Aire River West Campground

Overview

Aire River West is the relaxed, riverside base camp on the Great Ocean Walk. You’re camping beside the Aire River estuary with dunes and a wild ocean beach close by, so it feels properly coastal without being hemmed in by crowds. Expect quiet water for paddling or a lazy float, surf that often looks rough, and big skies with plenty of stars at night.

What You'll See

• Wildlife is part of the show here: koalas and wallabies are seen around camp, with plenty of birds along the river.
• The nearby beach is raw and beautiful; reach it on foot via a sandy track or by 4WD. The track is shared with vehicles, so keep an ear out.
• Anglers often try their luck from the bridge, with kids pulling in mullet when it’s on.

Facilities & Rules

• Drop toilets serve the campground and the adjacent west‑side day visitor area.
• Picnic area with tables, a rotunda and barbecue hotplates near camp.
• Bring all your drinking water; there’s no potable supply on site.
• No dogs, no generators, and no solid‑fuel fires. Use gas stoves/barbecues (even on Total Fire Ban days, campfires remain prohibited). Fees apply and sites are unpowered.
• Mobile reception is patchy to non‑existent.

Access & Conditions

• The access road is gravel with narrow sections. After rain, low sites near the river can get soggy, and the whole area is known to flood—pick higher ground if it’s wet.
• The track to the beach is 4WD only; walking on sand is the alternative.
• Natural hazards include snakes, rough surf, strong currents and submerged obstacles—swimming in the ocean is often not recommended.
• Along the Great Ocean Walk, recent wildlife digging (echidnas and long‑nosed bandicoots) can create trip hazards, especially at dawn/dusk.

Current Status (as of November 27, 2025)

• Aire River West is partially closed through December 8, 2025: sites 17–22 and 27–40 are closed; other sites remain open.
• Aire River East Campground is closed through December 8, 2025.

Who Will Like It

Campers who want a simple, nature‑forward base with real coastal character. It’s a favorite stop for Great Ocean Walk hikers, families who don’t mind basic amenities, and anyone keen on wildlife watching or a low‑key fish off the bridge.

Best Time to Visit

• Midweek in summer is your best bet for a quieter night; Thursday and Friday can attract louder groups.
• Dawn and dusk are prime for koalas and wallabies—carry a headlamp and watch for uneven ground.
• For the beach or rocky coastal scrambles on the walk, plan around lower tide and earlier starts to beat heat and wind.