{"id":3906,"date":"2023-09-02T07:58:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-02T07:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/?p=3906"},"modified":"2024-03-19T09:23:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T09:23:04","slug":"things-to-do-aireys-inlet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/things-to-do-aireys-inlet\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Wonderful Things to Do in Aireys Inlet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aireys Inlet is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours on the Great Ocean Road: with Torquay<\/a>, Anglesea<\/a>, and Lorne all within a half-hour drive, many visitors overlook the charms of this lovely little coastal town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All I can say is, don’t be tempted to make the same mistake. Whether you’re just driving through enroute to the 12 Apostles<\/a> or looking for somewhere to spend a night or two, Aireys Inlet has an awful lot to offer, without the crowds or commercialisation of more well-known spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From stunning clifftop walkways to famous landmarks, craft breweries and distilleries to beautiful beaches, mini golf to bunyip-spotting, there’s plenty keep both kids and adults entertained. Throw in some great places to eat and drink, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect holiday spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what’s you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Surf or Stroll at Fairhaven Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Fairhaven Beach, Aireys Inlet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fairhaven Beach is the longest stretch of sand along the entire Great Ocean Road, and you’ll find it just west of Aireys Inlet. Dangerous rips and currents mean its only suited to experienced swimmers, but its very popular with surfers, with waves averaging around 1.5m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a surf lifesaving club at the eastern end of the beach, which is manned throughout the summer holidays and at weekends until Easter. That’s a good place to leave the car, since there isn’t much in the way of roadside parking along much of the rest of the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a lovely spot to just go for a wander, with or without a canine companion: it’s dog-friendly, and you’ll often see locals being taken for a walk along the sand by their very good boys and girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s an easy stroll there from town, about 2km from Split Point lighthouse (below) to the lifesaving club, where you can choose to turn around or keep going as far as you like. Food, toilets, and outdoor showers are available there, but nowhere else along the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Or Chill Out on Sunnymead<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sunnymead Beach, Aireys Inlet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re after a beach that’s a bit more family friendly, you’ve got plenty of options there as well. There are several lovely stretches of sand right alongside each other just east of town, but my pick would be Sunnymead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easternmost of Aireys Inlet’s beaches, it’s comparatively quiet even in summer, and the perfect place to while away a few hours in the sun. Park at the end of Boundary Road and walk 150m or so down some stairs and a dirt path to the beach: there’s a good chance you’ll have a big patch of sand all to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eroding sandstone cliffs behind the beach are particularly attractive in the morning light, glowing orange as the light hits them and then changing colour throughout the day. Once the kids tire of working on their tans and splashing around in the waves, there’s a small cave to explore at the eastern end of the beach, along with several rock pools to keep them occupied at low tide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Take In the Views From Urquhart Bluff<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Urquhart Bluff sticks out prominently at end of Guvvos Beach, a long stretch of sand that ultimately ends up on the outskirts of Anglesea. It’s a ruggedly beautiful piece of the coastline, and the best way to take it all in is to stop at the lookout on the cliff above the western end of the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beach itself is also known as Urquhart Bluff at this point, and you’ll see signs for the carpark for it if you’re coming from the east. Keep going just a bit further, slow down, and keep your eyes peeled for a small carpark on the left: that’s the lookout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now that’s how you do an information board!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the impressive stone sign shown above, complete with a raised 3D map and plenty of information about nearby geographical features and the construction of the Great Ocean Road itself. Take a couple of minutes to read it all: it’s worth the effort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’re done with that, wander a few metres further and admire the extensive views out to the west. I’ve seen lifesavers training in the breakers at the foot of the cliff there in the past, but much of the time, it’s just empty sand and raging surf as far as the eye can see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stretch Your Legs on the Surf Coast Walk<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The lovely Surf Coast Walk with the Split Point lighthouse in the distance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Surf Coast Walk<\/a> is a stunning 44km path that runs from Fairhaven, just west of Aireys Inlet, to Point Impossible, a few kilometres east of Torquay. It’s possible to walk the whole thing in a day if you’re a lunatic, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I split it up with a night in Anglesea when I did it, and that made it a lot more enjoyable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail runs directly along the coast in Aireys Inlet, straight past the lighthouse and Eagle Rock: you’ll see signs for it at various points, but if you’re on a trail beside the ocean anywhere around there, it’s highly likely that you’re on the Surf Coast Walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have the time or motivation to tackle the whole thing, there are several lovely individual sections as well. There aren’t really any loop options, so at least for the longer walks, you may want to get someone to drop you off or pick you up at either end. If not, just start in Aireys Inlet and walk until you feel like turning around, wherever that happens to be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below I’ve listed a few of my favourite sections that start or finish in Aireys Inlet, with links to the AllTrails maps for easier navigation. One of them is an out-and-back route, the other two are one-way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n