Discover Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet offers several ways to experience the coast: from the top of Split Point Lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline; just below lies Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. There are also various walking trails, and Allen Noble Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in the town centre. This means you can factor views, activities in the water and different natural areas into your travel plans.

Split Point Lighthouse and the coastal views

Split Point Lighthouse is open for tours daily, weather permitting. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy a 360-degree view of the coast. A visit combines a specific activity—the climb—with a clear scenic experience. If you enjoy looking out over the coast from above, this spot provides a distinct focal point for your stay. Keep the weather caveat in mind when planning your climb.

Snorkelling and scuba diving at Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary

Below Split Point Lighthouse lies the 17-hectare Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, which is suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving. Here, the coast is not just a panorama but also a place for activities in the water. This offers a different way to explore than climbing the lighthouse, helping you choose between views from above and underwater activities according to your interests.

Walking trails and a longer route

The trails also vary in length and character. The walking trails in the Split Point Lighthouse Precinct start at the lighthouse and range from 300 metres to two kilometres. The Distillery Creek Nature Walk is two kilometres long, clearly marked and interpretive. It is easy and suitable for prams. For the lighthouse trails, the focus is on the range of lengths; additional details given for the Distillery Creek Nature Walk include its signage, character, difficulty and suitability for prams. This helps you distinguish between the trails based on the features specified.

The 44-kilometre Surf Coast Walk also passes through Aireys Inlet. Its total length is on a different scale from the walking trails at the lighthouse and the Distillery Creek Nature Walk: the walking options here range from short routes to a considerably longer trail. Its length and route through Aireys Inlet give you a clear point of reference when comparing different walking options for your trip.

Allen Noble Sanctuary in the town centre

Allen Noble Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in the town centre. It lies between the Great Ocean Road and the Painkalac Creek Estuary, right next to the Bark Hut. These landmarks help you locate the reserve in town. Together with Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, it represents two different natural areas: a marine sanctuary below the lighthouse and a protected wetland in the centre. If you choose your outings by landscape type rather than just by activity, this difference is a useful point of reference.

When deciding whether to stay in Aireys Inlet, consider whether coastal views, activities in the water, or walking trails and natural areas should be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wye River, Elsternwick, Lysterfield South, Rheola, Cosgrove, Alma, Mansfield, Chelsea.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.