The Great Ocean Road isn’t just for drivin’! This 20km section of the Surf Coast Walk traverses the stunning coastline, past historical sites, and ends at an iconic Aussie lighthouse.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Countries of the Wadawurrung People and the Guilijan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maare, who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Surf Coast Walk Highlights

  • Visit Split Point Lighthouse, the lighthouse from Round The Twist
  • Explore the history and sights of the Great Ocean Road
  • Epic coastal views
  • Uncrowded beaches and marine sanctuaries

Surf Coast Walk Quick Facts

Distance: 20km return
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation gain: Slight elevation to and from the Split Point Lighthouse in both directions
Skill level: Beginner

What It’s Like to Hike the Surf Coast Walk

Round the Twist on the Great Ocean Road

‘Have you ever, ever felt like this? Have strange things happened…’

90s kids will remember the theme song, and probably recognise the lighthouse too, even if it’s been decades since you last watched Round the Twist. 

Visitors to the Great Ocean Road may know that the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet was one of the TV show’s filming locations – the lighthouse that the Twist family lived in. But even better to know is that the lighthouse is part of a coastal trail that lets you discover the history, marine sanctuaries, and awesome scenery of the Great Ocean Road – on foot!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Along the Surf Coast Walk

Starting at Urquhart’s Bluff, head west on the Surf Coast Walk up and along the sandstone cliffs. This is where you start to get the epic views of uncrowded surf breaks below and sweeping coastline in both directions. 

Continue along the clifftop to the Split Point Lighthouse, where you can check out the viewing platforms above the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, read up on the coastal geography, and reminisce about the (incredibly weird) adventures of the Round the Twist kids.

 

 

Head down to Fairhaven Beach and walk along the sand towards the Memorial Arch. Keep an eye on the holiday homes along the hill to the right and you’ll be able to spot the iconic ‘Pole House’ perched above the trees.

 

 

After a couple of kilometres along the sand, look for the short pathway from the beach to the Memorial Arch viewing area. Alongside the archway you’ll find maps and information about the construction of the Great Ocean Road by Australian soldiers back in 1919.

On the return journey (or on the way, depending on the tide) take time to explore the rock pools and estuaries below the lighthouse. The clifftop sections of the trail are also good locations for whale watching from June to October.

The only downside to this hike is that is you’ll have the TV theme song stuck in your head the whole time.

‘Have you ever, ever felt like this?’

 

Surf Coast Walk Essential Gear

  • Good walking shoes
  • Water and snacks
  • Hat and sunscreen for summer
  • Windproof jacket for cooler months

How to Get to the Surf Coast Walk

Take the M1 from Melbourne, bypass Geelong and take the Torquay/Anglesea exit. Follow the signs to Anglesea and the Great Ocean Road. It should take approximately 80 minutes from the West Gate Bridge to Anglesea. From Anglesea, drive about five minutes west along the Great Ocean Road and turn off at the Urquhart’s Bluff car park.

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.