The Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk is a top walk in the Otway National Park, with views for days. Along the Great Ocean Road this walk has ocean views, cliff tops and a peaceful encounter with nature, forest and ancient rainforest. Must do when you are in the area, from the sandy shores of Aire River Beach to the fern gullies and blackwoods. If you are coming from Apollo Bay or heading to Port Campbell this walk is a must add to your trip.
Track Length and Difficulty
3.5km, moderate. Gentle and steep sections, forest and coast. There are narrow tracks in some sections and uneven terrain. It is well-marked and safe for careful walkers. Takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Plenty of time to take in the views of the cliffs, estuary and rocky platforms.
Best Time to Visit
The Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk can be walked all year, but the best time is spring and autumn. In spring and autumn, the weather is mild, and the vegetation along the track is at its best, with wildflowers and coastal scrub in bloom. Summer has longer daylight hours but can be hot with flies; winter brings rain, and the dirt roads and sand roads are slippery. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a peaceful walk, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is best and the views are stunning and photogenic.
Plan your Great Ocean Road day tour with this guide! Discover the best times to walk the Aire River Escarpment for breathtaking views and fewer crowds.
Getting to Aire River Escarpment Lookout
In the heart of the Great Otway National Park, the Aire River Escarpment Lookout is accessed via Hordern Vale Road. From Apollo Bay, follow the Great Ocean Road to Cape Otway and turn onto Hordern Vale Road. Continue to the Aire River West Campground and park your car. The track is signposted from the campground. The journey to the lookout is part of the fun, through coastal heathland, estuary and sand dunes. If you are further afield, consider visiting Johanna Beach, Glenaire Beach and the Cape Otway lighthouse.
The View
The Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk is all about the view, you get to see the Aire River meet the Southern Ocean. As you walk up the track you get ocean views out to Bass Strait and along the Otway coast. The lookout at the top is the perfect spot to stop and take it all in, with the calm of the estuary below and the waves crashing against the cliffs. The peace of the forest is the cherry on top.
Big Views
The views from the Aire River Escarpment Lookout are massive. You can see across the Aire River Valley, the estuary and the kilometre of beach out to the horizon. You can see the surrounding area, the coastal forests and the cliffs of the Otway National Park. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Moonlight Head and even the wave-carved limestone rocks of Port Campbell National Park. No wonder it’s a favourite among photographers and nature lovers.
Wildlife and Plants
The various environments on the Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk are home to a lot of wildlife and plants. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas and koalas in the forest and coastal scrub. Birdwatchers will love seeing wedge-tailed eagles, crimson rosellas and the lyrebird. The plants along the trail are impressive too, tall eucalypts, grass trees and fern gullies. The area around the Aire River is special for its wetland vegetation, blackwood trees and native grasses in the estuary.
Trail Highlights
The Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk has a few highlights. The lookout is the main attraction, with views of the coastline, ocean and the inland route through the Otways. Along the way, you’ll see Aire River Beach, cliffs in the ocean, and more. Other points of interest are Parker Inlet and the Aire River Campground, where you can see local wildlife and have a picnic. If you want to do more walking, the Great Ocean Walk and the Walk to Rainbow Falls are nearby.
Hiking Tips
Make sure you are prepared for a safe and enjoyable walk along the Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk. Wear good shoes with grip as some parts of the trail can be slippery after rain. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, as there are sections of the trail that are exposed to the sun. Also, bring insect repellent, as the bush can be buggy. If you plan to do more walking, bring an inflatable mattress and camp at the Aire River West Campground or Parker Hill Campground. Always check the weather before you go and avoid the trail in heavy rain, as the narrow track can be tricky.
Nearby
The Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk is near several other attractions along the Great Ocean Road. A short drive will get you to the historic Cape Otway lighthouse and the adjacent Lighthouse Cemetery to learn more about the region’s history. For beachgoers, Johanna Beach and Glenaire Beach are beautiful, with great views and experienced surfers. For a more chill experience, visit the Melba Gully or Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls for a walk through the ancient rainforest. Further along the coast, Port Campbell and the Bay of Islands Coastal Park have iconic rock formations and great coastal views and are day trip-worthy.
FAQ
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