Things to do in Aireys Inlet, Victoria

The best things to do in Aireys Inlet, Victoria, include horse-riding on Fairhaven Beach, a woodland walk from Painkalac Dam and visiting the Split Point Lighthouse.

Aireys Inlet, Victoria, is one of the lower key towns on the Great Ocean Road, often overlooked in favour of Lorne or Apollo Bay. But Aireys Inlet is home to an Australian icon.

The Split Point lighthouse was made famous by quirky children’s TV show Round The Twist. The show finished a long time ago, but it gained something of a cult following. The Split Point lighthouse is open for tours.

The Round The Twist Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road — The Split Point Lighthouse – aka the Round The Twist Lighthouse – is in Aireys Inlet, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria

Things to do in Aireys Inlet, Victoria: Beaches and horse-riding

Other things to do in Aireys Inlet, as you might expect from a Great Ocean Road town, include getting some quality beach time. There are a few beaches to choose from, but Sandy Gully Beach and Sunnymead Beach are arguably the most attractive.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

Fairhaven Beach, however, is the destination for Blazing Saddles’ horse-riding tours. The 2.5 hour beach riding tours include both walking and trotting along the sand. They’re suitable for reasonably confident beginners, but not first-timers. Blazing Saddles also offers beach and bush riding tours for more experienced riders, but the standard beach ride costs $150 per person.

You’re hard-pressed to find a bad spot along the coast in Aireys Inlet, though. The coastal edge of the town, whether cliffs or beach, is mostly part of the Lorne-Queenscliff Coastal Reserve.

Things to do in Aireys Inlet, Victoria: Allen Noble Sanctuary and Painkalac Dam

Away from the coast, however, there are a few other attractions in Aireys Inlet. These include the Allen Noble Sanctuary, Painkalac Dam and the Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery.

The Allen Noble Sanctuary is essentially a picnic spot, with a boardwalk for watching the birdlife. Painkalac Dam, meanwhile, is the start point for a 5km walk through the woodland of the Great Otway National Park.

Aireys Inlet attractions: Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery and Great Ocean Road Mini Golf

The Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery hosts exhibitions, and a range of artworks from glass art to prints and jewellery. If that’s a little too highbrow for you, plump for a Salt Brewing Co beer at Aireys Pub or a testing round at Great Ocean Road Mini Golf.

Cheap Aireys Inlet accommodation is available at the Big 4 Aireys Inlet caravan park.

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