Devils Kitchen

Overview

Devils Kitchen is the Great Ocean Walk’s clifftop, hike‑in campground near the final push to the Twelve Apostles. It’s remote, wild and absolutely coastal—expect big Southern Ocean horizons and the kind of solitude that makes dinner taste better.

What You’ll See

• Endless ocean and rugged cliffs from camp, plus a quirky “loo with a view.”
• Coastal heath and forest sections on the approach, with frequent cliff‑top walking.
• Winter bonus: offshore whale sightings are possible when Southern Right Whales migrate past.

Facilities and Booking

This is a designated hike‑in campground with about eight tent pads, toilets, picnic tables and a kitchen shelter. Tank water is provided but must be treated or boiled, and levels can be low in drier months—carry backup. Book in advance and camp only in the signed sites; pack in/out everything. Standard coastal rules apply: no dogs (except accredited assistance dogs under entry rules), no bikes or horses, no fires, no generators and no drones without a permit.

Getting There

Access is on foot via the Great Ocean Walk. A popular leg is Ryan’s Den → Devils Kitchen (roughly 13.4 km with ~445 m total climb), typically 4–4.5 hours and rated challenging. There is no vehicle access or on‑site parking at Devils Kitchen; day facilities are limited along this section.

Nearby Highlights

• Gables Lookout: a lofty cliff‑top viewpoint and a classic whale‑spot in winter.
• Wreck Beach: descend a few hundred steps at low tide to the historic ship anchors; use the signed high‑tide detour if seas or tide are up.
• Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre area: common exit hub for the final day; expect changing access/parking arrangements from ongoing works—check current alerts.

Best Time to Visit

• Sunrises and sunsets paint the coastline and make this campsite shine for photography.
• Winter is best for whale spotting; summer brings heat and flies, so start early and bring sun protection.
• This is a book‑ahead campsite—popular dates can fill; secure your site before you plan logistics.

Safety Essentials

Exposure is real here: strong sun, wind and little shade, so protect skin and eyes and secure tents well. Carry ample water and don’t rely solely on tanks; always treat any collected water. Check tides and swell before committing to Wreck Beach and avoid cliff edges in high winds. Trails can be uneven with wildlife diggings (echidna and long‑nosed bandicoot), so watch your step—especially at dawn/dusk with a headlamp. For current conditions and any closures, check official park advisories (Parks Victoria and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority).