Aire River East Campground
Set on the eastern banks of the Aire River beneath the Otway Ranges, this smaller campground sits in a sheltered, shaded pocket beside the estuary. The calm waters make it well suited to kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, with easy access points along the river.
Glenaire Beach is around a 25-minute walk away, where more exposed conditions attract experienced surfers.
Important access information for Aire River campgrounds
Access to Aire River East and Aire River West campgrounds is via narrow, unsealed gravel and sand-based roads. Road conditions may include soft edges, occasional steep verges and tight bends.
The bridge linking Hordenvale Road and Sand Road over the Aire River has a 5 tonne load limit. Due to low vegetation on the eastern access route to Aire River West, vehicles over 2.5 metres in height are not recommended.
Given the remote nature of these sites, restricted access, road conditions, and vegetation in and around Great Otway National Park, access by large or heavy vehicles, caravans and vans is not encouraged.
Please note that Hordenvale Road access from the east, and access via Glenaire and Sand Road from the west, are managed by Colac Otway Shire Council. Vegetation, signage and roadside reserve management on these non-arterial local roads is the responsibility of the road manager.
Seasonal site closures
Aire River East
All sites closed from 29 May to 30 October 2026.
Sites reopen from 31 October 2026.
All sites closed from 29 May to 28 October 2027.
Sites reopen from 29 October 2027.
Campsites
- Unpowered campsites
- 20 grassy sites, accommodating up to 6 people each
Site suitability:
- Sites 3–9: tents only
- Sites 1,2, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20: tents and camper trailers
- Sites 12 - 16, 18: tents, camper trailers and caravans
Bookings and payment are required year-round.
Facilities
- Basic campground facilities
- Access to river for paddling and fishing
What to expect
- Sheltered, shaded setting along the Aire River
- Calm estuarine waters suited to paddling
- Wildlife and birdlife common along the river and wetlands
- Walking access to Glenaire Beach
Accessibility
Facilities and terrain may present challenges for some visitors. Campsites are set within a natural environment with varying ground conditions.
Need to know
- No solid fuel fires permitted
- Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are recommended
- Bring your own drinking water
- No generators permitted
Aire River East is located in a bushfire-prone area. Conditions can change quickly, so do check weather, fire ratings and park updates before your visit.
Getting there
Aire River East Campground is approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne.
Access is via the Great Ocean Road or inland via Lavers Hill. From Apollo Bay, turn onto Horden Vale Road to reach the campground.
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