Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the stunning coastal charm of Victoria with the 11km Aireys Inlet Cliffs hike. Starting and ending at Urquhart Bluff car park, near the quaint town of Aireys Inlet, this Grade 3 trail is a short drive from Melbourne. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of the Great Otway National Park, colourful cliffs, and the iconic Split Point Lighthouse. Enjoy spectacular coastal views, explore fascinating rock pools, and visit the serene Steppy beach. Ideal for a moderate-level bushwalk with a touch of seaside beauty.

Length:

11km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 56m

Min elevation: 3m

Total Ascent: 285m

Start: Urquhart Bluff car park

End: Urquhart Bluff car park

Aireys Inlet

Victoria

Nearby town: Aireys Inlet

From state capital: 120km

Latitude: -38.436051

Longitude: 144.130765

Overview

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6,300 views

Hike overview

The Aireys Inlet Cliffs hike follows the beaches and rock shelves between Urquhart Bluff and Split Point Lighthouse. The Lighthouse dominates the landscape on the approach to Aireys Inlet, a gorgeous coastal hamlet where the familiar curves of the Great Ocean Road and dramatic nature of the Great Otway National Park begin. This trail provides excellent walking and wonderful coastal views at low tide. Rock formations, colourful cliffs, clifftop panoramas, rock pools and coastal heath-land all provide contrast and variety along this very scenic section of coastline.

From the Lighthouse you can walk along another 200m to the picturesque Steppy beach, where at low tide you can access the sub tidal rock platform of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)

Total distance: 11334 m
Max elevation: 56 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 285 m
Total descent: -283 m

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Aireys Inlet.

Drive to Anglesea. From Anglesea follow the Great Ocean Road towards Aireys Inlet. About 6.5 kilometres past Point Roadknight, turn left onto the gravel road leading to the Urquhart Bluff car park. Leave cars here. Alternatively you can commence this hike at the Split Point Lighthouse.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Aireys Inlet is a small coastal inlet and town located on the Great Ocean Road, southwest of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Aireys Inlet is located between Anglesea and Lorne, and joined with Fairhaven to the west. Many surfers holiday in Aireys Inlet to take advantage of the popular Fairhaven beach.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Anglesea, Eastern View, Fairhaven, Lorne, Moggs Creek

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Aireys Inlet? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)

9 Reviews on “Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)”

Overall rating

Greg Ryan

Nice easy walk from Urquhart Bluff to Aireys and back. The cafe at the lighthouse provided good coffee and food before the return leg.

05/05/2022, 15:15

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Tayla Gobbo

Adeline Dickson

24/03/2022, 05:16

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1. Marion Kloos
  
  And great food a the lighthouse cafe in Aireys… Such an awesome day out!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)