Aireys Inlet – Lighthouse, Marine Sanctuary and Trails

Aireys Inlet offers several very different reasons to explore the coast: Split Point Lighthouse and its views, a marine sanctuary for snorkelling and scuba diving, and trails ranging from short walks to the long Surf Coast Walk. There is also a wetland reserve in the town centre. So when planning your trip, the main thing to consider is which of these experiences you would like to focus on.

Lighthouse and sea from different perspectives

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 therefore combines the lighthouse itself with a wide-ranging coastal view. If this lookout is part of your plans, be sure to take its weather-dependent opening into account.

Below the lighthouse is the 17-hectare Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. The marine sanctuary is suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving. These two water activities are the focus here, while climbing the lighthouse offers a view from above. If you choose Aireys Inlet for a holiday, you can take these different perspectives on the coast into account when deciding where to stay.

Walking trails and a longer hike

For a manageable walk, there is the Distillery Creek Nature Walk: the clearly marked interpretive trail is 2 kilometres long, rated easy and suitable for prams. These specific trail features are particularly useful when choosing an activity if you are travelling with a pram. Its length can also be compared directly with the other routes mentioned, without needing to estimate how long the walk will take.

Walking trails start at Split Point Lighthouse in the Split Point Lighthouse Precinct. They range in length from 300 metres to 2 kilometres.

The Surf Coast Walk is a much longer option. The 44-kilometre trail passes through Aireys Inlet. Its total length clearly sets it apart from the walking trails of 300 metres to 2 kilometres and the 2-kilometre Distillery Creek Nature Walk.

A wetland 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, beside the Bark Hut. This adds a different type of landscape to the coastal and walking-trail themes. Its exact location helps you place the sanctuary within the town: it is between the two landmarks mentioned and right beside the Bark Hut.

When looking for a holiday rental in Aireys Inlet, you can use your preferred experiences to help you choose a holiday destination: do you want to focus on the lighthouse and its coastal views, are you interested in activities at the Marine Sanctuary, or would you like to include walking trails and the Surf Coast Walk? These are different priorities to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

More destinations: Dinner Plain, Cowes, Noojee, Beaufort, Timboon, Flowerdale, Bethanga, Bridgewater On Loddon.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.