17 September 2012

Aireys Inlet - One More Lighthouse

I have been to Aireys Inlet a number of times and even brought a number of oversea friends here. One of the must stop places to or from the Twelve Apostles or the Great Ocean Road. Aireys Inlet is located between Anglesea and Lorne. It is a small coastal inlet and town located on the Great Ocean Road, southwest of Melbourne.

This place never disappoint especially on a nice blue sky day. The main highlight of the place is the lighthouse. You'll spot her as you travel the Great Ocean Road. To the locals she is affectionately known as 'The White Queen'. Its actual name however, is The Split Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is not only a beacon to seafarers but also to travellers on the Great Ocean Road.

The lighthouse was built in 1891 and stands 34 metres tall. Walking tracks near the lighthouse offer great scenic views over along the coast.

The car park to the lighthouse is a short 500m walk. Though there are ample car park spaces in the area, on a good day like today, you may find yourself competing with many others who have come to also see the queen or for some lunch at the Willows Tea House, which is located right next to the lighthouse. Souvenirs and gifts are also avaliable.

Also, located at Aireys Inlet, is the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. This park protects 17ha of ocean waters and projects about 300m offshore. Composed of both hard basalt and rubbly limestone, the cliffs are full of caves and ledges.

The shore is covered with boulders and offshore there are two large rocks: Eagle Rock and Table Rock. Table Rock has been levelled by the waves whereas Eagle Rock is a tall volcanic stack capped by limestone.



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