Parker Hill campground, Cape Otway

Introduction

the Parker Hill camp ground is a remote camp ground near a beach on the east coast of Cape Otway and is run by Parks Vic and thus requires Parks Vic bookings however, from 1st July 2026, bookings will be managed via https://greatoceanroadparks.com.au/
this is also part of the Great Ocean Walk
it is likely to be very busy in Dec-Apr on school holidays and weekends - you would probably need to book well in advance for these periods - I personally wouldn't bother if it is over-crowded

most sites are quite small and definitely NOT suitable for caravans or camper trailers
some sites have over-hanging low branches so campervans and roof top tent campers will need to be selective
some sites are a short walk from the car park area
BYO water
NO solid fuel fires allowed!
National Park hence no dogs allowed

Parker Hill is in the South West Fire District whereas Lorne is in the Surf Coast / Central Fire District which may have different fire danger levels
for current and forecast Fire Danger ratings, see https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/total-fire-bans-fire-danger-ratings
if the rating is Extreme, the region is likely to become a day of Total Fire Ban, if it is rated Catastrophic - you will be required to evacuate from the camp ground and forest areas
in addition, the National Parks have fire restrictions as well as the CFA's Fire Danger Period restrictions which usually apply from Nov-April.
see also bushfire safety

drop toilets
rainwater tanks not potable
1min walk to a small beach although swimming not advisable due to strong currents, can also do a 2min 150m walk to Lower Parker River Falls (small cascades)
day area
20 un-powered campsites for drive in campers, each accommodating up to six people and set amongst 3-5m high brush, stringybark gums, with bracken fern lower storey
10 of these allow one car to be on site, others the car needs to be in the car park area

2.3km 6min sandy bumpy narrow road in from the Cape Otway Lighthouse bitumen road but should be accessible by most 2WDs unless they have very low clearances
- see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3i-YjSOfFE
~3hrs 10min from Melbourne via Winchelsea and Forrest (bypassing Anglesea-Lorne)
37min, 32km from Apollo Bay

flush toilets
- Lorne
- Wye River beach toilets
- portable toilets outside cafe at Kennett River (but locked when cafe closed ie. before 9am and in evenings) - these get very busy due to tourists
- Apollo Bay beach
outdoor cold showers
- Lorne beach
- Wye River beach
- Kennett River beach
- Apollo Bay beach
cafe / hotels
- Lorne
- Wye River Hotel
- Wye River Cafe
- Kennett River cafe
- Apollo Bay
- Lavers Hill
petrol
- Lorne, Apollo Bay, Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lavers Hill, Colac, Winchelsea
tourist information centre
- Lorne, Apollo Bay
hardware / camping store
- small ones at Lorne and Apollo Bay
- Bunnings at Torquay

within Cape Otway:
- 10min, 5km NW to Bimbi Park commercial camp ground
- 14min, 7km NE to Blanket Bay camp ground, Cape Otway
- various GOW hike in only camp grounds
west:
- 30min (20km) Aire River camp grounds
- 42min (35km) Johanna beach camp ground
- 70min (63km) to Beauchamp Falls camp ground via Lavers Hill bitumen route or 70min (41km) via gravel Binns Rd up the Aire Valley passing Hopetoun Falls
east
- 40min to Apollo Bay and Marengo commercial holiday parks
- 80min 67km to Jamieson Creek camp ground Wye River
- 82min 68km to Stevensons Falls camp ground Otways