Aire River West Campground

GOR-National-Parks-and-Trails_Web-header_4.jpg.png

Located on the western banks of the Aire River beneath the Otway Ranges, Aire River West Campground is a large, open site suited to caravans, larger groups and longer stays. Compared to the more sheltered Aire River East on the opposite bank, this side is flatter and more exposed.

The campground provides direct access to the estuary, with a small gravel ramp for launching kayaks and canoes. Upstream, the river opens into wetlands and floodplains that support a range of birdlife.

Glenaire Beach is around a 15-minute walk away, where more exposed conditions attract experienced surfers. Johanna Beach lies further west along the coast.

Canoeing.jpg
Caravans-Aire-River-West-Great-Otway-National-Park-1920x1124.jpg
Camping-at-Aire-River-West.jpg
Car-Camping-Aire-River-East-Great-Otway-National-Park-1920x1124.jpg
Jetty-Aire-River-West-Great-Otway-National-Park-1920x1124.jpg

Campsites

  • Unpowered campsites
  • 40 grassy sites, accommodating up to 6 people each

Site suitability:

  • Sites 1 - 6, 17 - 23, 27 - 40: suitable for tents, camp trailers and caravans
  • Sites 7 - 11: suitable for tents and camp trailers
  • Sites 12 - 16, 24 - 26: tents only

Bookings and payment are required year-round.

Facilities

  • Basic campground facilities
  • Gravel ramp for launching kayaks and canoes
  • Access to river, wetlands and nearby coastal areas

What to expect

    • Large, open campground suited to caravans and group stays
    • Direct access to calm estuary waters for paddling and fishing
    • Nearby wetlands with birdlife including swans, ducks and egrets
    • Walking access to Glenaire Beach and surrounding coastline

Accessibility

Accessible facilities are available within the day visitor area on the western side of the river.

  • Parking on level compacted gravel near the picnic area
  • Accessible toilet available, along with standard toilet cubicles
  • Compacted gravel path 100 m from picnic area to toilets (mostly level, with a short steeper section)
  • Drop-off parking available within 30 m of toilets

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 West is prone to flooding. Check conditions and alerts before your visit.

The campground is also located in a bushfire-prone area — check weather, fire ratings and park updates prior to travel.

Getting there

Aire River West Campground is approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne.

Access is via the Great Ocean Road or inland via Lavers Hill. From Glenaire, follow Sands Road to the campground.

This element requires javascript to be enabled.

Please wait while we load your map...