Aireys Inlet: One of My Favourite Stretches of the Surf Coast
I've driven through Aireys Inlet more times than I can count, and I still slow down every single time I hit that stretch of coast. There's something about the way the lighthouse sits above the cliffs, the way the Painkalac Creek winds out to the beach, the way the light hits the water in the late afternoon. It never gets old. As a photographer based in Geelong, the Surf Coast is my backyard, and Aireys Inlet is one of those spots I keep coming back to with my camera.
If you're planning a visit or just want to remember a place you already love, here's my local guide to things to do in Aireys Inlet, plus how to bring a bit of it home.
Walk Out to the Split Point Lighthouse
This is the obvious one, but for good reason. The Split Point Lighthouse is an icon, and the walk out to it along the cliff tops is genuinely one of the best short walks on the Surf Coast. You get big views back over the inlet and down the coast toward Anglesea. I've shot from up here on still mornings when the ocean is glassy and the light is coming in from the east. It's the kind of place where you take about 300 photos and somehow still feel like you didn't get it quite right.
The lighthouse area is also very accessible, great for families, dogs on leads, and anyone who doesn't want a full day hike.
Swim at Aireys Inlet Beach
The main beach at Aireys Inlet sits just inside the mouth of Painkalac Creek. It's patrolled in summer and calm enough for young kids in the shallower sections near the creek. If you want waves, the beach further along gets a bit more action. It's not Bells Beach, but it's a lovely place to spend a few hours without the crowds you'd find in Torquay or Anglesea on a hot day.
Explore the Great Ocean Road Itself
Aireys Inlet sits at a beautiful section of the Great Ocean Road, and driving or cycling the road here is genuinely worth doing slowly. Stop at every lookout. The cliff views between Aireys and Fairhaven are some of the best on the whole road, and they're often overlooked because everyone is rushing toward Lorne. If you haven't been to Lorne yet, our guide to things to do in Lorne is worth a read before you head further along the coast.
Grab Coffee and Stay a While
Aireys Inlet has a small main strip with a solid cafe scene for a town its size. Grab a coffee, sit outside, and watch the world go by. The pace here is exactly what you come to the Surf Coast for. There are also some good spots for a meal if you're making a full day of it. It's the kind of town where you plan to stop for half an hour and end up staying until sunset.
Take the Coast Home
A lot of people who visit Aireys Inlet fall a bit in love with it. I completely understand why. And a lot of them want something to remind them of that trip once they're back home. That's exactly why I shoot here. My Aireys Inlet Art Print I starts from $89 and comes in a range of sizes and framing options, from unframed through to a fully framed print ready to hang. If you're after something for the living room wall, the classic framed print is the most popular choice. It's solid timber, printed on 250gsm art paper with giclee archival inks, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
If you've got a bright room with lots of natural light, the floating frame canvas is worth considering. It uses a 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre museum quality canvas and has no glass at all, so there are zero reflections no matter where you hang it. Sizes run from XS (21x29.7cm) right up to EPIC (100x150cm), which is 1.5 metres wide and genuinely impressive on a large wall.
If you're after something from elsewhere on the Surf Coast, check out the Bells Beach Art Print I or have a browse through the full range. And if you're not sure which size suits your wall, our size guide for coastal living rooms is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Aireys Inlet?
Aireys Inlet has a good mix of things for a small town. The Split Point Lighthouse walk is the most popular attraction, and the beach is patrolled in summer for safe swimming. The Great Ocean Road runs right through town, so the cliff top views and scenic drives are a big part of the experience. There are also cafes and a relaxed main strip if you want to slow down and stay a while.
Is Aireys Inlet worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you're driving the Great Ocean Road and want a quieter alternative to the bigger stops. Aireys Inlet has a lot of character for its size and doesn't get as crowded as Lorne or Anglesea on peak weekends. The lighthouse, the creek mouth, and the cliff top views make it genuinely worth stopping for more than just a quick photo.
Where can I buy Aireys Inlet wall art?
Local Breaks has an Aireys Inlet Art Print shot personally by Geelong photographer Sam Piasente. Prints start from $89 and are available unframed or in a range of classic and shadow box framed options. All orders include free shipping Australia-wide and are printed and shipped from Victoria.
What size wall art works best for a coastal living room?
For most living rooms, an L (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print makes a strong impact without overwhelming the space. If you have a large feature wall, the EPIC size (100x150cm) is a genuinely impressive statement piece. For a more detailed breakdown, the Local Breaks size guide has practical advice based on wall dimensions and room type.
Aireys Inlet is one of those places that stays with you. If you've been, you know. And if you want it on your wall, I'd love to help you find the right print.
