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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. This unpatrolled and rugged beach is best for experienced surfers. A little further to west, Johanna Beach offers similar rewards.
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. This unpatrolled and rugged beach is best for experienced surfers. A little further to west, Johanna Beach offers similar rewards.
Things to do
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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Kalimna Tramline link Walk 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. -
Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Upper Kalimna Falls are Closed
The Upper Kalimna Falls viewing platform and access track are closed due to damage to the platform. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Garvey Track is Closed
Garvey Track is closed due to damage. Sharps Track is a suitable detour if required. -
Great Otway National Park
Gentle Annie Track Closure
Gentle Annie track is closed to vehicles between Moggs Creek Track and Old Coach Road while road upgrades are taking place. This closure will be in place until June 2022. As works progress, more targeted closures will also include restricting access to walkers, bike riders and horse riders to ensure public safety is maintained. Further closures will be communicated through the Parks Victoria website. These closures are flexible based on local conditions and contractor movements.Early seasonal road closures 2022
The following roads in the Great Otway National Park are subject to early seasonal road closures from 1 June 2022: Halls Ridge Road (Maps 18A and 18B). See Map 18A: Great Otway National Park (West) and Map 18B: Great Otway National Park (Central) for locations of the closure. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022
A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.For Great Otway National Park this includes:- Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
- The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority -
Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Walk-in Campsite closed due to hazardous trees.
Cora Lynn Walk-in Campsite is closed due to hazardous trees. -
Devils Kitchen (Great Otway National Park)
Great Ocean Walk track works east of Devils Kitchen
Contractors will commence track works on the Great Ocean Walk to the east of the Devils Kitchen campground commencing on the 16th of May until approximately the start of June, depending on weather and conditions.
The walk will not close during the works and it is anticipated that they will cause little disruption to hikers walking in the area. There will be a small number of workers and minor plant and equipment in use. Signage will mark the area so that walkers are aware that track works being conducted.
Similar experiences
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
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.
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.
