Guide to Split Point Lighthouse

The lighthouse ticks a lot of boxes. History buffs love its ties to Victoria’s shipping past and the dozens of wrecks along this stretch of coastline. Photographers are drawn to its dramatic backdrop, sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and often a dramatic sky overhead. Families and casual travellers enjoy the short walk from Aireys Inlet to the lighthouse and the chance to join one of the Split Point Lighthouse tours, which reveal stories of keepers and maritime life. 

And of course, there’s the crowd who are visiting for the chance to see the Round the Twist lighthouse. Fans of the show will instantly recognise the tower, which served as the quirky family’s home in the series. 

How long should I spend at Split Point Lighthouse?

Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour. That’s usually enough time to join a guided tour, climb the tower, and take in the surrounding Aireys Inlet viewpoints. If you want to slow things down, consider grabbing a coffee at a local café, following one of the nearby coastal walking tracks, or sitting with a picnic overlooking Fairhaven Beach. With all this in mind, you could easily stretch the Split Point Lighthouse into a 2-hour stop. 

How many steps are in Split Point Lighthouse?

There are 132 steps leading up to the top of the lighthouse. The spiral staircase winds through the tower to the lantern room, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Surf Coast and beyond. It’s not a difficult climb for most people, but the steps are narrow, so take your time on the way up. 

How to get to Split Point Lighthouse

• From Melbourne: About 120 km (2 hours) via the M1 (Princes Freeway) toward Geelong. From there, pick up the Great Ocean Road (B100) through Torquay and Anglesea, then continue to Aireys Inlet. The route is fully sealed and suitable for campervans. 
   

• From Torquay: Roughly 30 km (30 minutes) southwest along the Great Ocean Road, passing Jan Juc and Anglesea. 
   

• From Lorne: Around 20 km (25 minutes) northeast along the winding Great Ocean Road, with great views of the coastline as you approach Aireys Inlet. Once in Aireys Inlet, signs clearly point the way to the lighthouse. 

Best time to visit Split Point Lighthouse

Best time of year: Late spring to early autumn (Nov–Apr) is ideal, with warmer weather and clearer skies for photography. Summer has the brightest conditions but also the most visitors, while spring and autumn strike a nice balance of good visibility with fewer crowds. 

Best time of day: Early morning (9:30–11 am) is great for softer light and smaller tour groups. That said, late afternoon (3:30–5 pm) is the sweet spot for golden-hour photography as the sun dips over the water. Midday visits often mean harsher light, but you’ll get the clearest long-range views. 

Weather at Split Point Lighthouse

The Surf Coast climate is typically mild, but conditions can change quickly. Expect warm summers (23–25 °C) with sea breezes that keep things comfortable, and cool, breezy winters (13–15 °C) with occasional rain. The ocean winds can make it feel cooler than the forecast suggests, so it’s worth bringing a jacket even in summer. 

Best place to park your campervan at Split Point Lighthouse