Blanket Bay camp ground, Cape Otway

Introduction

the Blanket Bay 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 although from 1st July 2026, bookings will be managed via https://greatoceanroadparks.com.au/
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 although some camper trailers may be possible on some sites
some sites have over-hanging low branches so campervans and roof top tent campers will need to be selective
BYO water and firewood - 4 communal firepits only
National Park hence no dogs allowed

Blanket Bay 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
close to a small beach protected by an intertidal reef
boat ramp
day area
22 un-powered campsites for drive in campers, each accommodating up to six people and set amongst 3-5m high brush and gums
- see video of the sites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeYye_1TxfA
  - avoid site 7 - very small and not level, avoid 14 and 18 as seem to be very muddy, avoid 13 as it is not level
separate, co-located GOW campground reserved for the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) hikers who hike in
Katabanook Walk leads inland from the campground. The short walk meanders along a fern-laden trail shaded by tall, twisted Manna Gum trees.

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
~3hrs 15min from Melbourne via Winchelsea and Forrest (bypassing Anglesea-Lorne)
41min, 36km 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:
- 14min, 9km west to Bimbi Park commercial camp ground
- 14min, 7km south to Parker Hill campground, Cape Otway
- various GOW hike in only camp grounds
west:
- 34min (25km) Aire River camp grounds
- 46min (37km) Johanna beach camp ground
- 70min (65km) to Beauchamp Falls camp ground via Lavers Hill bitumen route or 70min (43km) via gravel Binns Rd up the Aire Valley passing Hopetoun Falls
east
- 40min to Apollo Bay and Marengo commercial holiday parks
- 80min 70km to Jamieson Creek camp ground Wye River
- 82min 71km to Stevensons Falls camp ground Otways