Major city · Australia
Aireys Inlet
Give Aireys Inlet one night, two at most: the lighthouse tour, a beach walk and a pub meal fill a day; it is a Great Ocean Road stop, not a base.
Aireys Inlet is a small Great Ocean Road town of about 700 people between Anglesea and Lorne, known for the Split Point Lighthouse and the cliffs at Eagle Rock. Most travellers see it in half a day on the drive; one night lets you walk the beach and eat without rushing. There is no train, so you arrive by car or the V/Line coach that runs along the coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (wet, cold, many places shut midweek)
- Airports
- AVV · MEL
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Aireys Inlet000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- VicEmergency (incidents and warnings)1800 226 226
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Aireys Inlet, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA very safe small town; the real risks are surf and rips on unpatrolled beaches, unfenced cliff edges, and wildlife on the road at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 1800 226 226 VicEmergency (incidents and warnings)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAVV Avalon (Melbourne) (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Princes Highway and Anglesea; no direct public transport to Aireys Inlet.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car for almost everything; the town is spread along the Great Ocean Road with no local bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfastA$18–28 (≈ US$12–19)
- Beerschooner at the pub / six-pack at the storeA$9–13 (≈ US$6–9)A$20–26 (≈ US$14–18)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AVV Avalon (Melbourne) (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Princes Highway and Anglesea; no direct public transport to Aireys Inlet.) · MEL Melbourne Tullamarine (About 2 h by car; or train to Geelong then the V/Line coach along the coast.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Aireys Inlet: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car for almost everything; the town is spread along the Great Ocean Road with no local bus. The V/Line coach between Geelong and Apollo Bay (part of the Warrnambool service) stops in the centre and near Bambra Road, roughly four times a day on weekdays and twice a day at weekends (check). Walking works for the lighthouse, the beach and the pub if you sleep in the centre.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lorne
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive west on the Great Ocean Road, about 20 min; or the V/Line coach
Bigger town with the pier, cafés and the Erskine Falls turn-off; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 15 min
Drive east on the Great Ocean Road, about 10 min
River mouth, golf club kangaroos and a surf beach; good on the way in or out.
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive east via Anglesea, about 35 min
Surf shops and Bells Beach; pairs with a Geelong run.
Door to door: 1–1.25 h
Drive west through Lorne, about 1 h; or the V/Line coach
Good lunch stop and the gateway to the Otways and Cape Otway.
Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive west via Apollo Bay and Princetown, about 2 h
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay.
Colac
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive inland via Deans Marsh, about 45 min
A service town and lake; only worth it if you are heading inland anyway.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre, Great Ocean Road
Walk to the cafés, the general store and the beach track; the motel and most rentals sit here.
Near the lighthouse and Bambra Road
Quieter, a short drive or 15–20 min walk from the shops; the western coach stop is here.
Fairhaven and Eastern View
Neighbouring hamlets 5–10 min west; more holiday houses, surf beach at Fairhaven.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 1 night × A$220 | A$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$170 | A$340 |
| V/Line coach Geelong → Aireys Inlet, one way2 × A$12 | A$24 |
| Split Point Lighthouse guided tour2 × A$15 | A$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$66 |
| Trip total≈ A$365 per person per day, bed included | A$730≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Café breakfast | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pub main (parma, fish and chips) | A$26–38 (≈ US$18–25) |
| Beer: schooner at the pub / six-pack at the store | A$9–13 (≈ US$6–9) / A$20–26 (≈ US$14–18) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train and no local bus: without a car, plan around the coach timetable.
- Swimming is unpatrolled at Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven outside summer; surf and rips are real.
- Cliff edges at Eagle Rock and the lighthouse are unfenced in places: stay back from the lip.
- Many cafés and the pub run shorter hours or close midweek in winter (check).
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the gullies behind town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- VicEmergency (incidents and warnings)
- 1800 226 226
Pocket card
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Aireys InletAireys Inlet
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- VicEmergency (incidents and warnings)1800 226 226
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates-general are in Melbourne (about 2 h by car).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- V/Line coach Geelong → Aireys Inlet: about A$12 (≈ US$8) one way, about 1 h
- V/Line coach Aireys Inlet → Apollo Bay: about A$12 (≈ US$8) one way, about 1 h
- Lighthouse guided tour: about A$15 (≈ US$10), 45 min
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- Is it patrolled here? — Is it OK to swim here?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
No train and no local bus: check the V/Line coach times before you commit to a car-free visit.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Aireys Inlet. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (wet, cold, many places shut midweek) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Coach-timetable contract for the Geelong–Apollo Bay V/Line service: last departures field-checked, taxi fallback, no-car rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre and beach, lighthouse and Eagle Rock.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Split Point Lighthouse tour times, general store, pub kitchen) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter midweek and summer peak fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Aireys Inlet
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