Pros & cons
PROS
- Quiet river setting with easy kayak launch near the bridge
- Great Ocean Walk access and a 25‑minute stroll to surf at Glenaire Beach
- Frequent wildlife encounters including koalas and kookaburras
CONS
- No drinking water, no solid-fuel fires, and generators are prohibited
- Basic drop toilets and several smaller sites near the entrance
Overview
Set beside the heritage‑listed Aire River near Cape Otway, Aire River East Campground is the mellow, riverside option on this stretch of the coast. Think grassy sites under gum trees, birdsong at dawn, and easy water access without the bustle of the highway.
Why go
It’s a fantastic base if you want to paddle calm estuary water, fish, or link up sections of the Great Ocean Walk. Glenaire Beach is close enough for an evening surf check or a windswept sunset wander, and the river flats often deliver wildlife—koalas in the trees, kookaburras chattering, and nocturnal visitors like possums.
Campsites & facilities
- 20 grassy, unpowered sites; bookings and payment required year‑round. Each site allows up to six people.
- Site layout matters: 1–4 suit smaller tents; 10–20 can handle larger caravans.
- Facilities are deliberately simple: drop toilets; bring all your own drinking water and pack out rubbish. No solid‑fuel fires and no generators.
- Pets are not permitted.
What to do
- Paddling: The river is ideal for kayaks, canoes and SUPs; the best launch spot is near the bridge.
- Beach time: Glenaire Beach is about a 25‑minute walk from camp—great for experienced surfers and big‑sky sunsets.
- Hiking: The Great Ocean Walk passes through the area, threading coastal heath and forest for as long or short a wander as you like.
Getting there
Roughly three hours west of Melbourne. Access is via unsealed roads: Hordern Vale Road is the easier approach; Sand Road is rougher and includes a bridge with a 6‑tonne load limit.
Wildlife
Koalas are regularly spotted in the eucalypts, with plenty of birdlife around camp. Across the park, echidnas and long‑nosed bandicoots leave fresh diggings—watch your footing on tracks, especially at dusk.
Best time to visit
Weekdays and shoulder seasons keep things quieter. Mornings are typically calmest for paddling, and late afternoon light is lovely on the river and dunes. If you’re here for surf or sunsets, time your beach walk for golden hour.
Need to know
As of late November, the East campground has been temporarily closed due to waterlogged conditions—check Parks Victoria for current status before you commit. Book ahead regardless; sites are limited and popular on fair‑weather weekends.
Where it is
-38.8000, 143.4819Tips for Aire River East Campground
- 01Book ahead year‑round; there are only 20 sites and a six‑person limit per site.
- 02Bring all drinking water and pack out your rubbish—facilities are basic.
- 03Launch kayaks near the bridge for the easiest put‑in on the river.
- 04For larger caravans, choose sites 10–20; tents fit best in 1–4.
- 05Check Parks Victoria for closures—recent waterlogging shut the campground until end of November.
Amenities
Near Aire River East Campground
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayGreat Ocean Walk: Aire River to Johanna BeachClifftop heath to wild Johanna sands with big surf and birdlifeModerate · 8.7 mi · 4.5 hr
1.1 mi awayAire River BeachWild river mouth beach with big surf and few crowdsRestroom · Parking
1.7 mi awayStation Beach (Cape Otway)Wild surf beach with a low-tide detour to Rainbow Falls
2.8 mi awayBimbi ParkSleep under koalas with easy access to walks and beachesCampground · Lodging
3.2 mi awayCastle Cove LookoutCliff‑top deck with ocean panoramas and a quiet beach belowPullout · Parking
4.1 mi awayCape Otway to Station Beach and Rainbow FallsLow‑tide beach walk to a spring‑fed coastal falls of rainbow huesModerate · 7.5 mi · 3 hr
5 mi awayMaits Rest Rainforest WalkShort, mossy boardwalk loop through ancient beech and fern gulliesEasy · 0.5 mi · 36 min
5.8 mi awayGreat Ocean Walk: Blanket Bay to Cape OtwayWild koalas, cliff views, and a tide-timed crossing at Parker Inlet.Moderate · 5.9 mi · 2.5 hr
