Relatives of mine live in one of the world’s magical spots. I may be exaggerating but that’s how it affects me. Aireys Inlet is on Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, about 120 kms north-west of Melbourne. I’ve been dumping myself on them periodically for years, to clear out the cobwebs of the city and take advantage of the cliffs, the beach, the trees and birds and the quietness of nature, not to mention the free accommodation and some very nice cooking.
You can just see the Split Point Lighthouse in the distance in this (admittedly terrible) photo. The minute I come round the corner and see it rising from the cliffs, I start to relax. It feels a bit like coming home. Interesting how some places have that effect on you.
Aireys is part of the Great Otway National Park, which features rugged coastlines, beaches, rock platforms and heathland, and in the north, tall forests, ferny gullies, waterfalls and lakes, pretty much all a bush walker would want. I’ve yet to explore the Otway forests. It’s on my list.
The cliff walk is my favourite thing. You can walk from the lighthouse in either direction for hours, taking in the scenery of Victoria’s southern coast.
Aireys, being on the Great Ocean Road, is a very touristy spot, but has somehow managed to retain its village feel. Houses are dotted in and out of the trees and along the hills overlooking the ocean, which keeps the foresty feel, and there is no large supermarket. Locals drive the short distance to Anglesea to do the major part of their shopping.
The inlet is a lovely safe spot for children to play. A sand bank often closes the entrance and has to be dug out to avoid flooding and to allow the water through to Painkalac Creek, which divides Aireys from Fairhaven.
The lighthouse dominates in all directions. Affectionately known as ‘The White Queen’, it has, along with its maritime duties, been the setting for the famous children’s television series, Round the Twist, and also MASTERCHEF. There are tours where you can climb to the top but they never seem to be happening when I’m there. Probably a good thing; I’m not sure I’d make it, but it would be a great view.
There’s a cave underneath the lighthouse. Friends of mine got married there. It was pretty atmospheric, with candles around all the little niches in the rock, and looking out toward the ocean.
A smaller cave next to it allows for some quiet contemplation away from the tourists.
Planning to the Nth 
What a beautiful spot!
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It’s pretty gorgeous right along the Great Ocean Road but Aireys Inlet is special in that it hasn’t lost its village feel. Cheers.
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Oh wow, this looks lovely!!! Love the cockatoo pictures!!!
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Thanks so much.
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Looks like a lovely place.
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Another great descriptive narrative Coral anc I think your photography skills are good enough to put into book form. I am loving traveling with you.
Coffee soon?
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Thanks so much, Penny, and just say the word.
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Aireys surpasses the more touristy Lorne and Anglesea. Great photos, Coral.
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Thanks a lot, Dom, though I love the way the little Anglesea shopping centre never seems to change, as well. That’s my toilet stop on the way through.
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It’s so great to have relatives like that! The scenery is just gorgeous.
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Thanks, Dee. Now I just need relatives in London, Paris, Dublin, Rome, St. Petersburg and Petra. Cheers.
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Don’t we all!
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I agree, it’s a magical part of Victoria. I’ll never forget many years ago we stayed in a light keepers cottage at the lighthouse. Thanks for the memories.
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I’ve only taken the Great Ocean Road a couple of times. Your post reminds me it’s time to do it again.
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We used to visit here a lot when we lived in Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is stunning – you’re lucky to have relatives who live there!
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Sure am, Rosemary.
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The place is so soothing and those pristine waters are beautiful!
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It’s a gorgeous place, for sure.
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What a wonderful part of the World! I understand there is a multi-day walking trail along the coastline somewhere in that region and it is high on the bucket list once the borders open again! Thanks for sharing. Mel
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It’s a beautiful spot, Mel, for sure. I love it down there. The Great Ocean Walk goes from The Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell along to Apollo Bay. Cheers. Coral.
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Nice to meet you Coral 😎
This place looks beautiful and will add it to my list next time I’m in Melbourne visiting my son. Hopefully next year when we are allowed out of WA
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