Aireys Inlet
When I first drove into Aireys Inlet after a long stretch of the Great Ocean Road, I knew this little seaside town had something going on. There’s a quiet to the air here — that sea breeze and eucalyptus combo that only happens on the Surf Coast. You’ll find it halfway between Anglesea and Lorne, where the bush meets the ocean, surrounded by limestone cliffs and coastal heath.
This guide is everything I’ve learned from years of exploring Aireys — from Split Point Lighthouse to the surf breaks, local walks, markets and a few yarns from the locals who keep this town ticking.
Coastal Town at a Glance
Aireys Inlet is small but mighty — a local secret that rewards investigation. Its population of around 800 swells in summer as visitors come for a dose of surf, serenity and scenery. Painkalac Creek runs through the town, flowing from the Great Otway National Park down to the coast where it meets the ocean in a swirl of blue and gold sand.
Quick Facts About Aireys Inlet
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Great Ocean Road, Victoria |
| Distance from Melbourne | ~120 km (approx. 1.5–2 hours drive) |
| Population | ~800 permanent residents |
| Traditional Owners | Wadawurrung People |
| Key Attractions | Split Point Lighthouse, Surf Coast Walk, Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary |
| Best Visiting Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
History
Aireys Inlet is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of The Great Ocean Road, with wild beaches, bush tracks and small town hospitality that makes you feel at home straight away.
Before surfboards and gin tastings, this coast was — and is — Wadawurrung Country. For thousands of years, Traditional Owners moved between the forests and coastlines, fishing, foraging and caring for this Country.
European settlers arrived in the 1840s, led by John Moore Cole Airey, who named the area. The Great Ocean Road later opened the region up, built by returned soldiers to honour their mates. Aireys Inlet grew slowly, known for its rugged beauty and close community.
In 1983, the Ash Wednesday bushfires tore through the area, destroying much of the town — but Aireys rebuilt with grit and care. Even now, you’ll see murals, sculptures and memorials around, from the War Memorial near Lighthouse Road to small plaques that quietly remember what was lost and gained.
A Local’s Guide
Living like a local here means slowing right down. It’s a town that thrives on community spirit, whether it’s a match at the Aireys Inlet Eels Football Club, kids riding bikes near the Aireys Inlet and District Tennis Club or visitors stopping at the Visitor Information Centre for the latest on local markets and trails.
Here’s how to spend a couple of chill days like a pro:
- Grab breakfast at The Lighthouse Café, the go-to Pause Stop before hitting the trails.
- Walk the Lighthouse Precinct. Walk past Split Point Lighthouse, Eagle Rock, Table Rock.
- Follow the Surf Coast Walk for clifftop views of Sunnymead Beach and the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.
- Stroll down to Painkalac Creek for birdwatching — keep an eye out for Rufous Bristlebirds and the shy Swamp Antechinus in the undergrowth.
- End your day with a cold one at Salt Brewing Company or a tasting paddle at the Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room.
Fun In The Sun
hen the weather’s good Aireys Inlet is outdoor heaven. This little pocket of coastal landscape has everything from surfing to snorkelling and quieter sands than Torquay or Lorne.
Beaches of Aireys Inlet:
- Sandy Gully Beach – sheltered, family-friendly, perfect for swimming and rock pools at low tide.
- Sunnymead Beach – framed by limestone cliff tops and wild surf; loved by photographers and bodyboarders.
- Guvvos Beach – remote and scenic, great for long beach walks and quiet time.
- Fairhaven Beach – patrolled by the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, steady waves for confident surfers.
If you’re lucky, you might see a pod of dolphins swimming by — or an impromptu surf lesson from a local.
Lighthouses — The Coast’s Quiet Guardian
The Split Point Lighthouse is the heart of Aireys Inlet — whitewashed, red-topped and standing since 1891. It’s one of the most photographed icons on The Great Ocean Road, and you can still climb to the lantern room for views of Bass Strait.
If you grew up in the ‘90s, you’ll remember it from Round the Twist — the classic Aussie TV series that turned this headland into a pop culture legend. Today, it’s still the same beautiful lighthouse, weathered by wind and time, and still watching over ships on the Shipwreck Coast.
Around the base, the Lighthouse Precinct Walk takes you past historic signage, interpretive centres and picnic spots with views that will make you linger longer than planned.
