GORCAPA takes the reins in National Parks

Published on 22 June 2026

From 1 July, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will take on direct management of several national parks along the Great Ocean Road.

The transfer of responsibility from Parks Victoria to GORCAPA is part of the Victorian Government’s landmark reforms to improve management of the Great Ocean Road as one holistic entity, with GORCAPA replacing multiple, fragmented land management arrangements from Torquay to Peterborough.

They remain National Parks and GORCAPA is required to continue managing them to the same high standard under the National Parks Act 1975, focusing on protection, conservation and sustainable visitation.

GORCAPA will begin delivering management from 1 July 2026 in:

• The Port Campbell National Park, including the Twelve Apostles
• Parts of the Great Otway National Park, including popular campgrounds like Blanket Bay, Johanna Beach, Aire River and the entire Great Ocean Walk
• The Bay of Islands Coastal Park
• Seven Marine National Parks or Sanctuaries from Point Danger in the east to Merri Marine near Warrnambool in the west

Campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park now managed by GORCAPA include Blanket Bay, Johanna Beach, Aire River West, Aire River East, Parker Hill, Jamieson Creek, Allenvale as well as all walk-in campgrounds along the Great Ocean Walk.

From 1 July, people will be required to book these campgrounds directly with GORCAPA, with all existing bookings transferred from Parks Victoria with no changes.

This year, summer season bookings for these campgrounds will open the same as Parks Victoria’s schedule on 8 July 2026.  

As part of the transfer of responsibilities, relevant roles and equipment have also moved across from Parks Victoria to GORCAPA, with additional recruitment planned for later this year to fill any vacant transferred positions. 

More information here https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Land-We-Manage/National-Parks/Great-Otway-National-Park

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO, Christine Ferguson

“We are really honoured to take on these National Parks and understand how important they are to all Victorians. We’re working with Parks Victoria to ensure knowledge is shared and I am confident that the passionate staff coming across are ready to hit to ground running.”

“They are still National Parks and are areas designated for protection and people’s enjoyment through camping, walking and exploring - and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.”

“We look forward to welcoming campers and hikers to our new campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park while also really getting on and delivering improvements to these popular visitor sites.”