Stage 4 of the Great Ocean Walk covers 9.4 km from Cape Otway to Aire River, with 126 m of ascent and 218 m of descent. The highest point is 105 m. Allow about 3 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Smaller, shaded drive-in campground (20 sites) on the east bank, about 400 m from the trail. Closed from 29 May to 30 October 2026 and reopens on 31 October 2026; bookings required all year.
Sheltered hike-in campground above the Aire River: 6 sites for up to 3 people plus a group area, one rainwater tank and a shelter; toilets are at the Aire River West drive-in campground next door. Book before you walk.
Large, open drive-in campground on the west bank of the Aire River, 40 sites for up to 6 people, basic facilities and no fires; bring drinking water. Sites 24–40 are closed until 30 October 2026; bookings required all year.
Farmstay with two self-contained apartments (sleep 2 and 6) about 400 m from the trail at Castle Cove, 6 km west of the Aire River campground. Linen and kitchens provided; book direct.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed by the regional tourism board or on OpenStreetMap but could not be checked on their own website. The hike-in campsites must be booked night by night before you walk, and each site holds up to 3 people. Lodges and cottages away from the trail are reached by shuttle or by arrangement with the host, so book transport with your room.
Emergency: call 000 (112 from a mobile). Check the tides. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.