Anglesea to Aireys Inlet Walk

This is a 13.4 km point-to-point walk from Anglesea Riverbank through Anglesea, along beaches and coastal scrub, finishing at Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. Allow about four hours, plus stops and tide planning, and arrange a pickup or shuttle before you start. You may see a shorter 10 km town-to-town figure in older route information; this description follows the longer current sections to the lighthouse. The walk starts gently, but soft sand and the rugged middle make it a moderate day out.

From the Anglesea River, a formed track climbs above the township before descending to Point Roadknight. Turn back at the bluff for the wide view over the river, town and coast. Then comes about 4.5 km of beach walking to Urquhart Bluff. It is a long, open stretch on soft sand and is best at low tide, so check the tide times before setting out.

Beyond Urquhart Bluff, the Surf Coast Walk threads through rugged coastal bush toward Sunnymead. This is the stage’s roughest section, with uneven track, rugged steps and sandy patches; the reward is a secluded cove and remnants of the original Great Ocean Road beside the path. Give your feet a break before this stretch if you have spent hours on the beach.

From Sunnymead, a narrow, well-made path with gentle hills moves between beach, bush and Aireys Inlet. The lighthouse end brings land’s-edge views. Listen for Rufous Bristlebirds in the low coastal scrub; small marsupials are also noted here. For a wide coastal photo, stop on the bluff above Point Roadknight and look back across Anglesea River and the ocean.

Anglesea Riverbank is the start and Split Point Lighthouse is the finish, so this is not a loop. Cafes, dining and BBQs are near the Anglesea River at the start, not along the beach section. Full-stage parking and return transport details were not established, so arrange your lift or shuttle in Aireys before setting off. Wear sturdy closed shoes, stay back from cliff edges, and avoid the walk during a Total Fire Ban. Dogs are allowed on a lead; off-lead trials are confined to marked beach zones and may have seasonal restrictions.