Trail summary

5,270 Total views

11km

Length:

3 hrs

Duration:

Grade:

Circuit

Style:

Max elevation: 56m

Min elevation: 3m

Elevation gain: 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

Quick overview: Discover the stunning beauty of the Aireys Inlet Cliffs hike, an 11km Grade 3 circuit trail located near the charming coastal hamlet of Aireys Inlet. This moderate hike, perfect for intermediate bushwalkers, traverses the picturesque landscape between Urquhart Bluff and Split Point Lighthouse, offering breathtaking coastal views, colourful cliff panoramas, rock pools, and the diverse terrain of the Great Otway National Park. Don't miss the chance to further explore the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary's sub tidal rock platform at Steppy beach, accessible at low tide.

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

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Reviews

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.

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

Download file: Aireys-Inlet-Cliffs.gpx

Getting there

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

How to get to 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.

Directions on Google Maps

Photo gallery

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Aireys Inlet or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.

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.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)

1 Review 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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Aireys Inlet Cliffs Hike (11km)