Aire River East Campground
Detailed notes
A small, shady campground on the heritage-listed Aire River, popular for kayaking and canoeing near the bridge — a 25-minute walk from the surf at Glenaire Beach. 20 grassy unpowered sites; some (roughly sites 10 upward) suit large caravans, others tents/camper trailers only. No fireplaces — bring a gas stove or BBQ. Advance booking required year-round. Currently under seasonal winter closure — check before planning a visit.
Access is manageable but take the last stretch slowly, especially after rain.
On the ground you'll find basic (non-flush) toilets, shower facilities not confirmed — check ahead, unpowered sites, no fire pits (gas cooking only). Nearest shops: FoodWorks Apollo Bay, about 17 km as the crow flies, so arrive fully stocked.
It sits roughly 215 km from Melbourne in the Otways / Great Ocean Road, which makes it a reasonable run for a weekend away.
Beginner Confidence Score
Good for campers with some experience
Why we recommend this campsite
- A comfortable Over 215 km from Melbourne by road, past Cape Otway drive — close enough for a first trip
- No 4WD required — any normal car can get you there
- Reliable mobile reception if you need to check in or look something up
Things to know before you go
- Book early on weekends and holidays — popular sites fill fast
- Nearest shops: FoodWorks Apollo Bay, about 17 km as the crow flies — bring everything you need, including extra food and water
- Basic non-flush toilets only — bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser
- Shower facilities are not confirmed — check ahead before relying on them
- No fire pits — plan to cook on a gas stove and check fire restrictions
Weather confidence
Generally suitable for most beginners throughout the year. Conditions are usually gentle, so it's a forgiving place to learn the ropes.
Seasonal advice
- The sweet spot here is spring and autumn — mild days, cooler nights and the fewest weather surprises for a first trip.
- Winter nights in this part of Victoria get genuinely cold — a four-season bag or extra blankets make the difference between a good night and a miserable one.
- Always check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions and total fire ban days before you pack the car.
Hidden tips
- Reception is decent, but the back corners of the site can still be a dead spot — test before you rely on it.General tip
- Ask when you book whether the quieter, better-positioned sites can be requested — most people just take what's assigned.General tip
- Set up with the morning sun in mind so the tent dries quickly and you're not packing away wet canvas.General tip
- Carry 20% more water than you think you need; the nearest reliable top-up is further than it looks.General tip
- Bring a cheap groundsheet a touch smaller than your tent floor — it keeps the underside clean and dry.General tip
Crowd expectations
This one stays relatively quiet most of the year. You'll likely share it with a handful of other campers rather than a full house — ideal if you're after a low-key first trip.
Local knowledge
- Locals treat the Otways / Great Ocean Road as a year-round spot, but they avoid the peak summer rush and head out in the shoulder seasons.
- There's no town to lean on, so the local rule is simple: arrive self-sufficient and leave no trace.
- Wildlife is part of the experience here — store food in the car overnight so you're not woken by curious visitors.
- Phone the local ranger or visitor centre the week before; they'll tell you about track closures and conditions no website lists.
Full site details
- · Best season: .
- · Booking: yes.
- · Check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions before you go.
Campsite information was last reviewed in September 2026. Fees, facilities, dog rules, access and closures can change at any time — always check with the park or operator before you travel. Distances and drive times are approximate, measured from Melbourne CBD in normal traffic.
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