Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

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    Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Wind your way through a wind-sculptured landscape of sand dunes, coastal scrub and calcified cliffs, taking in views of the wild Southern Ocean vistas before heading towards the tranquil Aire River. Take a break at Station Beach en-route or take a detour to the mesmerising spring-fed Rainbow Falls.

    How to get there

    Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Facilities

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    Need to know

    Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, 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 camping
    • No bicycles

    Warnings

    • Other warnings
      • Unpatrolled area
      • Trees may fall take care
      • Vehicles
      • Limbs may fall take care
    • Terrain hazards
      • Uneven ground
      • Slippery surface
      • Slippery rocks
    • Water hazards
      • Strong currents
      • Rough Surf
    • Animals and pests
      • Beware European wasps

    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.

    Garvey Track Closed until further notice.

    Garvey track will remain closed until further notice. Major road works are due to occur when conditions are suitable. 

    Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

    Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

    Cora Lynn Campground Closure

    This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    Kalimna Tramline Trail Closed

    This walking track 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.

    This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events

    This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.

    Melba Gully walk track temporary closure for Storm damage repairs

    Melba Gully walk track (on the Great Ocean Rd) will ne  temporarily closed for Storm damage repairs on the 1st of December 2022, and will re-open on 2nd December. An alternative walking experience is available at Maits Rest. The day visitor and picnic are is still open.

    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.

    Melba Gully - Large bus access

    Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

    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 

    Wye River to Kennett River walking track detour

    Wye River - Kennett River walking track is closed between Wye River and Bird Track. Detour is available via Bird track which loops back with the walking track. Please allow additional time to complete this section (approximately 2.5km)

    Attachments: Wye to Kennett Walk_Map (1,246KB)

    Great Ocean Walk - conditions

    Walking Track -
    The Great Ocean Walk is experiencing wet and muddy conditions.  A wet winter and spring have seen conditions along most areas of the track maintain high levels of moisture, tending to mud in heavily tracked areas.  Walkers should not expect a dry walking track which will be slippery in areas. Some sections of track are prone to land slippage and rock fall.  Only attempt to cross these areas if safe to do so and report any slips to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.
     
    Camp sites -
    All sites are high in dampness.  More rainfall will see these conditions maintained.  Camp site water tanks are all fall as a positive.
     
    Tree Risk in Windy Conditions -
    Given high National Park soil moisture levels tree fall in windy conditions are probable.  Walkers and campers should be on heightened alert in windy conditions and avoid prolonged periods under tree canopy.  Wind forecasts of 30+kph should trigger a walker and camper alert level. Report tree fall over track and in camp sites to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.

    Great Ocean Walk - Helicopter operations

    Helicopter operations
    Subject to final approvals, some western sections of the Great Ocean Walk will be closed and access restricted on Tuesday 13 December 2022 between 0900hrs -1600hrs (conditions permitting).
    This is for sling load helicopter operations to improve camp site and walking track infrastructure.   Licenced Tour Operators and walkers should be aware of activity on this day and restrictions that will be in place via authorised Parks Victoria Rangers.
    Camp sites impacted – Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen
    Walking Track sections – Section 7 and 8

    Attachments: Restricted Area Map (105KB)

    Great Victoria Bike Ride 2022

    Sections of the Great Ocean Rd will be closed on December 2 2022 for the running of The Great Victorian Bike Ride. This may lead to delayed access to Parks Victoria visitor sites along the route including Jamieson Creek camping area. More information may be found here 

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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