Great Otway National Park Camping Guidelines at ... - Parks Victoria

Great Otway National ParkCamping Guidelines at Vehicle Based CampsitesBlanket Bay, Parker Hill, Aire River East & West and JohannaMinimal impact bushwalking:Bushwalking is an increasingly popular activity in Great Otway National Park, with schools, othergroups and especially with the growth of the Great Ocean Roads visitation. Vegetation trampling,spread of disease, littering, escaped fires, and the deterioration of walking tracks and campsites areall risks to the health of the park and in some cases the health of visitors. As more people visit thepark, the need to protect the natural, cultural and environmental values is even more important.The adoption of minimal impact bushwalking practices can minimise the impact on the park andensure that access to these areas continues into the future. There are limited areas available forcamping and your cooperation is required to help us improve your experience while visiting the park.To help groups plan a minimal impact visit, Parks Victoria has established a registration system andinformation package. I would appreciate if you could take the time to read the following information.Registering for Hiking and Camping:Step 1 - An Application Form to be filled out supplying the following information;• Group/Organisation name• Dates of the intended trip including return date• Contact details• Vehicle registrations and where they will be parked• The number of people in each group• A clear description of all activities you plan to undertake• The areas you plan to utilise• Where you intend to camp• The route of day or overnight walks• Type of communication device for contact during the hikeStep 2 - Please ensure your application is forwarded to the Apollo Bay Office at least 4 weeks beforeyour intended hike.Step 3 - Parks Victoria will review the application and options, notifying you at least 2 weeks beforethe commencement of the hike with the registration detailsStep 4 - Each group hiking must carry a copy of the Registration. Original to be carried by theRegistration Holder.Planning your trip:♦ Keep the group size small. Groups of 4-8 have the least impact. Maximum group size is sixteen.♦ Only one group within your school/organisation to camp in each campsite at the one time unlessotherwise approved by Parks Victoria.♦ No alteration to trip intention, planned camping areas, dates, route etc without prior permissionfrom Parks Victoria.Camping information:♦ Camping is permitted in current designated National Park camping areas. If you wish to campusing the any of the Great Ocean Walk campsites, then they need to book through the Greatocean walk registration system. See: www.greatoceanwalk.com.au♦ Due to cultural values and environmental sensitivity, camping is not permitted in the OtwayNational Park at Point Franklin and between Cape Otway and Aire River. If you wish to stay nearthis area, please seek alternative accommodation outside of the park at Bimbi Park, Cape OtwayOcean Lodge, Shearwater Cottages or The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology.

On the right track:♦ Stay on formed tracks to prevent vegetation trampling, erosion and the spread of weeds and soilpathogens.♦ Please brush boots at designated boot stations to minimise the spread of weed seeds andcinnamon fungus (Phytopthora cinnamomi). Many areas of the park have vegetation that is veryvulnerable to this pathogen.♦ Hiking between Crayfish Bay and the Cape Otway Lightstation is only permitted via thedesignated inland route. Access is not available along the coastal route.Fires/Fire Wood:♦ Fires may only be lit in constructed fireplaces provided. Fuel stoves should be used in all otherareas.♦ Before you leave, be absolutely sure the fire is out. Use water to extinguish your fire.♦ Please provide your own firewood. Collection of firewood is not permitted within the OtwayNational Park.♦ No solid fuel fires or gas/fuel stoves and lanterns may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban. Please beaware that these may occur while you are hiking. Information on Total Fire Bans are given duringthe weather segments of the hourly news broadcasts on ABC frequency 774 on the AM dial.Water & personal waste:♦ Please provide your own drinking water.♦ Do not dispose of soapy water or wash in waterways.♦Walker safety:♦ The Cape Otway area is subject to extremes in weather conditions and has many remote areasdifficult to access in case of emergency.♦ Ensure that you are equipped for your walk and be prepared for sudden changes in weatherconditions.♦ Be aware of snakes- this is their environment and they are protected here. Keep a safe distance.♦ Keep on tracks and away from cliff edges.♦ Mobile phones will not work in many parts of the Otway National Park. You may need to carryadditional communication devices.Looking after the environment:♦ All native plants, animals and geological features, historical and cultural sites are protected by lawand must not be disturbed or removed.♦ Please do not feed the wildlife and keep food/rubbish out of reach of animals.♦ Please take all rubbish with you.Additional InformationSee: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au > Publications > Parknotes/Maps > General > Great Otway NP &Otway Forest Park – Kennett River to PrincetownUseful Contacts:Parks Victoria Information Centre and Apollo Bay Office: 13 19 63Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology: (03) 5237 9297Bimbi Park: (03) 5237 9246 Cape Otway Ocean Lodge: (03) 5237 9272Apollo Bay Hospital: (03) 5237 8500 Apollo Bay Info Centre: (03) 5237 6529Apollo Bay RACV: (03) 13 11 11 Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667Apollo Bay Police: (03) 5237 6750 Colac Police: (03) 5231 5599www.parkweb.vic.gov.au www.greatoceanwalk.com.au www.cfa.vic.gov.au