The Great Ocean Walk offers wonderful campsites along the trail, making camping a great alternative if staying in accommodation during the 7-day full Great Ocean Walk tour is not for you. Here is some information on camping in the Otways to help you plan your trip.
Booking Campsites on the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is designed around its hike-in campsites, with additional step-on and step-off points along the route for car access. There are also group campsites and drive-in campsites.
Regardless of the type of campsite you choose, you must book in advance with Parks Victoria to secure your spot and avoid disappointment upon arrival. Park Rangers will check your booking, so bring proof with you.
Water in the Great Ocean Walk Campsite Areas
Water is supplied by rainwater tanks offering untreated water. Parks Victoria recommends not drinking this water directly. Instead, bring your own water (Apollo Bay town water is safe to drink) or water purification tablets.
In spring, the tanks are usually full, but they may be empty by January/February, depending on rainfall. In extremely dry years, there might not be any water to purify, so carrying at least 2 liters of water per day is highly recommended.
Additionally, we suggest contacting Parks Victoria before your hike to check the water levels in the tanks if you are planning a self-sufficient hike.
We would also suggest ringing Parks Victoria if you are planning a self-sufficient hike to check the levels of the water tanks before you embark on your hike.
If you are walking with us at Walk 91 and Camping on the Great Ocean Walk, we leave large containers of water in our trailer that you can access (we give you a key code). If you’re staying at accommodation organised by us, or have chosen a Great Ocean Walk Tour with Accommodation you will be able to refill your water bottles at the accommodation.
Remember, Australian weather can be extremely hot and dry in the summer months, so plan for your walk and do not attempt to walk the track without a sufficient water supply
The Great Ocean Walk offers wonderful campsites along the trail, making camping a great alternative if staying in accommodation during the 7-day Full Great Ocean Walk Tour is not for you. Here is some information on camping in the Otways to help you plan your trip.
Booking Campsites on the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is designed around its hike-in campsites, with additional step-on and step-off points along the route for car access. There are also group campsites and drive-in campsites. Regardless of the type of campsite you choose, you must book in advance with Parks Victoria to secure your spot and avoid disappointment upon arrival. Park Rangers will check your booking, so bring proof with you.
Water at the Great Ocean Walk Campsite Areas
Water is supplied by rainwater tanks offering untreated water. Parks Victoria recommends not drinking this water directly. Instead, bring your own water (Apollo Bay town water is safe to drink) or water purification tablets. In spring, the tanks are usually full, but they may be empty by January/February, depending on rainfall. In extremely dry years, there might not be any water to purify, so carrying at least 2 liters of water per day is highly recommended.
Additionally, we suggest contacting Parks Victoria before your hike to check the water levels in the tanks if you are planning a self-sufficient hike.
Campsite Access for Cars on the Great Ocean Walk
Please note that there is no car access to the hike-in campsites. Our camping itinerary is planned around the best campsites and locations where we can drop off our trailer for you to access your camping gear, food, and water. For example, Eliot Ridge campsite is not accessible by car, with Shelly Beach car park being the closest access point. Similarly, the Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen campsites are not accessible by car.
Walking Segments for Camping on the Great Ocean Walk
The camping spots and hike-in segments for the Great Ocean Walk are as follows:
- Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge Campground: 10 km
- Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay: 12 km
- Blanket Bay to Cape Otway: 11 km
- Cape Otway to Aire River (and Aire River Wildlife Reserve): 10 km
- Aire River to Johanna Beach: 14 km
- Johanna Beach to Ryans Den: 14 km
- Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen: 13 km
- Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles Car Park: 16 km
The total distance to the campsites is 100 km according to the official Parks Victoria Map, but including visits to lookouts and Rainbow Falls, you will walk approximately 104 km.
The Official Great Ocean Walk Map
You can choose between a Great Ocean Walk map booklet or a fold-out map, both available for purchase from us here at Walk91.
The booklet is handy to carry in the rain as it lasts a little better than the larger map, but the larger two-sided fold-out map is easy to read. However, both options are great so either choice is fine.
