Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Tucked on a forested hill above the Parker River estuary, Parker Hill Campground is a simple, peaceful base right by the coast. Expect koalas, wallabies and birdlife in the stringybarks, plus ocean views and the sound of surf drifting up from the cove.
Campsites & Facilities
There are 20 unpowered, tent‑only sites (up to six people per site). Sites 1–10 are drive‑in; 11–20 are walk‑in with parking near the entrance. Facilities are basic: drop toilets and a rainwater tank with non‑potable water. No fireplaces or solid‑fuel fires are provided—use a fuel stove or gas BBQ—and generators aren’t allowed. Advance booking and payment are required year‑round.
Access & Setup
Reach it via Great Ocean Road > Lighthouse Road > Blanket Bay Road > Parker Hill Track (2WD accessible). If you prefer convenience, pick a drive‑in site; if you want a quieter feel, aim for the walk‑ins and be ready to carry gear a short distance.
What to Do
A signed path drops about 300 steps to the secluded beach at the Parker River mouth—great for exploring rockpools and fishing off the rock platforms. The campground sits on the Great Ocean Walk, with options north toward Parker Inlet or south toward Point Franklin and a local 3 km loop via Stringybark Track for clifftop views and glimpses of Cape Otway Lightstation. Popular surf beaches like Apollo Bay and Johanna are a drive away.
Safety & Rules
Swimming isn’t recommended here (unpatrolled, strong currents). Watch for coastal hazards, slippery rock platforms, flash flooding, falling limbs in forested areas, and European wasps. Echidna and long‑nosed bandicoot diggings can create trip hazards on nearby tracks—wear sturdy boots and carry a torch in low light. No dogs, no drones without a permit, and no horses or firearms. In warmer months, bushfire risk can be high—check Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans before you go.
Logistics & Nearby
Bring all drinking water and everything you need to cook with a gas stove. Basic supplies can be picked up at Bimbi Park about 6 km away. The campground is usually calm but can be busy over the Christmas–New Year period.
Best Time to Visit
Year‑round works, but book ahead in peak holiday periods. For rockpooling or fishing, plan around the tides; for coastal walks, start early to beat any midday heat and give yourself time for the steep climb back from the beach.
Pros
- Hilltop setting with quick access to Parker Inlet and the Great Ocean Walk
- Mix of drive‑in and quieter walk‑in sites
- Regular wildlife sightings among shady stringybark forest
Cons
- No fires, generators, or drinking water; bring a stove and all water
- Steep 300-step climb to and from the beach; swimming not advised
- Sites are close together and can feel crowded
Tips
- Book ahead and choose drive‑in (1–10) or walk‑in (11–20) to match your style.
- Bring all drinking water and a fuel stove—no fires, no generators.
- Expect a steep 300‑step return from the beach; pack light for walk‑in sites.
- Time rockpooling and fishing to the tides and avoid swimming due to currents.
- Grab basic supplies at Bimbi Park about 6 km away before settling in.
