Heritage lighthouse cottages, boutique cliff-side stays, holiday rentals, and a foreshore caravan park — the quieter Surf Coast accommodation alternative to Lorne.
Aireys Inlet has perhaps a tenth of the rooms that Torquay or Lorne offers — but what's available is generally high-quality and character-driven. The town deliberately limits new development, so the accommodation here skews toward heritage cottages, boutique B&Bs, and well-maintained holiday rentals rather than chain hotels or resort complexes.
That makes booking ahead more important than in larger towns. The standout stays — Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, Aireys Cliff Side, the better cliff-street holiday rentals — book out 6+ months in advance for summer weekends. The trade-off for that scarcity is privacy, quiet, and the rare experience of staying somewhere that hasn't been over-developed.
Below is the full breakdown by tier. For travellers who can't get into Aireys Inlet, the natural fallback is Lorne 12 km south, which has dramatically more rooms across all tiers.
Split Point Lighthouse · Heritage stay
Restored 19th-century cottages at the actual lighthouse precinct. Self-contained, sleep up to 6, with original features and modern fit-out. The most atmospheric stay on the Surf Coast — you have the lighthouse to yourself after day visitors leave.
From AU$420/night, weekend-minimums in summer.
Cliff streets · Modern apartments
Modern 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with headland views and full kitchens. Walking distance to the lighthouse and the main strip. Best for couples and small families who want apartment-style accommodation with character.
From AU$280/night midweek, AU$520+ summer weekends.
Premium holiday rental · 4 bedrooms
Premium beachfront private rental sleeping up to 8. Full kitchen, multiple living spaces, ocean-facing decks. Best for groups of 6+ on multi-night stays.
From AU$650/night, often weekly minimums.
Inlet Crescent and surrounds
A handful of premium private rentals on the headland streets. Big homes, ocean views, full kitchens, garaging. Best for: groups of 4+, multi-day stays.
From AU$380/night for 3BR.
B&B
Small boutique B&B with character rooms and home-cooked breakfasts. Walking distance to the cliff and the main strip. Suits couples wanting a more personal stay than chain accommodation.
From AU$220/night, breakfast included.
Foreshore · Caravan park
The town's main caravan park, on the foreshore. Powered and unpowered sites, range of cabins from basic to deluxe. Family-friendly, dog-friendly sections. Direct beach access.
Sites AU$45–95, cabins from AU$170.
Mid-range private rentals
Multiple 2-3 bedroom holiday rentals on the residential streets. Full kitchens, gardens, parking. Best value for families and groups of 4–6.
From AU$220/night for 2BR.
12 km south · More options
If Aireys Inlet is fully booked (common in summer), Lorne sits 12 km south with dramatically more accommodation. You can stay in Lorne and day-trip to Aireys for the lighthouse and cliff walk.
