Pros & cons
PROS
- Sheltered cove with calm water and rockpools right by camp
- Frequent koala sightings in the Manna Gums
- Direct access to a Great Ocean Walk section
CONS
- No mains power and no treated drinking water
- Unsealed, rough access road
- Books out well in advance
Overview
Tucked between a Manna Gum forest and a protected cove on the eastern side of Cape Otway, Blanket Bay Campground is the classic coastal camp: waves for white noise, rockpools for poking around, and koalas overhead. It’s scenic without being showy, and that low-key charm is exactly why regulars guard it closely.
Campsites & Facilities
There are 22 unpowered sites set just behind the beach. Facilities are simple and well kept: non‑flushing drop toilets (four standard plus one larger cubicle) and rainwater tank taps for washing up. Bring all drinking water and your own firewood. Fires are allowed only in the provided shared fireplaces; no generators. Some flatter, close‑to‑amenities sites (notably 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21) are within about 40 m of the toilets, with a few sneaking ocean glimpses.
What to Do
This is a great base for low‑effort, high‑reward exploring. The sheltered beach and intertidal reef make for easy snorkeling and rockpooling, and there’s boat access nearby for those chasing a fish. Hikers can step straight onto the Great Ocean Walk—Blanket Bay to Cape Otway is a rewarding coastal forest stretch with cliff views and beach sections.
Wildlife
Expect company: koalas are commonly seen in the gums around camp, with kangaroos, echidnas and bandicoots also about. Snakes are possible in warmer months—stick to tracks and give all wildlife space. Offshore along this coast, dolphins and migrating whales are sometimes spotted.
Getting There
Access is via an unsealed road that’s fine for 2WD when dry but corrugated and slow—budget an extra 10–15 minutes and take it easy. Parking is limited.
Need‑to‑Know
- Bring: drinking water, firewood, sturdy tent pegs (the ground can be hard), and a headlamp.
- Rules: no dogs, no generators. Firewood collection in the park is prohibited. Campfires are banned on Total Fire Ban days (gas cookers permitted).
- Conditions change: check current track/area updates and fire danger ratings before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Mid‑week outside school holidays is your best bet for quieter sites. Mornings are calmest for snorkeling and wildlife watching. Summer and the shoulder seasons are best for swimming; winters on the Otways coast are wet and blustery, so come prepared. Sunrise light pours into the cove and makes those rock platforms glow.
Where it is
-38.8280, 143.5828Tips for Blanket Bay Campground
- 01Book early—this one fills quickly year‑round, especially in summer.
- 02Bring all drinking water; onsite taps are rainwater only and untreated.
- 03Download offline maps—phone reception around camp is patchy.
- 04Drive slowly on the unsealed access road and allow extra time.
- 05For flatter, close‑to‑facilities sites, target 12, 15–17, 19–21.
Amenities
Near Blanket Bay Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayBlanket BaySheltered cove with rockpools and a relaxed coastal vibeRestroom · Parking
0 mi awayBlanket Bay Hike-in CampgroundCoastal Great Ocean Walk camp with drop toilets and koalasCampground · Restroom
0.1 mi awayBlanket Bay LookoutEasy coastal perch with big views over turquoise Blanket BayParking · Restroom
1.8 mi awayParker Hill LookoutClifftop vantage over Parker Inlet on the Great Ocean WalkParking · Scenic Viewpoint
3.3 mi awayShelly Beach WalkShort, steep drop to a wild beach with superb rock pools at low tideModerate · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
4.1 mi awayRainbow FallsCoastal walk to a rainbow-streaked cliff, best at low tideModerate · 4.7 mi · 2.5 hr
5.2 mi awayMaits Rest LoopShort, lush boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech and tree fern rainforestEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
6.9 mi awayGreat Ocean WalkVictoria’s signature coastal thru-hike from Apollo Bay to the ApostlesChallenging · 64.6 mi · 27 hr
