Cape Otway to Aire River Walk

This is the Cape Otway to Aire River section of the Great Ocean Walk: a 9.6 km (about 6 mi) point-to-point hike from the Lightstation to the Aire River bridge and hike-in campground area. It moves from coastal heath to eroded cliff tops above the Southern Ocean, then drops toward the river. Expect roughly 3¼ to 4 hours on the main route; soft sand and stops add time.

Start at the Cape Otway Lightstation trailhead and arrange transport from the Aire River end before setting out. This is not a loop, and the bridge-side hike-in campground is distinct from the separate roadside Aire River West campground. The saved route follows the main inland and clifftop alignment. It does not include the optional Station Beach beach-walk or the Rainbow Falls detour.

Near the start, the route passes the Great Ocean Walk hikers’ campground and the Lightstation cemetery before entering dense coastal beard-heath. For roughly the first couple of kilometres, low scrub keeps the walk sheltered from the open cliff-edge stretches farther on. The cemetery is a short historical stop near the Lightstation precinct; the walk’s main draw is the changing coastline rather than a summit or single destination.

The route follows undulating, sometimes eroded cliff tops, with broad ocean views opening around Escarpment Lookout. At Station Beach, a separate soft-sand option can replace part of the inland line when the tide is low and the sea is calm. It is not part of the 9.6 km stage, and surf or high water can make beach access and river crossings unsafe. Rainbow Falls is another separate option: allow about 2 km return for the spring-fed falls, beyond the stage distance.

The last stretch becomes very soft sand as it descends toward Aire River. A small river lookout and the bridge mark the finish near the hike-in camping area. The crossing and river edge give the walk a clear endpoint, but do not mistake this riverside finish for the roadside campground farther away.

Dogs are generally not permitted in Great Otway National Park, so leave pets at home. No water refill point was confirmed along this stage; carry what you need for the full walk. Check current park access advice and tide and surf conditions before choosing any beach or river-crossing variation. The route’s coastal cliffs are eroded, so stay on the marked walking line near exposed edges.