The park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. The Australia time has huge respect for the deep and continuing connection of the traditional owners with the lands and waters of Victoria. We recognise their never-ending role in taking care of the country.

This guide is specifically designed for you if you are planning to explore the Great Otway National Park camping, blanket bay, and the stunning waterfalls. Enjoy tons of attractions throughout the park and its surroundings – make it a camping trip or a leisure exploration trip – the sky’s the limit.

Great Otway National Park

The iconic park stretches from the Torquay and goes along the famous Great Ocean Road and up the Otways hinterland. Explore the wide-spreading coastlines and the beauty of the breathtaking waterfalls in the sky-reaching mountain forests.

Explore the area and walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, and plunge yourself into the Otway Light station’s history façade, or you can surf some of the choicest breaks in Australia. All of this and much more are up for grabs while you relish the great outdoors and discover the wonders of camping.

Great Otway National Park Camping

While you are out in the area, why not have the full outdoorsy experience of a lifetime? Intrigued? Read ahead;

Experience Nature – Camp in The Otways

Otway is known for several things, such as offering a close-up look at the Australian wildlife and intimate, amazing walks while spectating the majesty of beautiful Great Otway National Park waterfalls. Here, you enjoy bike rides, surfing on the coastal area, and more. The aroma and aura of the tall trees and the lush ferns of the temperate rainforest almost feel mystical.

The camping grounds are spread across the entire national park and the Otway state forest for the visitors to make the most out of beautiful nature.

It is a whole other experience to camp under the stars while surrounded by nature and wildlife. Granted, the amenities might be basic, but the experience nonetheless is unforgettable.

National Park Camping – 11 Campsites

There are tons of camping areas spread across the entire national park; we have put together the 11 most popular in the list below;

Blanket Bay Camping Area

A well-maintained and formalized camping ground located on the ocean and the Blanket Bay campsite is one of the better Great Otway National Park Camping options.

Access to Blanket Bay

The Blanket Bay campsite is easily accessible with regular 2wd vehicles.

Getting to Blanket Bay

The Blanket Bay campground is easily accessible off the Otway Lighthouse Road and off Great Ocean Road. The turn from the Otway Lighthouse is approximately 17 kilometres from Marengo in Victoria. Once you get to the lighthouse road, keep on the route for the next 9 kilometres while following the signs towards the Blanket Bay Road.

The Blanket Bay campground is situated a further 6 kilometres towards the end of this road.

Facilities and activities at Blanket Bay

Number of sites	22
Camping Fee	Starts from $34 per night
Toilets	Composting and Longdrop
Pets	Not Permitted
Water Availability	Water is available, and boiling is recommended for better measure.
Campfires	Campfire permitted; keep in mind local fire rules and bans.
Barbeques	Wood BBQs are allowed and available.
Swimming	Blanket Bay is close to the ocean.
Fishing	Plenty of fishing spots near the campsite.
Picnic Tables	Yes

Other camping options/Campsites include;

Aire River West Camping Area	Huge grassy campground on the Western side of Aire River. Ideal for larger groups and Caravans.
Aire River East Camping Area	Close to the beach on the Aire River. Best for tent-based camping and caravans.
Johanna Beach Camping Area	Open, and the grassy swelling area behind dunes, facing farmlands.
Lake Elizabeth Camping Area	Nestled in narrow forested valet of Barwon River east.
Hammond Road Camping Area	A ridge top open and gently sloping area with bumpy tussock grass.
Big Hill Camping Area	Smallish yet fairly open campground for tent camping.
Allenvale Mill Site Camping Area	Grassy hillside overlooking the Saint George River.
Wye River Road Camping Area	Surrounded by dense messmate and mana gum forests.
Jamieson`s Track Bush Campground Camping Area	Bush camping single spot campsite – no facilities – pure bush camp experience.

Camping is one side of the holistic experience; how about we take you on the ride towards the majestic waterfalls?

Great Otway National Park Waterfalls

Below are the most famous and picturesque waterfalls;

Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls sports a viewing platform from the car park, offering stunning views of the falls as they crash into the Aire River below.

The total return distance is 1 kilometre and takes around 30 minutes with moderate difficulty.

Beauchamp Falls

The Beauchamp Falls crash over the ledge onto the large pool outside the Beech Forest.

The total distance is a 3 kilometres return walk taking about 1 hour with a strenuous difficulty walk.

Triplet Falls

Triplet falls is among the famous waterfalls. The total return distance is 2 kilometres, covered in 1 hour with moderate difficulty walking.

Stevensons Falls

The next gem is the Stevensons Falls track is a 500 metres return distance or a 4.6 kilometres longer return route taking 20 minutes for the short route during 1.5 hours for the long route, with easy trekking.

Little Aire Falls

The Little Aire Falls track takes you across Mountain ash and rainforests with a 5 kilometres return walk taking approximately 2 hours with moderately difficult trekking.

Carisbrook Falls

Last but not least, is Carisbrook falls, which is only a 1 kilometre short and easy walk taking 20 minutes with an easy to moderate difficulty.

Can you swim at Great Otway Park?

Offering the best Great Otway National Park waterfalls, camping sites, and other attractions, there is a lot to do at the national park, including swimming. While the park is a great choice for a trip, however, based on its size and attractions – you will need an entire week to complete the feat.

How long is the national park?

The park is 103185 or a 254,980 hectares reserve located nearly 162 kilometres southwest of Melbourne in the Otway range – essentially a coastal mountain range.

Are dogs allowed in Otway National Park?

Yes, the pets and dogs are allowed in all areas of the national park.

What animals live in the park?

The Otways is home to Australia’s biggest favourites, including wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, platypus, glow worms, koalas, seals, birds, penguins, birds, and even the occasional migrating whales.

How high are the Otway Ranges?

The elevation of the Otway range above sea level is 432 metres.

What to do in the national park?

While closer to the Great Ocean Road, the park is over a world away from the limestone cliffs and the fiery ocean that runs along the Great Ocean Road. There are loads of fun activities you could do, including;