Outdoor Pursuits And Adventure
Aireys Inlet may look sleepy, but the locals are a restless bunch. Surfing, snorkelling, trail running and mountain biking are part of daily life here.
- Surfing: Fairhaven and Guvvos Beach both have solid waves when the wind is offshore. Locals check the surf cams, not the clock.
- Kayaking and SUP: Paddle along Painkalac Creek or out to the reef on calm mornings.
- Snorkelling: The Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary is alive with life — sponges, starfish and the occasional cuttlefish.
- Cycling: The bike parks near Anglesea have trails for all levels.
For something slower, join a Weekend of Wellness retreat — yoga on the cliffs, bush meditation or forest bathing in the Otway foothills.
Beaches And Coastlines
Few places show the “ocean meets bush” lifestyle better than Aireys. The limestone cliff tops, sculpted rock shelves and sandy coves are a living geology lesson — part of the same formation that shapes the Twelve Apostles further west.
The tide pools at Sunnymead Beach and Sandy Gully are mini aquariums — a glimpse into the marine world of the Surf Coast. Look closely and you might see anemones, sea snails and tiny fish darting among the rocks.
Fishing’s popular too — Table Rock and Fairhaven’s southern end are known for salmon and snapper. Just watch the swell and keep one eye on your exit — those waves can turn nasty quick.
Eat, Drink, Unwind
Food here is a mix of artisanal produce and award-winning food & drink. Aireys keeps its dining scene small but top-notch — good ingredients, local wines and plenty of character.
Top picks:
- Aireys Pub & Salt Brewing Company: The heart of the town. Grab a tasting paddle and a plate of local calamari.
Great Ocean Road - Gin Tasting Room: Small batch distillery with coastal botanicals — a real local experience.
- A La Grecque: Mediterranean flair and fine dining with a sea breeze twist.
- Mr T & Me Café: Best brekkie in town — the halloumi burger deserves its own postcode.
- Salaam Namaste: Indian food that draws foodies from Torquay to Lorne.
Add in the region’s local produce — honey, cheese, olives and seasonal market finds — and you’ll see why MasterChef Australia filmed nearby.
Campfires To Coastal Cottages
Accommodation in Aireys ranges from budget swags to self-contained with ocean views.
- Aireys Inlet Holiday Park: Family friendly, walkable and close to the creek.
- Lighthouse Cottages: Stay near the famous tower and watch the sunrise over Eagle Rock.
- Private stays: Book through Great Ocean Road Real Estate for cottages with bush backdrops or ocean views — they’ve got strong local knowledge and great exposure on this stretch of coast.
- Nearby campsites: Fairhaven and Anglesea both have options with showers, BBQs and walking access to the beach.
If you’re camping, always check for fire bans and pack smart — mozzie repellent, headlamp, first aid and enough water to last the day.
Seasonal Tips And Weather Wisdom
Like most of the Surf Coast, Aireys Inlet’s weather can turn on a dime — sunny one minute, sideways rain the next. Pack layers and expect four seasons in a day.
| Season | Average Temp (°C) | Conditions | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
Summer (Dec–Feb) | 12–26 | Warm, windy afternoons | Book ahead and bring reef shoes |
Autumn (Mar–May) | 10–21 | Clear skies, cool nights | Best for hiking & photography |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | 6–15 | Cool, wetter | Perfect for whale watching |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | 9–20 | Wildflowers and crisp air | Great for walks and fewer crowds |
If you’re visiting on a public holiday, check market dates at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall — local artists and producers sell everything from soaps to small-batch gin.
A Personal Yarn
The first time I camped near Aireys, I was broke and out of fuel, but full of curiosity. I’d parked near Inlet Crescent, cooked noodles on a camp stove, and walked up to Split Point Lighthouse under a starry sky. Somewhere between the surf and the breeze, it hit me — this was one of those places that feels hidden in plain sight.
Years later I still swing by on my Great Ocean Road runs — sometimes to surf, sometimes just to stand on Lighthouse Road and watch the sun paint the cliffs gold. It’s a place that grounds you — proof that even the smallest stops can leave the biggest mark.
And suppose you want to explore more of Victoria’s coastal icons, check out Phillip Island Tours. In that case, they run great small-group tours through this region and beyond, perfect for travellers who prefer stories over schedules.
