Great Ocean Walk Campsites: How to Book the Hike-in Camps

Hike-in camps: Elliot Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Johanna Beach, Ryans Den, Devils Kitchen
Guests per site: Maximum 3
Walk: More than 100 km (62 mi), Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles
Usual full walk: Eight days, east to west
Itinerary registration: At least 14 days before you start, on the authority's form
Fees and release dates: Not stated on the pages we read

The classic eight days

The authority's suggested stages run from campsite to campsite. Its distances are all marked approximate.

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge, about 10 km (6.2 mi)
Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay, about 12 km (7.5 mi)
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway, about 11 km (6.8 mi)
Day 4: Cape Otway to Aire River, about 10 km (6.2 mi)
Day 5: Aire River to Johanna Beach, about 14 km (8.7 mi)
Day 6: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den, about 14 km (8.7 mi)
Day 7: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen, about 13 km (8.1 mi)
Day 8: Devils Kitchen to the Twelve Apostles, about 16 km (9.9 mi)

How to book the hike-in campsites

Click the booking link, select the date for your first night, choose the campground for that night and add it to your cart. Return to the booking page, select the date for your next night, choose that campground, and repeat for each night. Then check out. Each night and campground must be added to the cart separately.

Each hike-in site is unpowered with a maximum of 3 guests per site. The authority says the campsites are small. A valid booking is required before arrival and acts as your permit to camp, and you must camp only in designated areas.

Direction, itinerary registration and the finish

The walk is designed to be walked from east to west, from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The authority says that gives the best views, more manageable gradients and less congestion on the track and at the campgrounds.

It encourages long-distance walkers, groups and tour operators to register their itinerary on its form at least 14 days before setting out. If you finish at the Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre and want to leave a vehicle there, book the parking in advance. Admission to the centre, which includes the Twelve Apostles viewing areas, must also be booked ahead.

The drive-in campgrounds

The authority also lists seven drive-in campgrounds in Great Otway National Park: Allenvale, Jamieson Creek, Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, Aire River East, Aire River West and Johanna Beach. Bookings are essential and should be made before arrival.

For the 2026/27 summer peak the authority sets a 7-night minimum at Blanket Bay and Johanna Beach for stays from Saturday 19 December 2026 to Saturday 23 January 2027, with a maximum of 14 nights, and a 3-night minimum for 23 to 26 January 2027. Its other campgrounds have a 1-night minimum and a maximum of 42 days.

Questions

How do I book Great Ocean Walk campsites?

Use the booking link on the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority page. Select the date of your first night, choose the campground, add it to the cart, and repeat for each night before you check out.

How many people can share a Great Ocean Walk campsite?

The authority lists each hike-in site as unpowered with a maximum of 3 guests per site.

Which direction should you walk the Great Ocean Walk?

East to west, from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The authority says the walk is designed for that direction.

How long does the Great Ocean Walk take?

The full walk is usually completed over eight days. You can also choose a shorter overnight hike, a day walk or a few favourite sections.

Do you need a booking for Great Ocean Walk campsites?

Yes. A valid booking is required before arrival and acts as your permit to camp. Camping without one may bring infringement notices or fines.

Sources

Facts checked against the pages above on 30 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules change; confirm them on the agency's page before you pay.

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