Airies Inlet Skate Park
There’s something special about skating with the ocean in earshot. Aireys Inlet Skate Park is right off the Great Ocean Road, where the smell of salt and the hum of surfboards mix with the clack of decks. The first time I rolled in here, I’d just washed sand off my feet at Split Point Lighthouse Beach and followed the sound of wheels on concrete. Turns out I’d stumbled into one of the most community-driven concrete skateparks on the Surf Coast.
It’s the kind of spot where everyone waves — from groms on scooters to seasoned riders perfecting lines before a comp. Small, tight-knit and full of local character, Aireys Inlet Skate Park tells a bigger story about the Surf Coast Walk culture — locals keeping it real, visitors joining in, and the ocean breeze making every carve feel free.
How Skate Culture Evolved in Aireys
Every skate spot worth its grip tape starts with a push — usually from locals who’ve had enough of rough roads and carparks. Back in the early 2000s, Aireys’ young riders started talking about a proper park. Their parents and teachers backed them, and before long, the Surf Coast Shire Council teamed up with Convic Skate Park — the same legends behind major Concrete Skate Parks across Victoria — to turn the dream into a reality.
By 2006, the Aireys Inlet Skatepark was open, built on solid design principles that balanced street and transition features. A few years later, Oasis Skate Parks and Independent Concrete Skateparks consulted on small upgrades, smoothing surfaces and extending the double bowl. The final product? A flowy, fun 4 ft peanut bowl leading into a mellow street run — compact but beautifully designed for its size.
This wasn’t a big-budget city build. It was community fundraising, volunteer input and hard work. Today, it stands as one of the friendliest concrete bowl parks on the Great Ocean Road — proof that small towns can roll with the big boys.
Park Features
You don’t need acres of ramps to have a good time — just smart design. Aireys Inlet Skate Park has that down to a tee.
Here’s what you’ll find on the slab:
- The Large Bowl: 12ft beast inspired by classic Torquay Skate Park designs — deep enough to test your speed and transitions.
- The Fun 4 ft Peanut Bowl: Smooth, round and forgiving; great for learning coping tricks.
- Street Skateboarding Zone: Short run with a rail, hubba and ledges like Anglesea Skate Park — simple but sweet.
- Quarter Pipes & Banks: Pumping, reversals and flow.
- Flat Space for Scooters & Learners: Open section for new skaters and kids.
- Water Fountain & Shade Shelters: Because the Surf Coast sun doesn’t play nice in summer.
You’ll find the park on Beach Road, near the community hall — close enough to grab a coffee yet far enough from traffic. All concrete, smooth as butter, with perfect drainage for post-storm sessions.
Seasons, Crowds, And Coastal Weather
This stretch of the Great Ocean Road lives and dies by the weather. The wind, the swell, even the tourists — they all shape your session.
| Season | Average Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Best Session Time | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | 18–28 | 35–45 | Morning / Sunset | High (Holiday traffic) |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | 15–24 | 40–55 | Mid-morning | Low to Medium |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 10–16 | 60–90 | Afternoons | Low |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | 13–22 | 40–50 | Early arvo | Moderate |
Best: Autumn and spring. The wind drops, the air cools, and the park’s wide open.
Avoid: Hot summer arvos when the concrete could fry an egg and Memorial Arch crowds clog the Great Ocean Road.
Park Rules And Local Etiquette
Every local skate community has its code. Aireys runs on respect — not ego.
- Wait your turn: Snaking’s a surefire way to earn a cold stare.
- Share the park: Scooters, BMX, and boards all coexist here.
- No glass or litter: The bin’s right there. Use it.
- Keep it family-friendly: It’s part of the town’s family skate days program.
- Mind your noise: The nearby houses aren’t part of the session.
Officially, the park follows Surf Coast Shire’s recreation rules, which means no glass, no graffiti (unless approved), and helmets are recommended for all riders under 18. Police and council staff do occasional checks — don’t push your luck.
Family Friendly Fun
What makes Aireys Inlet Skate Park special isn’t the size — it’s the vibe. Families gather on weekends, kids scoot around while parents sip flat whites, and travellers drop by mid-road-trip for a spin.
The park’s small enough for parents to keep an eye on little ones, and the shallow concrete bowl is ideal for learners. I’ve seen toddlers on balance bikes sharing space with teens throwing flips — everyone’s smiling.
If you’re planning a family skate day, this spot’s perfect:
- Grassy picnic area nearby
- Playground within 50 metres
- Café strip and public toilets around the corner
- Easy parking for campers and vans
The park’s open layout means parents can easily keep an eye on their kids, and the mellow gradients make it a solid learning spot for beginners. The surrounding area — with grassy patches and picnic tables — is great for families wanting a half-day outing without the stress of busy city parks.
I’ve even seen birthday parties set up nearby, with cupcakes cooling in eskies and kids taking turns on the bowl. It’s that kind of place — casual, community-minded and a genuine slice of Surf Coast life.
Refuelling After A Session
After a sesh, you’ll want to refuel. Lucky for you, Aireys Inlet punches well above its weight for food.
Top Picks:
- The Captain of Aireys: Pub-style burgers and cold beers; popular with skaters post sesh.
- Onda Food House: Smoothies and plant-based options for the health nuts.
- Lighthouse Tea Rooms: Scones, coffee and seaside charm.
- A La Grecque: Mediterranean seafood with an upscale twist — perfect for an early dinner.
- Aireys General Store: Grab and go pies, sausage rolls and iced lattes.
Most are within walking distance, and if you’ve still got energy to burn, the Lighthouse Precinct Walk is just up the road — a short trail linking Split Point Lighthouse to the cliffs overlooking the Shipwreck Coast course. It’s a ripper.
Events And Community
Aireys skateboarding community might be small, but it’s loud. The park often hosts skate competitions, coaching clinics and summer family skate days backed by the Surf Coast Shire.
Keep an eye out for:
- Surf Coast Skate Park Series: Regional comps featuring riders from Torquay Skate Park, Anglesea and Ocean Grove Skatepark.
- Youth Skate Clinics: Free workshops run by local legends teaching skate skills to first timers.
- Community Jam Sessions: Weekend meets where music, food and good times collide.
I was at one last April — the local skate community turned up with portable speakers, the local bakery brought donuts and someone’s dog tried to steal a board mid trick. Classic Aireys.
Gear Checklist
Even the smoothest concrete skatepark needs prep. Here’s a checklist to keep your session rolling.
Essentials
- Skateboard, scooter or BMX
- Helmet and pads (for the little ones)
- Sunscreen and sunnies — coastal glare is no joke
- Water bottle — refill at the park fountain
- Small first-aid kit — just in case
Extras
- Phone or camera for clips
- Spare bearings and Allen key
- Towel for sweaty palms
- Snacks — good skating burns serious energy
Need new gear? Head up to Torquay Skate Shop near Surf City Plaza or check Geelong Waterfront Skate Park’s pop-up events for gear swaps.
Getting There — Easy Access
Getting to Aireys Inlet Skate Park is as easy as it gets.
- By Car: Head west from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road past Memorial Arch. Once in Aireys, turn down Beach Road — the park is right by the community hall.
- By Bus: V/Line runs from Geelong to Lorne with a stop at Aireys Inlet; from there it’s a short walk.
- By Bike or Foot: The Surf Coast Walk passes nearby, from Anglesea to Aireys — perfect for active travellers.
Parking, water and shade. The skate facilities are wheelchair accessible, and dogs are allowed on leash.
And if you want more Aussie adventure down the coast, hit up Phillip Island Tours Australia — we’ve got the itineraries, local knowledge and dusty boots to make your trip roll.