber tent platforms, a communal three-sided shelter, and modern, clean amenities that are a welcome luxury in such a remote setting.
The main appeal of this campsite is its profound sense of history and its breathtaking location. It allows hikers the unique opportunity to stay overnight at the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, and to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the cape at sunset and sunrise, long after the day-trippers have gone home. The views are simply magnificent, stretching out across the wild Southern Ocean. The facilities are thoughtfully designed for the needs of a multi-day walker, including untreated rainwater tanks and USB charging points in the communal shelter. As an integral part of the official Great Ocean Walk, bookings are mandatory, ensuring the site remains an intimate and well-preserved experience. For walkers seeking a truly unforgettable night that combines dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating maritime history, and excellent purpose-built facilities, the Cape Otway GOW Campsite is an absolute highlight of this world-class trek.
Campground Information
- Name: Cape Otway GOW Campsite
- Address: Cape Otway VIC 3233 (Hike-in only via the Great Ocean Walk)
Location Coordinates
- GPS: -38.849735471213414, 143.51452403564224
Website
Location Map
Site Details
- Location: Hike-in only campground at Cape Otway in the Great Otway National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents only (on timber platforms).
- Road Access: No vehicle access. Accessible only via the Great Ocean Walk.
- Site Surface: Raised timber tent platforms.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per your Great Ocean Walk itinerary booking.
- Facilities: Communal three-sided shelter, non-flush toilets, untreated rainwater tanks, USB charging points.
- Potable Water: No. Rainwater is available but must be treated before use. Always carry backup water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is highly recommended.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 8 designated, bookable tent platforms.
- Essentials to Bring: All hiking and camping gear, food, water purification system, PLB, rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable at the clifftop site.
- Short Walks: This is a key destination on the multi-day Great Ocean Walk. A short walk leads to the Lightstation.
- History & Photography: The main attraction is the adjacent Cape Otway Lightstation and the stunning coastal views.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Apollo Bay Hotel (Apollo Bay) – Approx. 35 km
- Great Ocean Road Brewhouse (Apollo Bay) – Approx. 35 km
- Lavers Hill Roadhouse & Tavern (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Lightstation Cafe (at Cape Otway Lightstation) – Approx. 1 km walk
- Extensive range of cafes and restaurants in Apollo Bay – Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Cape Otway Lightstation – Adjacent
- Great Ocean Walk – Onsite
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas – Approx. 1 km (from the Lightstation road)
- Apollo Bay Holiday Parks – Approx. 35 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Aire Crossing Campground (inland) – Approx. 30 km drive
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Apollo Bay – Approx. 35 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, but notoriously windy and changeable. Averaging 13-23°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and often calm, with clear days ideal for walking, averaging 9-19°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, wet, and very windy, showcasing the raw power of the Southern Ocean. Averaging 7-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and brisk, with a mix of sun and strong showers, averaging 8-17°C.