Along the Way
The townships of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet feature a thriving cafe scene and a community passionate about its arts and crafts, not to mention its culinary produce. a walk along the Surf Coast can be peppered with stop offs at cafes and galleries of all descriptions, not to mention - if times correctly - the markets that are regularly held just off and sometimes on the trail proper (Anglesea, Torquay).
Along its length the Surf Coast Walk leads walkers to numerous beach gems, from long and accessible to smaller, cover inlets that only walkers can get into for an often solitary beach experience. From Kayaking and surfing to mountain biking and horse riding, it is easy to step off the trail and into the front door of an adventure operator to experience all the beauty and adventure found in the landscapes surrounding the Surf Coast Walk.
Experience the thrill of wild ocean swimming. The Surf Coast Walk drops hikers into any number of great beach swim-off points, the view back to the cliffs astounding. Delve into the indigenous history of the region, especially at Iron Bark Forest, learn about bush foods and the local Koori culture.
Torquay
The official start of the Great Ocean Road and Home of Australian Surfing. It is the largest town along the walk with many cafés and restaurants close to the coast providing an ideal meeting point for your Surf Coast Walk adventure. The walk starts at Point Impossible, five kilometres northeast of Torquay and takes you through windswept dunes to the Torquay promenade and its many creature comforts.
Anglesea
This mid point of the Surf Coast Walk has the best of beach and bush. Surrounded by the Great Otway National Park, Anglesea heath and high coastal cliffs with great views. Caravan Parks, B&B’s and cafés line the Anglesea River overlooking many an opportunity for adventure.
Aireys Inlet
The Split Point Lighthouse guides visitors to the western end of the Walk past Aireys Inlet, a small coastal village with soul. The pub and local eateries have great views of the local terrain and the western end of the Walk at Fairhaven.
Lookouts
The many vantage points along the Walk excite the senses any time of the year. Capture a perfect sunrise in Spring and Autumn, escape the heat in dappled shade, thrill at the awe inspiring power of nature in Winter. Some of the best lookouts found along the way are Point Danger, Bird Rock, Point Addis, Anglesea cliffs and at the Aireys lighthouse.
Wildflowers
From wild orchids to flowering shrubs, native grasses and forest species, our coast is a plant-lover’s delight. Springtime, in particular, brings an abundance of wildflowers to the coast offering up a spectacular show.
Bells Beach
Follow the walk along the original track daring surfing pioneers carved to Bells Beach, an internationally recognised destination for surfers. A status that has been created through surfing culture and folklore as well as the hosting of an annual international surfing event every Easter.
National & Marine Parks
The Great Otway National Park covers 103,000 hectares and represents all that is special about the region: the sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland fringed by rugged coastline.
Three significant Marine Parks and Sanctuaries feature along the Walk including Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, Point Addis Marine National Park and Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.
Wildlife
Discover the array of lovely locals that call the Surf Coast Walk home. Spot the vulnerable Hooded Plover or near threatened Rufous Bristlebird or meet one of our more common natives, including Echidnas and Kangaroos.
Marvel at the marine life nearby on the seashore. From the fascinating Decorator Crab to Victoria’s marine emblem, the Weedy Seadragon, there’s a huge array of wildlife living just off the track.
Whales
Winter brings one of the world’s most majestic creatures to the Surf Coast. Between June and October each year look out for Southern Right Whales as they migrate from sub-Antarctic waters to breed. View these magnificent mammals from one of the walk’s many perfect viewing vantage points as they cruise within 100m of the coast.