Day-trip ideas
Things to do near Aireys Inlet
The lighthouse and Eagle Rock are in town, Memorial Arch is 5 minutes north, and Lorne is 25 minutes south. The quietest Surf Coast town with major attractions on either side.
Top things to do near Aireys Inlet
Split Point Lighthouse
1891 'White Queen' tower tour and cliff walk.
In town · walkMemorial Arch
Wooden gateway marking the road's start.
5 km · 5 minAnglesea kangaroos
Wild kangaroos at the golf course fairways.
12 km · 15 minBells Beach
Australia's most famous surf break.
20 km · 22 minLorne foreshore
Pretty beach town with pier and cafés.
12 km · 25 minErskine Falls
30-metre Otway waterfall behind Lorne.
22 km · 35 min Frequently asked
Things to do near Aireys Inlet FAQs
- What can you do near Aireys Inlet?
- Split Point Lighthouse and Eagle Rock cliff walk (in town), Memorial Arch (5 min north), Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos (15 min north), Bells Beach (20 min north), Lorne and the Erskine Falls (30 min south). The lighthouse town's quiet character contrasts with the busy attractions on either side.
- How far is Aireys Inlet from Lorne?
- 12 km / about 25 minutes south via the Great Ocean Road. The drive is one of the most scenic stretches of the Surf Coast — narrow cliff-side road with ocean views the whole way.
- What's special about Aireys Inlet?
- Split Point Lighthouse (the famous 'White Queen' on the headland), the Round the Twist filming locations, the Eagle Rock cliff walk, A La Grecque restaurant — Aireys Inlet packs big character into a small town. The surrounding day trips fill out the experience.
- Can you walk the Surf Coast Walk from Aireys Inlet?
- Yes — Aireys Inlet sits at the western end of the official 44 km Surf Coast Walk. Day sections include Aireys to Anglesea (16 km one-way, fit walkers' standard day) and shorter cliff-top circuits around Split Point itself.
- Are there family activities near Aireys Inlet?
- Yes. The Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos (15 min north) are the family standout. Bells Beach cliff-top is family-accessible. Lorne pier walk and Erskine Falls' upper viewpoint suit families. Avoid: Eagle Rock cliff walk has unguarded edges; the Erskine Falls 230-step descent is hard with very young kids.
- How long should you stay near Aireys Inlet?
- 1-2 days minimum to see the lighthouse and one or two surrounding attractions. The town itself fills 90 minutes; the surrounding day trips can fill 2-3 days at a relaxed pace.
- Is Aireys Inlet a good base?
- For travellers who want quiet character with major attractions nearby — yes. For travellers wanting a livelier base with more restaurants and amenities — Lorne (12 min south) is the better choice. The trade-off is between Aireys' character and Lorne's variety.