Aire Crossing Campground

Overview

Tucked deep in the Otways’ cool‑temperate rainforest, Aire Crossing Campground is a tiny, quiet bush camp right beside the Aire River. With just five non‑bookable sites, it feels remote and serene when uncrowded. Expect towering mountain ash and blackwood, ferny gullies, and regular wildlife sightings—from koalas by day to birdsong and frog chorus after dark.

What to Expect

• Capacity: Five first‑come, first‑served sites; free camping. Space is tight, and neighboring sites are close enough that noise carries.
• Vibe: Peaceful when people respect the quiet. Weekends and holidays can fill by mid‑afternoon.
• Facilities: A basic drop toilet is about a 2–3 minute walk away. There’s no reliable potable water and no bins—pack out everything you bring. Some visitors report an untreated tank by the toilet; bring all your own water or be prepared to treat/boil river or tank water.

Rules and Restrictions

No fires at any time. No generators, dogs, horses, motorbikes/trailbikes, or drones without a permit. Speed limits apply. Camping is not permitted in the car park or along the river.

Access and Conditions

Reach the campground from the Great Ocean Road via Aire Settlement Road, then a narrow forest track. Parks Victoria recommends 4WD; careful 2WD access is sometimes possible in dry conditions, but the track becomes rough, steep, and slippery when wet. There’s little to no mobile reception, so plan offline maps and an emergency plan.

Hazards

Expect uneven and slippery tracks, slick river rocks, and changing water levels with strong currents or flash flooding after rain. Snakes are active in warmer months, and tree limbs can fall in wind or after heavy rain—choose your site with care.

Wildlife

Koalas and diverse birdlife are commonly spotted around camp. Echidnas and long‑nosed bandicoots leave fresh diggings on nearby tracks, creating trip hazards at dawn/dusk—carry a torch. Glow‑worms have been reported along the short path to the river crossing after dark; keep lights low and tread carefully.

Closures and Fire Weather

The campground may close on Extreme fire danger forecasts and will close on Catastrophic days. Conditions in the Otways change quickly after heavy weather. Nearby Aire River campgrounds (not Aire Crossing) have rolling wet‑weather closures; as of November 27, 2025, Aire East is closed and Aire West is partially closed through December 8, 2025—don’t rely on them as overflow.

Best Time to Visit

Midweek or outside holiday periods for the quiet vibe this spot is known for. Arrive before mid‑afternoon to secure a site. Access is easier in dry weather; after rain, expect slick tracks but beautiful mist among the treetops. Dawn and dusk are best for wildlife; after dark, look quietly for glow‑worms near the crossing.