Trail Fast Facts

Cape Otway to Aire River is a 10km, grade 3 hike in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Length: 10km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: One Way

Start: Cape Otway

End: Aire River

Location: Great Otway National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Apollo Bay

From state capital: 230km

Latitude: -38.85423847995145

Longitude: 143.51519286116016

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

The Cape Otway to Aire River hike traverses Stage 5 of the Great Ocean Walk and takes you on a scenic journey from Cape Otway Lightstation to Aire River. Fuel up for your hike with a cuppa at the lighthouse, which is definitely worth exploring. The trail then offers you a choice: embrace the sand and coastal scrub along the beach route towards Rainbow Falls, or opt for the cliff-top walk with panoramic views culminating at Escarpment Lookout.

After making your choice, follow the grassy track down to the Aire River. From there, a 4WD track will lead you to a bridge, followed by the Aire River Day Visitor Area and the Aire River West Campground toilets. This moderate 10-kilometer hike should take around 4 hours to complete.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Map and GPX file

Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (10km)

Total distance: 9908 m
Max elevation: 104 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 230 m
Total descent: -308 m

Download file: Cape-Otway-to-Aire-River.gpx

Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (10km)

The trailhead at Cape Otway Lightstation is approximately a 30 minute drive from Apollo Bay. It is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Lightstation to the 12 Apostles. Car parking is available at the Lightstation car park for those who want to undertake a short or half-day hike east or west of the Cape.

Get directions

About the region

The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.

The Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

Similar trails nearby

Hike Categories: 006-10km Grade 3 (Moderate) Great Otway National Park Half Day One Way Victoria

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Suggest an edit

Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!

Reviews

Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (10km)

1 Review on “Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (10km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

It was a beautiful 10km hike with some lovely choices along the way. I definitely recommend a pre-hike lighthouse tour. The beach route towards Rainbow Falls sounded tempting, but I opted for the cliff-top walk for the panoramic views – and they were incredible, especially from Escarpment Lookout. The final descent to the Aire River was easy to follow, and the campground facilities were a welcome sight after a few hours on the trail. This is a great grade 3 hike – perfect for anyone looking for a scenic coastal walk with some variety.

15/04/2024, 19:46

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Track Grade

Map and GPX file

Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (10km)