Last Updated on 22 July 2026 by Rob
If you are looking for a sheltered, riverine escape that trades the open exposure of the coast for the lush greenery of the Great Otway National Park, Aire River East Campground is a great choice.
On the eastern banks of the heritage-listed Aire River estuary, this smaller, more intimate camp offers a peaceful sanctuary away from the busier Great Ocean Road stops. It is a premier “slow-lane” base with a handful of spacious, grassy sites perfectly positioned for birdwatching, estuary fishing or launching a kayak. While it lacks the fire pits of its western neighbour, it makes up for it with superior wind protection and a front-row seat to the local wildlife—including some of the Otways’ most reliable koala spotting right above your van.
Toilets are provided at this site. Being a national park grey water should not be disposed on it.
Pets are not allowed.
No fires are permitted.
Sites must be booked prior to arrival (link provided below)
Aire River East Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Aire River East Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Apollo Bay |
| GPS | 38°48'0.08"S 143°28'54.81"E |
| Access Road | Unsealed |
| Number of sites | 20 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | No |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | No |
| Telstra coverage | Very Weak |
| Optus coverage | Very Weak |
| Cost | $16.90 per night |
| Booking | Aire River East Campground booking |
Campground Layout and Features
The campground contains 20 grassed sites. Sites 1 to 9 are only suitable for tents. Sites 10 to 20 are suitable for caravans. We suggest that site 10 should be the last to be considered if you have a large caravan. Also, be wary of sites 19 and 20. To us, one appears to be behind the other, which is inconvenient. If you are looking for a tent site, site number 9 should only be considered as a last resort. That site is horribly sloping and next to the toilets.
The area that the campground is on is sloped. Sites one to nine are on the site’s eastern side at the top of the slope. The toilets are also at the top of the slope. Sites ten to twenty are located on the site’s western side at the bottom of the slope. The sites are fairly flat, but you should be prepared to level your van.
Other than the toilets, no other facilities are provided.
For booking Aire River East Campground, head to the booking page.
Aire River East Campsite Location
Aire River East Campground is located 17km west of Apollo Bay. It can be accessed from the north and west via an unsealed road. From the west, the site can be reached via Sand Road. This road is a bit rougher than the road from the north. With care, any vehicle can travel the road. However, there is a bridge to cross that has a 6T load limit. From the north, Hordern Vale Road is sealed part of the way and provides easier access.
The campground is 29km west of Apollo Bay by road. The map below shows the location. You can zoom out for a more general location.
What to Watch Out For at Aire River East Campground
The site is surrounded by a farm raising cows. We spent three nights at the campground, and every morning, there were cows feeding on the grass.
Final Words
We recommend this site. We had a relaxing stay, and there were many koalas to watch.
If you have yet to tick spotting a koala, this is the spot for you. During our trip, we saw many, with one crossing the campground as it moved from tree to tree. We had a laugh at one grunting at the kangaroos who dared to graze under its tree.
On the other side of the river is another campground called Aire River East. It is larger (40 sites) and is on flatter land. The site also allows fires outside fire restriction periods and has some tables. When we walked through the site, it was much noisier. You may wish to consider this side. It can be booked at Aire River West Campground.
Be aware that mobile coverage may not be sufficient to book a site if you arrive at the campground without a booking. We helped a couple who fell into this trap.
This campground features on our Adelaide to Melbourne Coastal Road Trip.
Edited on 22/07/26 due to a fee REDUCTION from $17.30 to $16.90.