What Information Does the Great Ocean Walk Map List?
The Great Ocean Walk official Walker’s Map is highly detailed, providing information on decision points along the trail, emergency contact numbers, and instructions for total fire ban days. The booklet also includes historical insights about the trail and notes on the local flora and fauna.
What to Do if There is a Total Fire Ban on the Great Ocean Walk
If there is a total fire ban or if it is a hot and windy day, be prepared to alter your plans. If you are not on a supported itinerary with Walk91, ensure you have registered your trip intentions to aid emergency support if needed.
At no time are campfires allowed in the Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsites. Campfires are permitted only in designated fireplaces within the Great Otway National Park at Blanket Bay and Aire River West (car-based camping areas). No fires or flames are permitted anywhere on Total Fire Ban days, including portable compact liquid or gas cooking stoves. For further information, contact the CFA at 13 1599 or visit the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au).
On total fire ban days, Parks Victoria advises that gas stoves are permitted for meal preparation if the area is clear of flammable material, an adult is present, and you have 10 liters of water. If you are not prepared for this, carry food that does not require cooking. Regulations may change, so check with Parks Victoria before starting your walk.
If you see a fire, call 000 (or 112 if unavailable). Do not expect an official bushfire warning. For information, call the VIC Emergency Hotline at 1800 226 226 or download their app. Visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for essential bushfire safety advice.
Please note that the above information may change at any time, so verify all details with Parks Victoria before you begin your walk.
Mobile Phone Coverage on the Great Ocean Walk
Telstra provides the best internet and telephone coverage on the Great Ocean Walk, but several sections of the trail have no coverage. Optus coverage is patchy and unreliable, so do not depend on it.
Decision Points and Tides on the Great Ocean Walk
Decision points are crucial and clearly marked on the Great Ocean Walk Map. These signs are found at entry points on or near the trail.
You are responsible for knowing the high tide times and assessing if it is safe to proceed. Be aware of the weather conditions and large swells, which can affect water conditions on beaches and at river mouth openings. Check the ‘bom’ website (www.bom.gov.au/marine) for this information. If you are unsure, do not proceed and contact Parks Victoria. You may need to wait or turn back.
If you book an accommodation package with us at Walk91, we will meet you for a personal walk briefing before you leave Apollo Bay to explain all the decision points.
The tides, beaches, and un-bridged river crossings to be aware of are Three Creeks Beach, Parker Inlet crossing, Station Beach, Johanna Beach and Johanna River crossing, Milanesia Beach, Wreck Beach, and Gibsons Steps Beach.
Swimming on the Great Ocean Walk Trail
Swimming at un-patrolled beaches and rock platforms is not recommended and is sometimes banned due to rips and swells. Always follow Parks Victoria’s signage. Ignoring their advice puts your life at risk.
Planned Burns on the Great Ocean Walk and Great Otway National Park
There are planned burns around the Otway National Park in autumn and spring to reduce undergrowth and the risk of forest fires in hot weather. Check for planned burns at www.greatoceanwalk.com.au and www.delwp.vic.gov.au.
Rubbish Removal on the Great Ocean Walk
Remember that there are no bins on the Great Ocean Walk. If you are camping independently, you must carry all of your rubbish and empty water bottles out of the Great Otway National Park when you leave. If you have booked Walk91’s camping support package, you can leave your rubbish in our trailer when you receive your food drop and luggage.
Lastly, if you do see any small pieces of rubbish (particularly plastic on the beach) and you have a bag with you, it would be fantastic if you could pick it up! Parks Victoria constantly removes rubbish from the Great Ocean Walk but it is hard to constantly check such a long walk. If you are walking with Walk91 we will happily take this walk from you and dispose of it.
So hopefully the above information has answered a few of your questions. If you would like some support camping on the Great Ocean Walk please feel free to contact us.
In the meantime, please be sure to explore our Best-selling Great Ocean Walk Tours for inspiration.
