Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are framed by the natural splendor of the Great Otway National Park. Experience stunning coastal vistas, lush valleys, wild oceans, breathtaking coastal cliffs, waterfalls and tall eucalypt forest. Surf the iconic swells of Bells Beach, discover the delicate kaleidoscope of wildflowers in the heathlands of Anglesea, or snorkel and dive off Point Addis.
Spring wildflowers are spectacular in the heathlands around Anglesea which are the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria. Discover them for yourself as the heathland erupts in springtime in vibrant colour.
Moggs Creek is one of the many beautiful places in the park. Picnic, bushwalk, and explore the surrounds on Ocean View Track and its magnificent vista over the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven and the ocean. Distillery Creek Picnic Area is another great picnic area with wood barbecues, tables, flushing toilets and linked nature walks and cycle trail. Shared pathways provide many opportunities for walking and cycling in this section of Great Otway National Park.
Try the more challenging walk or cycle offered on the 12km shared trail, Currawong Falls Circuit which starts from the Distillery Creek Picnic Area. The small and delicate Currawong Falls do not flow often and are at their best after heavy rain.
The Ironbark Basin to Anglesea section of the Surf Coast Walk is your chance to immerse yourself in nature. Pass by spectacular cliff tops, wind-swept heathlands and views of Anglesea and learn about the Traditional Owners and their ongoing and active connection to Country as you explore the Yirripa Yan (Wadawurrung Cultural Walk) and Ironbark Basin Circuit.
Surfers frequent a variety of beaches along this coastline including the world-famous Bells Beach and Addiscot Beach.
Point Addis Marine National Park is located in a spectacularly scenic area with wide sandy beaches. A staggering diversity of marine life live in the park’s coast and outer reefs. In calm weather and at low tide visitors can explore rock pools, dive and snorkel to explore the magnificent underwater world. Snorkelling is good at Jarosite and Ingoldsby Reef. Addiscot Beach is a great location for rock pooling at low tide.
Hammonds Campground is located 12km inland from Aireys Inlet and is the ideal location for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Anglesea and Aireys Inlet is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do
Hammonds Campground
Moggs Creek
Surf Coast Walk
How to get there
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet
A bus service runs between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay, connecting with regional train services train services to Melbourne. Visit the PTV website for more information on buses and trains that connect to this part of Great Otway National Park.
When you're there
Need to know
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
-
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed
The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work
Parks Victoria will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025. To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites. Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors. Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.Great Ocean Walk - River estuary conditions
🚶♀️🌊 Great Ocean Walk Update 🌊🚶♂️Parks Victoria is monitoring water levels at the Aire River and Gellibrand River estuary mouths. Hikers may notice high water in these areas.⚠️ If levels rise and pose a safety risk, track closures may be required.🏕️ Aire River West campground is open, including lower areas near the river. However, sites 24–40 may need to close if the Aire estuary remains closed and water levels increase.🌧️ Estuaries may open naturally at any time or be artificially opened when safe to do so. Forecast catchment rainfall may see these conditions change quickly .🗺️ Check conditions before your walk or stay, and take extra care near river crossings.Weather Advisory - Great Otway National Park & Great Ocean Walk (Valid: 23–27 May 2025)
Severe weather conditions are forecast across Victoria’s southwest coast.Key Risks for the Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Walk Visitors:🌬️ Damaging Winds:
Likely wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h from late Sunday through early Tuesday.
Strongest winds expected along exposed coastal areas and ridge lines.
These winds pose a risk to visitors and hikers via falling limbs, tree failure, and loss of footing.🌧️ Heavy Rain & Wet Tracks:The Aire River and the Gellibrand River estuary mouths are currently CLOSED.Periods of showers and patchy rain, especially from Sunday to Monday.Some areas may receive 50–100mm, particularly if localised thunderstorms develop.Wet and unstable track surfaces, increased tree risk, and potential localised flash flooding in gullies or low-lying areas.🌊 Damaging Surf and Elevated Sea Levels:From Sunday through Tuesday, significant wave heights > 7.5m are forecast for the southwest coast.Elevated tides and possible coastal inundation, especially during high tide on Monday.Beach sections and river crossings may become hazardous or impassable.🚨 Visitor Safety Advisory:Avoid Remote Sections During This Period – Safety cannot be guaranteed in isolated coastal or forested areas under severe weather conditions.Reconsider Beach and River Crossings – Many access points may be unsafe or closed due to wave surge or flooding.Monitor Track Conditions Closely – Fallen trees, erosion, and flooded paths may occur.Do Not Camp in Exposed or Low-lying Areas – Use only booked campsites when campong in National ParksStay Informed :- -
Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure
Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. -
Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park. -
Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Melba Gully - Large bus access
Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Carpark- bus access
Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.
Similar experiences
