Aire River West Campground

Aire River West is a large, open, unpowered campground on the western bank of the Aire River, where the estuary reaches the coast. Its 40 grassy sites suit caravans, larger groups and longer stays. Book ahead, and choose another campground if powered hookups matter; this side is flatter and more open than Aire River East across the water.

Each site accommodates up to six people. The campground map separates tent-only pitches from small-van and larger-van spaces, so check the current site map before choosing. The Great Ocean Walk passes through the campground area, making it a practical stop on the route as well as a drive-in camp.

The map shows a boat ramp, picnic shelter and tables, toilets and fireplaces. Visitors use the bridge area for fishing, and a walking route leads toward the nearby beach; treat the sandy track as a walk unless you have confirmed vehicle access. The river adds a change of pace from the coast road, while the campground itself stays low and grassy.

The water point is marked non-potable, so bring drinking water. There are no power hookups, and visitors report patchy phone service, midges and wet ground after rain. Koalas are reported in trees around camp; kangaroos, wallabies and birds also appear in sightings, but wildlife is a bonus rather than a promise.

The campground sits beside the Aire River estuary in a broad floodplain. The Aire, Calder and Ford river systems merge through the valley before reaching the sea, so the flat, grassy setting is part of a larger river-mouth landscape.