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Aireys Inlet, a gorgeous coastal hamlet where the familiar curves of the Great Ocean Road and dramatic nature of the Great Otway National Park begin.
The Split Point Lighthouse is open to the public for tours and a discovery trail in the surrounding area offers insight into the history of the area as well as glorious views of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. There are spectacular trails through the Great Otway National Park for walking or riding and the local creeks and beaches are great for fishing.
Water activities abound with surfing and swimming popular on local beaches. Fairhaven and Anglesea are both patrolled beaches. There are rock pools to explore in the sandy coves near the base of the lighthouse and this area is also popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.
SPLIT POINT LIGHTHOUSE
The Split Point Lighthouse dominates the Aireys Inlet landscape, its 34-metre high tower and typical red cap visible for miles. The still-operating lighthouse is open to the public with guided tours available and sweeping views of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Great Ocean Road region below.
The grounds surrounding the lighthouse include a replica of the ‘bark hut’ early settlers in Aireys Inlet would have lived in, and the beach at the base of the lighthouse has great rockpools to explore.
GREAT MEMORIAL ARCH
As you travel west along the Great Ocean Road just outside town, view the famous memorial arch which was erected to commemorate the returned servicemen from World War I who built the Great Ocean Road from 1918 to 1932.
Look for the stunning ‘diggers’ sculpture commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the building of the Great Ocean Road.
Refer to Great Ocean Road Heritage Touring fact sheet
LIGHTHOUSE PRECINCT AREA
Explore the Lighthouse Precinct area. This is a delightful experience incorporating the Split Point Lighthouse, Bark Hut, Allen Noble Sanctuary, the Memorial Cairn and heritage listed buildings. Enjoy the amazing views from the reserve of the Lighthouse.
The Bark Hut close by is a replica of a settler’s hut from the 1860’s which was destroyed in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. There is a children’s playground here also.
GET WALKING
Surf Coast Walk
This walk is a marked trail commencing at Point Impossible and passing through famous Bells Beach, the Iron Bark Basin, Point Addis, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and finishing at Fairhaven. While the total distance is 44km, the walk consists of several sections of varying lengths to suit your energy level.
Cliff Top Walk
This walk commences from the Split Point Lighthouse precinct and is a fantastic 3.5km walk with spectacular views of the coastline.
BEACHES
Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club patrol near the Fairhaven clubhouse off the Great Ocean Road during the summer period.
Between Urquhart Bluff and the Inlet (unpatrolled) lie many secluded coves perfect for rockpool rambling, swimming, surfing, snorkelling and beach combing.
Sandy Gully and Step Beach (unpatrolled) both have step access to delightful little coves nestled between rocky outcrops.
Inlet Beach (unpatrolled) is an ideal spot for families with small children. Adjacent to toilets and a picnic area on the grassy embankment.
Fairhaven to Eastern View offers 8 km of pristine beach ideal for walks. Accessed easily from car parking areas off the Great Ocean Road. Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club patrol near the clubhouse during the peak period.
PICNIC & BBQ AREAS
The Inlet - Picnic tables close to the beach, toilets and playground.
Distillery Creek - Picnic tables, wood BBQ’s and toilets.
Moggs Creek - Picnic tables, wood BBQ’s and toilets.
Urquhart Bluff- Picnic tables and toilets
ACTIVITIES & SPORT
Skate Park located beside the Painkalac Creek, off Inlet Crescent. Includes 1/4 pipe, flat bank, pyramid and spine ramp. There are also barbecues, toilets and a playground.
Cycling is a great way to explore the Surf Coast, with world-famous coastal scenery and an ever-changing hinterland providing great opportunities for all levels of cyclists, from families to seasoned professionals.
Tennis Courts are located next to the Hall, just off the Great Ocean Road. Check on the notice board for booking details.
LET'S GO FOR A DRIVE
Surf Coast Hinterland Take a scenic drive and explore the hinterland of the Surf Coast. Just a 45 minute drive you’ll find Winchelsea, an attractive rural town by the banks of the Barwon River. Winchelsea has a range of things to do and see - from historic mansions, churches and hotels, to wineries, quaint tearooms and antique shops.
Bambra Road is an unsealed forest road leading to Deans Marsh, Birregurra. Take Forest Road via Anglesea. This is also an alternate route to Geelong/Melbourne.
Take the Great Ocean Road to the south and visit Lorne and Wye River; take the Great Ocean Road to the north and visit Anglesea and Torquay.
Otway Harvest Trail Refer to Otway Harvest Trail map
Barwon Park Historical Homestead This homestead is a 42 roomed bluestone mansion built in 1869 to 1871.
Where To Stay
Aireys Inlet Getaway Resort
Aireys Inlet Getaway Resort is your ideal, comfortable, stylish, self-catered, beach holiday accommodation. It is located on the beach side of the world famous and spectacular Great Ocean Road in...
Aireys Overboard Seaside Cottage
Aireys Overboard is a unique and enchanting cottage nestled amongst natural surrounds and even has its own little brook, cascading over river rocks on its way around the veranda and...
Lightkeepers Inn Motel
Located in the town centre of Aireys Inlet, Lightkeepers Inn Motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation along the Great Ocean Road.
Eat and Drink
Great Ocean Road Gin
Great Ocean Road Gin is a small batch craft gin company producing local gin which features botanicals and ingredients from the Great Ocean Road and Surfcoast region, including indigenous botanicals...
Onda Food House
Onda Food House is a cafe situated on the Painkalac River in Aireys Inlet. Onda focuses on serving great coffee (Allpress) alongside wholesome fresh menu items which focuses on vegetarian...
What To See and Do
Great Ocean Road Mini Golf
Get ready to have the mini golf experience of your life. In celebration of the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostle Course is now open.
Split Point Lighthouse Tours Aireys Inlet
Come and climb Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. The views are simply breathtaking. You will spot her as you travel the Great Ocean Road.
Blazing Saddles Trail Rides
Blazing Saddles Horse Trail Rides offer some of the best beach and bush rides in Victoria, one and three quarter hours from Melbourne.
Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery
Eagles Nest Fine Art gallery is situated in the picturesque township of Aireys Inlet just ten minutes after the famous Anglesea and twenty minutes before Lorne.
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary
Located at Aireys Inlet, this park protects 17ha of ocean waters and projects about 300m offshore.
Great Ocean Road Gin
Great Ocean Road Gin is a small batch craft gin company producing local gin which features botanicals and ingredients from the Great Ocean Road and Surfcoast region, including indigenous botanicals...
