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Castle Cove Lookout (Great Otway National Park)
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Castle Cove Lookout (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Castle Cove Lookout (Great Otway National Park)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
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.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed
Restrictions
- No dogs allowed
- No camping
- No fires permitted
- No firearms allowed
Warnings
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Terrain hazards
- Unstable cliffs
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Animals and pests
- Snakes
Be Prepared
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.
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.
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.
Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed
Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site.
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.
Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025
Due 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.
Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025
Aire 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.
Maits Rest Walk - CLOSED
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (and carpark) in the Great Otway National Park is currently CLOSED due to tree fall damage.
Due to ongoing damage to critical infrastructure, the closure remains in effect while repairs are actively being carried out.
The safety of the community and all users is our highest priority, and access will not be restored until it is confirmed that the site is safe and operational.
For your safety, do not enter closed areas. National Park regulations apply.
If you are seeking a similar experience, Melba Gully west of Lavers Hill is open.
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.
Great Ocean Walk - Track Update
Great Ocean Walk Track Update
Following recent winter rainfall, sections of the Great Ocean Walk have become very muddy and slippery.
Key Hazards
- Muddy and slippery conditions: Many non-sandy areas are heavily affected by mud, creating hazardous walking conditions.
- Track hazards: Rainfall has led to slippery surfaces and deep mud in several locations, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Tree falls: There is an increased likelihood of fallen trees along the track.
Safety Advice
- Exercise caution when walking, particularly in non-sandy and steep, forested sections.
- Report tree fall when it is safe and possible to do so by calling 131963.
- Please take care and plan accordingly for current track conditions.
- Monitor warnings and incidents https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
Aire River - High water levels
Great Ocean Walk (GOW) – Aire River Section
Attention Walkers and Hikers
The Great Ocean Walk (GOW) at the Aire River is currently experiencing high water levels due to the ongoing closure of the Aire River estuary mouth.
What You Need to Know
- Eastern approach to Aire West campground Impacted: Walkers may need to detour or wade through water on the eastern approach to the Aire River. Do not proceed west from Cape Otway if you are concerned by wading through high water at the Aire River.
- Campsites Unaffected: The Aire West hike-in campsite and Aire West campground sites 1–16 remain accessible and are not impacted by high water.
- Possible Trail Closure: If river levels become unsafe to cross, this section of the GOW may be closed for your safety.
- River Status: The Aire River may open naturally at any time, or may be mechanically opened when conditions are safe and suitable.
- Please exercise caution, follow all signage and instructions, and check for the latest updates before your walk
Aire West campground - flooding
Aire West Campground- areas flooded. Campers please note that due to the Aire River mouth being blocked, the campground area is experiencing some flooding. Sites 1-16 are accessible, but other areas of the campground are inundated and muddy.