Urquhart Circuit Walk (Aireys Inlet)
This 4.5km circuit walk forms part of the Surf Coast Walk. It has a combination of a varied beach walk with an abundance of flora on the inland track.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: Urquhart Bluff Beach Car Park - lower car park on the shoreline
Time and Distance: 4.5 km circuit (1.5 hr)
Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The beach section of this walk should only be attempted at low tide.
Walk Route Map
Walk Notes
From the Urquhart Bluff Beach Car Park, head to the bluff on the beach 100m to your right. If the tide is too high and you cannot pass the bluff, consider instead taking the inland route that heads up the track beside the toilet block. If you can pass the bluff, the tide is low enough for you to take the beach route to the west.
Walk along the beach until your reach the delightful 'Mermaid Pool'. Take care on the rocks here. Continue along the beach for 200m until you reach a bluff where you need to climb over a rock platform. It can be slippery. Conditions change here so look out for the best route. Continue to the next bluff. There is no formal track, but the route becomes more obvious as you continue. Clamber up and follow the rocky shelf with cliffs to the right - do not go to the water's edge. After 100m cross a rock bridge with the ocean below on the left and a rock pillar on the right.
Continue to the right, around the pillar and clamber down to Sunnymeade Beach. Take care after rain as it can be slippery.
After exploring the rock arch continue along the beach for 350 m to a signposted track on the right. Follow the boardwalk through the sand dunes with Moonahs, ironbarks and then up more steps to pretty coastal heathland with banksias, tea-tree and other coastal plants. Turn right before private property. The vegetation becomes denser with pomaderris, Paper Flower, and Coastal Beard-heath. As you approach the Great Ocean Road, enjoy ocean glimpses through messmates and tea-trees. Watch out for orchids and listen to the birds.
After 4 km, stop at a seat to enjoy the view through sheoaks to Point Roadknight and beyond. Follow the track down to the car park.
How to Get There
Drive down the Great Ocean Road 3.2 km west of O'Donohue Road, and turn left into the Urquhart Bluff Lower Car Park on the shoreline. Park in the defined car park.
The route can be undertaken in either direction, depending on tides. Alternatively, avoid the beach and walk the inland track in both directions, or arrange a car shuttle from the Sunnymeade Car Park.
Guide to Walks in the Great Otway National Park Eastern Section
You can also purchase a full colour booklet produced by the Friends of Eastern Otways containing detailed track notes and maps for 38 walks in the area from Great Escape Books in Aireys Inlet, the Anglesea News & Lotto or the Angair website.
Location
Urquhart Bluff Lower Car Park, 3231/710 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet 3231 Map
Web Links
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-8-urquhart-circuit
→ Friends of Eastern Otways
