Blanket Bay Campground

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Blanket Bay Campground

Blanket Bay Campground is the perfect family escape. Located on the eastern coast of Cape Otway, campers and day visitors can make the most of the seaside location and wander inland to look for koalas.

The often calm waters off the ever-so-popular Blanket Bay Campground are protected by an intertidal reef. This small beach is sheltered by the high hills of Cape Otway. Explore the unique underwater life found within these intertidal rockpools. Bring a snorkel to get a better glimpse!

Katabanook Walk leads inland from the campground. The short walk meanders along a fern-laden trail shaded by tall, twisted Manna Gum trees.

Blanket Bay also serves as an overnight stop along the iconic Great Ocean Walk. If prepared properly, you may choose to follow the trail west to Parker Hill. Or if you are an experienced walker and can car shuttle, continue on to Cape Otway Lightstation.

Blanket Bay Campground is very popular during school holidays and requires advanced bookings and payments year-round. Peak season release dates apply for summer, Labour Day long weekend and Easter long weekend.

Blanket Bay Campground contains 22 unpowered campsites, each accommodating up to six people. All campsites are suitable for tents, and some sites cater to camper trailers, campervans or small recreational vehicles. Please note that Blanket Bay Campground is unsuitable for caravans. Visitors are advised to supply their own water and firewood.


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Changes to Great Ocean Road parks and campsites

From 1 July 2026, some parks and campsites along the Great Ocean Road will be managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). Visit the GORCAPA website to see which parks GORCAPA manage.

This change is part of the transition of land management responsibilities to GORCAPA, helping support a dedicated and localised approach to managing the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Things to do

 
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Cape Otway and Apollo Bay

Breathtaking coastlines, dramatic cliff faces, deep valleys of tall forest and fern-clad gullies, and spectacular waterfalls all feature here in Cape Otway and Apollo Bay.

How to get there

Blanket Bay Campground

Blanket Bay Campground is nestled on the eastern coastline of Cape Otway, a three hour drive from Melbourne. Follow the Great Ocean Road and then turn at Lighthouse Road.

Blanket Bay Campground

Summer is the busiest time of year due to the coastal access to camp. Enjoy a picnic by the beach and explore rock pools at low tide.

Need to know

Blanket Bay Campground

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.

  • Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure

    Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.

    What to expect:
    Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this period
    Remaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditions

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle access
    Visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.
    The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions.

  • Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure

    Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.

    This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.

    What to expect:
    No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.
    Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.
    Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time.

  • Ironbark Basin Nature Trail (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Surf Coast walk/ Ironbark Nature trail closure

    The Ironbark Nature trail loop is undergoing storm damage repairs.  It will be closed for the duration of the works. The section of the Surf Coast Walk between Ironbark carpark and Point Addis stairs will be closed also. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Great Otway Natonal Park - flood damge impact

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park.
    Recovery works are ongoing. 

    We are pleased to advise that some areas have now reopened, while others remain closed to ensure public safety during assessment and repair work.

    The following areas are now open to visitors:
    • Moggs Creek Picnic Area
    • Distillery Creek Picnic Area
    • Ocean Track
    • Castle Rock
    • Sheoak Falls to Swallow Cave Track

    Parks Victoria has reopened sections of the Kalimna Falls Walking Trail, providing:

    • Access from Sheoak Picnic Ground
    • Walking access to Lower Kalimna Falls
    • Return via the same route or continuing through to Garvey Track
    ✅ Open sections are marked in green on park signage/maps
    ❌ Closed sections remain in red and must not be entered
    Visitors should remain on marked open tracks and follow all onsite signage.


    ⚠️ Important Visitor Advice
    • Always follow posted signage and staff directions
    • Stay within reopened (green-marked) track sections
    • Do not enter closed areas under any circumstances
    • Conditions may change without notice

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Maits Rest Carpark – Temporary Partial Closure


    Visitors are advised that maintenance works will be undertaken at the Maits Rest Carpark in Great Otway National Park on Monday 22 June 2026 

    These works involve repairing and resurfacing sections of the carpark affected by pothole damage.

    What to expect:
    • Partial closure of the carpark during works
    • Reduced parking availability
    • Construction activity and machinery on site

    Access:
    • The carpark will remain partially open, with approximately half of the parking area available
    • Access to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk will remain open at all times
    • Visitors are asked to follow all signage and directions from contractors to ensure safety.

    We appreciate your patience while these essential maintenance works are completed.

Similar experiences

 
White van parked next to picnic table in a campsite, shaded by trees

Best Alternatives to Popular Victorian Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a great camping experience in Victoria without the crowds, we’ve put together a list of alternatives to popular campgrounds, including the best times to visit.
One man adds a log on to the fire at Bear Gully Campground at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Bear Gully Campground

This camping area offers shady campsites set among tall Banksias right on the shore of Waratah Bay. The adjacent beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. The area is popular for fishing and rock pooling.
A car camping set up at Aire River East Campground in the Great Otway National Park

Aire River East Campground

This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park located on the banks of the Aire River Estuary. This area is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing
A family camps on the shores of Aire River in the Great Otway National Park

Aire River West Campground

This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park located on the banks of the Aire River Estuary. This area is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing.
A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

Johanna Beach Campground

Nestled between coastal sand dunes, a lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach, the dog-on-lead friendly Johanna Beach Campground has everything you need for an unforgettable seaside camping experience. Take in the salty ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or hike a section of the Great Ocean Walk.

Thurra River Campground

This campground is located in coastal woodland between the river and the ocean near Point Hicks. This is a popular spot for families to relax on hot days.
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