Aire River West Campground
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    Aire River West Campground

    Nestled in the shadow of the Otway Ranges, enjoy a stay by the heritage-listed Aire River at Aire River West Campground. 
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    The large, flat and open Aire River West Campground is located on the western banks of the river and perfect for larger groups and caravans. On the eastern banks, Aire River East Campground is smaller, but more protected from the elements.

    Advanced bookings and payment at Aire River West are required year-round. Aire River West Campground has 40 campsites on offer. All campsites accommodate a maximum of six people and are also unpowered. Campsites 1-5, 17-23, 27-40 are suitable for large caravans. Campsites 7-11 can only cater to smaller caravans and sites 12-16 are only suitable for tents. All other sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and recreational vehicles.

    A small gravel ramp on the western banks of the river is perfect for launching a canoe or kayak. Explore upstream and discover the wetlands and floodplains birdlife including swans, ducks, egrets, swamphens and the endangered Hooded Plover on Glenaire Beach.

    Fishing is also exceptional here. Choose between the calm estuary waters of Aire River or the wild ocean of Glenaire Beach. Catch bream, salmon, mullet, trout, mulloway and snapper too.

    Glenaire Beach is a 15-minute walk away. Experienced surfers chasing the best breaks in this wild surf. A little further afield, Johanna Beach offers similar rewards.

    Things to do

     
    Canoeing

    Canoeing and Kayaking

    Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
    A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

    Great Ocean Walk

    The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
    Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

    Fishing

    In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

    How to get there

    Aire River West Campground

    Aire River lies approximately three hours' drive west of Melbourne and is positioned on the western edges of Cape Otway. It can be reached via the Great Ocean Road or via Lavers Hill. Head west on the Princes Highway from Melbourne before joining up with Cape Otway Road and following signs to Apollo Bay. Here, join up with the Great Ocean Road and travel on to Glenaire and follow Sands Road to access Aire River West Campground.
    Aire River West Campground

    When you're there

    While the campground caters for self-contained comfort, you should bring your own drinking water and firewood, and take all rubbish home with you.

    Camping & accommodation

    Aire River West is a flat and open campground located on the western side of the Aire River, where fishing and canoeing can be enjoyed. It’s a good place for large groups to camp.
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    Need to know

    Aire River West Campground

    Accessibility

    The day visitor area is located on the west side of Aire River adjacent to the campground. There is also a day visitor area on the east side of the river but there are no accessible toilets on this side.

    There is designated parking on a level compacted gravel surface very close to the picnic area. There are no designated disabled parking bays.

    The picnic area has a number of picnic tables and a rotunda scattered on a flat grassed area adjacent to the camping ground. These have bench seats on two sides and sufficient underneath space at the ends for wheelchairs or strollers. There are also some fireplaces with barbecue hotplates.

    The day visitor area is close to the west bank of the Aire River. The river can be crossed in wheelchairs and strollers via the vehicle bridge. The ocean beach is not accessible by vehicle or by wheelchair.

    There is a unisex accessible toilet and standard toilet cubicles that service both the campground and the day visitor area. A compacted gravel path of approximately 100 metres leads from the day visitor area to the toilets. This path is on reasonably level ground except for the last 25 metres, which has a slope of approximately 1:14. Drop off parking is available within 30 metres of the toilets if required.

    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 (Great Otway National Park)

      Big Hill Campground is currently closed during seasonal road closure period

      The Big Hill Campground is closed during seasonal road closures. As the Campground is situated along Big Hill track which is seasonally closed due to wet weather. The Campground will reopen 30 October 2020

    • Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Herbert's Campground closed

      Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Partial closure due to COVID-19

      Under the direction of the Chief Health Officer and in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services’ requirements, this park is open to local residents in regional Victoria. You can use this park for walking, hiking, bike riding, surfing, kayaking or yoga so long as it is closest to your home. While exercising with a person outside your household, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance from them and others. Some parts of this park are closed  to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission. For more information, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid-19

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Aire River West and East campgrounds- Temporary Closure of sites

      Aire River East and West Campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park are currently closed due to recent flooding. 

    • Great Otway National Park

      Temporary Road Closure

      Allardyce  Track in the Great Otway National Park is temporarily closed for public safety. 

    Similar experiences

     
    A car camping set up at Aire River East Campground in the Great Otway National Park

    Aire River East Campground

    This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park located on the banks of the Aire River Estuary. This area is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing
    Two women walking the Great Ocean Walk step out of the Ti-Tree scrubb and onto the beach at Blanket Bay.

    Blanket Bay Campground

    This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park just a short stroll from the beach which is accessible via walking tracks. Picturesque views are obtainable only meters from this campsite looking out over the beach and surrounding landscapes.
    A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

    Johanna Beach Campground

    Nestled between coastal sand dunes, a lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach, the dog-on-lead friendly Johanna Beach Campground has everything you need for an unforgettable seaside camping experience. Take in the salty ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or hike a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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