Aireys Inlet

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 self-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 75^th Anniversary of the building of the Great Ocean Road.

Refer to Great Ocean Road Heritage Touring fact sheet

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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.

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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

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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.

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Where To Stay

Windform House

For a start, Windform House's space and design is a rare find. The house itself sits on 70 private acres of coastal heath.

The Pod

The Pod is a totally renovated studio in a beautiful bush setting. Separate from the main house, you will have your own entrance and bathroom.

Butlers Bend surrounded by lush, native gardens

Sunny Deck with views across Painkalac Creek and Valley

Barbecue for your outdoor dining pleasure

Open plan Living with wood heater and smart TV

Main Bedroom with Queen size bed and all Bed Linen provided

Butler's Bend Holiday Villa

Butler's Bend Holiday Villa is of a contemporary design and reflects a relaxed combination of seaside and country living.

Lightkeepers Inn Motel

Located in the town centre of Aireys Inlet, Lightkeepers Inn Motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation along the Great Ocean Road.

Ocean Inlet at Fairhaven

The Shorehouse: two storey apartment with private entrance and exquisite individually designed furnishings and artworks. Relax in the large spa overlooking the ocean or indulge in some reading, television or...

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...

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...

The Captain of Aireys

The Captain of Aireys is open every day, serving delicious wood-fired pizza, hand-stretched and topped with fresh local and premium ingredients. Fully licensed and fun.

Salt Brewing Co.

Salt Brewing Co. was established in 2014 in the back of the Aireys Pub in Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road.

Aireys Pub & Rogue Wave Brewing Co parmas and salads

Aireys Pub & SALT Brewing Co.

The Aireys Pub has been an icon of the Great Ocean Road since 1904. It closed early 2011, but was wrestled away from developers and back into the hands of...

We have great local wine available to go with your takeaway food.

Little Feast Aireys

At Little Feast we are dedicated to bringing you quality food and drink flavours from around the world.

Spelt, pomegranite, kale & currant salad

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 Holidays

Great Ocean Road Holidays offers over 800 holiday rental homes and apartments in Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Apollo Bay and beyond.

Split Point Lighthouse Tours Aireys Inlet

Come and climb the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. The views are simply breathtaking. You will spot her as you travel the Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road Mini Golf

Get ready to have the mini golf experience of your life at Great Ocean Road Mini Golf.

Kiss Me Too

Kiss Me Too is a tiny little shop nestled in the bottom shops at Aireys Inlet. Specialising in Australian owned clothing lines, imported Esther Williams classic swimwear and hairdressing.

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Stories of the Great Ocean Road QR Trail

Fun, free activity! The Stories of the Great Ocean Road QR Trail combines augmented reality, film and art to tell the story of the road.

From Around Here

From around here is a curation of lifestyle gifts, fashion, plants, homewares, food, wine and spirits for the mindful consumer.

Events

Around the region

Hot food, cool vibes and local, homemade shopping at popular Aireys Inlet Market on Great Ocean Road

Aireys Inlet 'Virtual' Market

Connect with many of your favourite stallholders online for access to great quality handmade and homegrown goodness from makers and growers throughout the...

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