How to get to Aireys Inlet
125 km from Melbourne via M1 to Geelong, Surf Coast Highway through Torquay, then the Great Ocean Road past Anglesea. Two hours, mostly highway.
The route from Melbourne
The drive from Melbourne to Aireys Inlet is straightforward. M1 west to Geelong (~1 hour), then continue south on the Surf Coast Highway (B100) through Torquay (~1.5 hours total). From Torquay, the Great Ocean Road takes you south through Anglesea (15 minutes) and then to Aireys Inlet (15 more minutes). Total: 125 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes direct.
Most travellers stop along the way at Bells Beach (6 km detour from Torquay) or in Anglesea for a coffee. Memorial Arch is 5 km south of Aireys Inlet — you'll pass under it just before arriving in town. Allow 2.5 hours total if you stop for the standard Surf Coast photo stops.
From Geelong itself, Aireys Inlet is 50 km / 50 minutes south. From Melbourne airport, allow an extra 30 minutes via the Western Ring Road.
Aireys Inlet distances
- Melbourne CBD → Aireys Inlet: 125 km, 1h 45min
- Geelong → Aireys Inlet: 50 km, 50 min
- Torquay → Aireys Inlet: 25 km, 30 min
- Anglesea → Aireys Inlet: 12 km, 15 min
- Aireys Inlet → Memorial Arch: 5 km, 5 min
- Aireys Inlet → Lorne: 12 km, 20 min
- Aireys Inlet → Apollo Bay: 60 km, 1h 20min
- Aireys Inlet → Twelve Apostles: 160 km, 3h direct
V/Line public transport
V/Line operates a regular train + coach service that stops at Aireys Inlet. Take the V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong (~1 hour), then connect to the Geelong–Apollo Bay coach which stops at Aireys Inlet en route. Total journey: about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Cost: AU$25–35 one way. Multiple services daily, fewer on Sundays. Book through vline.com.au or the V/Line app. Once in Aireys Inlet you're walking distance to the lighthouse, beach, and main strip — no car needed.
For onward travel south to Lorne and Apollo Bay, the same V/Line coach service continues. The Apollo Bay coach is the typical onward route for non-driver travellers continuing along the road.
In town
Aireys Inlet has uncomplicated parking. The Split Point Lighthouse has a dedicated free car park (~30 spaces). The main beach has free foreshore parking. The streets behind the strip are free. At peak summer the lighthouse car park can fill from late morning; arrive earlier or use the cliff-path walk from Stephens Beach.
EV charging in Aireys Inlet is limited — one Chargefox AC charger. The closest fast DC option is the Tesla Supercharger at Lorne (12 km south, 8 stalls). For EV travellers driving through, top up at Lorne rather than relying on Aireys Inlet's slower AC charging.
Getting to Aireys Inlet FAQs
- How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Aireys Inlet?
- About 1 hour 45 minutes for the 125 km drive via the M1 to Geelong, then south on the Surf Coast Highway through Torquay, then the Great Ocean Road past Anglesea. Add 30-60 minutes if you stop at Bells Beach or Memorial Arch. The drive is mostly highway with one winding section between Anglesea and Aireys.
- What's the best route from Melbourne to Aireys Inlet?
- M1 west out of Melbourne to Geelong, then south on the Surf Coast Highway (B100) through Torquay, then the Great Ocean Road through Anglesea to Aireys Inlet. Total: 125 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes. There's no faster alternative — this is the only sensible route.
- Can you take public transport from Melbourne to Aireys Inlet?
- Yes — V/Line operates a regular train + coach service. Take the V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong (~1 hour), then connect to the Geelong–Apollo Bay coach which stops at Aireys Inlet. Total journey about 2 hours 30 minutes. Cost AU$25–35 one way. Multiple services daily.
- Where can you park in Aireys Inlet?
- Most parking is free. The lighthouse has a free car park. The main beach has free foreshore parking. Side streets near the strip are mostly free. Even at peak summer, parking is rarely a problem in town — Aireys is small enough that walking distances are short.
- Are there EV charging stations in Aireys Inlet?
- Limited. One Chargefox AC charger near the visitor information area. Closest fast DC charging is at Lorne (12 km south, Tesla Supercharger 8 stalls) or Geelong (60 km north). For EV travellers heading further south on the road, top up at Lorne rather than relying on Aireys Inlet charging.
- How long is the drive from Aireys Inlet to Lorne?
- About 25 minutes / 12 km via the Great Ocean Road. The road runs along the coast, with multiple optional pull-offs for photos. Memorial Arch is between Aireys and Lorne (5 km south of Aireys) — you'll pass it on the way.
- Is the road from Melbourne to Aireys Inlet suitable for caravans?
- Yes. The M1 and Surf Coast Highway portions are easy. The Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Aireys has gentle bends and reasonable widths. Aireys Inlet Holiday Park accommodates caravans. The cliff section south of Aireys (toward Lorne) is more demanding but still caravan-friendly with care.