Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

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    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

    Great Otway National Park

    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are framed by the natural splendor of the Great Otway National Park. Experience stunning coastal vistas, lush valleys, wild oceans, breathtaking coastal cliffs, waterfalls and tall eucalypt forest. Surf the iconic swells of Bells Beach, discover the delicate kaleidoscope of wildflowers in the heathlands of Anglesea, or snorkel and dive off Point Addis.

    Spring wildflowers are spectacular in the heathlands around Anglesea which are the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria. Discover them for yourself as the heathland erupts in springtime in vibrant colour.

    Moggs Creek is one of the many beautiful places in the park. Picnic, bushwalk, and explore the surrounds on Ocean View Track and its magnificent vista over the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven and the ocean. Distillery Creek Picnic Area is another great picnic area with wood barbecues, tables, flushing toilets and linked nature walks and cycle trail. Shared pathways provide many opportunities for walking and cycling in this section of Great Otway National Park.

    Try the more challenging walk or cycle offered on the 12km shared trail, Currawong Falls Circuit which starts from the Distillery Creek Picnic Area. The small and delicate Currawong Falls do not flow often and are at their best after heavy rain.

    The Ironbark Basin to Anglesea section of the Surf Coast Walk is your chance to immerse yourself in nature. Pass by spectacular cliff tops, wind-swept heathlands and views of Anglesea and learn about the Traditional Owners and their ongoing and active connection to Country as you explore the Koori Cultural Walk and Ironbark Basin Circuit.

    Surfers frequent a variety of beaches along this coastline including the world-famous Bells Beach and Addiscot Beach.

    Point Addis Marine National Park is located in a spectacularly scenic area with wide sandy beaches. A staggering diversity of marine life live in the park’s coast and outer reefs. In calm weather and at low tide visitors can explore rock pools, dive and snorkel to explore the magnificent underwater world. Snorkelling is good at Jarosite and Ingoldsby Reef. Addiscot Beach is a great location for rock pooling at low tide.

    Hammonds Campground is located 12km inland from Aireys Inlet and is the ideal location for wildlife viewing and relaxation.

    As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Anglesea and Aireys Inlet is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do

     
    A path leads through tents at Hammond Road Campground Great Otway National Park

    Hammonds Campground

    Hammonds Campground is located 12km inland from Aireys Inlet in a natural bush setting. Relax at camp and enjoy the company of kangaroos and other native wildlife or explore one of the many walking and bike riding trails in the area.
    A view of the beach from the lookout on Moggs Creek Circuit Track.

    Moggs Creek

    Moggs Creek is one of the many beautiful places in the park to picnic. After enjoying a picnic, stretch your legs on the Moggs Creek Circuit (distance: 1.8km, 30 mins), an interesting walk that follows the creek down through the valley and then climbs to a vantage point over the creeks fern-lined banks before returning to the picnic area.
    A family walks up a set of wooden stairs on the Surf Coast Walk.

    Surf Coast Walk

    The 44km Surf Coast Walk is an adventure that boasts total immersion in nature and the sanctuary of coastal villages within easy reach along the way.

    How to get there

    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

    Nestled approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet sit on the eastern edges of Great Otway National Park. If you are travelling from Melbourne, follow the Princes Freeway towards Geelong. At Waurn Ponds, take Anglesea Road which merges into the iconic Great Ocean Road.

    A bus service runs between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay, connecting with regional train services train services to Melbourne. Visit the PTV website for more information on buses and trains that connect to this part of Great Otway National Park.
    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

    When you're there

    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are nestled on the eastern edges of Great Otway National Park. Among stunning coastal vistas, heathland and tall eucalypt forests brimming with koalas and native birds, there is so much to explore on land and in the water. Download the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet visitor guide for more information about this part of Great Otway National Park.

    When to go

    Surf, explore rockpools or snorkel at one of the many popular beaches in this Point Addis area of the Great Ocean Road.

    Need to know

    Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Great Otway National Park

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

      Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

      A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
       
      For Great Otway National Park this includes:
      • Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
      • The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
      This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
       
      Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
       
      To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

    • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

      Aire River West campground- winter site closures

      Due to wet conditions sites 17 to 40 (known as "the flats") at the Aire river West campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. 

    • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

      Aire River East Campground - winter closure

      Due to unseasonably wet weather the Aire River East campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. Site are available at the Aire west campground

    • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

      Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

    • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

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