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Point Franklin (Great Otway National Park)
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Point Franklin (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Point Franklin (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 camping
- No firearms allowed
- No dogs allowed
- No bicycles
- No fires permitted
- No horses
Warnings
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Terrain hazards
- Unstable cliffs
- Slippery rocks
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Animals and pests
- Snakes
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Water hazards
- Rough Surf
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Other warnings
- Unpatrolled area
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Parks
Stay Informed :-