The Great Ocean Road – Aireys Inlet

February 7, 2019
Eagle Rock

This is Part 3 of our Melbourne and Great Ocean Road road trip that went from 22 – 30 November 2018.

So far I’ve covered our 2 nights in Melbourne and a quick stop off at Torquay and Bells Beach on our drive to Lorne where we will be staying the night.  This post covers our stop and explore of Aireys Inlet and Split Point Lighthouse.

Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet is a gorgeous coastal hamlet, located between Anglesea and Lorne, where the familiar curves of the Great Ocean Road and dramatic nature of the Great Otway National Park begins.

All photos within this post were taken with my iPhone.

Beach at Aireys Inlet

Beach at Aireys Inlet

Beach at Aireys Inlet

Beach at Aireys Inlet

Sign for Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary

Pathway to Split Point Lighthouse

Split Point Lighthouse

The Split Point Lighthouse construction started in late 1890 and the lighthouse was illuminated in September 1891.  Originally called Eagles Nest Point, it was renamed Split Point in 1913. It is a cement-rendered concrete and crushed rock tower, however the original drawings show that it was intended to be constructed of stone.

The ‘White Queen’ as she is affectionately known is a welcome sight for ships that have rounded Cape Otway.  Overlooking Eagle Rock the lighthouse is not only a beacon to seafarers but also to travellers on the Great Ocean Road.

Remember the kids show ‘Round the Twist‘?  It aired in Australia between 1989 and 2000.  The Split Point Lighthouse was the Twist family’s lighthouse home, with exterior scenes shot here.

 

Split Point Lighthouse

Split Point Lighthouse

Split Point Lighthouse

Split Point Lighthouse

Plaque on Split Point Lighthouse

House at Split Point Lighthouse

Eagle Rock

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

As we travelled west along the Great Ocean Road, just outside the town of Lorne we came across the famous memorial arch which was erected to commemorate the returned servicemen from World War I who built the Great Ocean Road from 1918 to 1932.  The present arch is the third built to replace the second one destroyed in the Ash Wednesday bushfires of February 1983. The timber log archway with cement and stone supports on each side spans the Great Ocean Road.  A memorial plaque was unveiled near the arch on the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the road. 

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch – photos taken from the car as we drove towards it.

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

We’re nearly at Lorne now where we’ll be staying the night and that will be the subject for Part 4 of our Melbourne and Great Ocean Road road trip!

Ciao for now,

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12 Comments

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee February 7, 2019 at 8:02 am

    We’re not big road trippers – we’ve done a big one in WA but that’s really about it. Your photos always make me think we need to get planning!

    • Reply Min February 7, 2019 at 11:00 am

      I actually love a road trip Lydia! In this case we flew to Melbourne and hired a car so not a huge road trip this time. I don’t know what it is but I love the freedom of being on the road. You can stop anywhere that takes your fancy and the thrill of exploring and discovering new places etc! I love it! 🙂

  • Reply Natalie February 7, 2019 at 9:23 am

    Very nice photos, Min. I like all the beach shots and the ‘White Queen’ certainly has a commanding look. Thanks for sharing this. #teamlovinglife

    • Reply Min February 7, 2019 at 11:01 am

      Thanks Natalie. The ‘White Queen’ was very well maintained and pretty I thought (as was the outlook and views from there)!

  • Reply Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au February 7, 2019 at 9:48 am

    Very pretty – it reminds me of Augusta and some of the down-further-South parts of WA. Loved the lighthouse (but had a moment when my “old” eyes thought the flag was someone dangling over the railing!

    • Reply Min February 7, 2019 at 11:04 am

      I must visit Augusta when next in WA then Leanne cos this was a very pretty spot! Haha re the flag. It does look a bit like ‘something’ dangling from the balcony but my video footage provides some clarity with the obvious waving in the breeze bit of fabric! 😉

  • Reply Deborah February 7, 2019 at 10:36 am

    This looks stunning Min. I think I’ve mentioned that it’s a place I’ve not visited but – though I hate driving – I wouldn’t mind the road trip (and a road trip was on my pre-50 bucket list… so I failed!).

    It’s such gorgeous scenery and your pics are great!

    • Reply Min February 7, 2019 at 11:05 am

      You could always do one of those bus tours Deb. No need to drive then! It’s well worth adding ‘the Great Ocean Road’ to your bucket list. It’s such a unique and beautiful coastline! 🙂

  • Reply Joanne Tracey February 7, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    Ok, I might be a tad predictable, but I’m a sucker for a dramatic coastline and a lighthouse – especially a lighthouse on a dramatic coastline. I so want to do this drive!

    • Reply Min February 8, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      I’m a sucker for a lighthouse on a dramatic coastline too Jo! Needed my scarf and dark sunnies for dramatic effect … had the wind in my hair. But wait there’s much more of this stuff to be served up yet as we travel along the gorgeous GOR! 🙂

  • Reply Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond February 8, 2019 at 7:36 am

    I love lighthouses Min and have seen several around the world. This one is just as magnificent and I bet it has some stories to tell. I just love the Great Ocean Road drive and you are making me think it is time for us to revisit. Love your photos and following your travels. Have a great week and thanks for the link up. xx

    • Reply Min February 8, 2019 at 5:46 pm

      Thanks Sue! I love lighthouses too. There’s something so magical and romantic about them. I’m not sure what it is?! There’s more lighthouses to come yet on this trip. I could easily do the the Great Ocean Road again. There’s so much to take in and I think every trip you would notice something new. xo

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