The white tower on the headland
You'll see it from the Great Ocean Road long before you get there: a tall white tower standing up on the cliffs above Aireys Inlet. That's Split Point Lighthouse. If you grew up in Australia in the 90s, you'll know it as the Twist family's house in Round the Twist, and you'll probably have the theme song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Sorry.
It's 30 to 35 minutes from Holyday House, so it works as a half day on its own or a stop on the way to Lorne. Climb the tower, walk the clifftops to the Eagle Rock lookout, have lunch in Aireys, and you're home by mid-arvo.
Getting there
From Torquay
West on the Great Ocean Road, through Anglesea (about 20 minutes), then on to Aireys Inlet. The lighthouse is up on the point, a short drive off the main road through the streets of Aireys. Allow 30 to 35 minutes.
Make a morning of it
The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is only a few minutes further on, and Lorne is about 45 minutes from Torquay all up. Easy to string together. If you drive an EV, Surf Coast Shire has a fast charger at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall on the Great Ocean Road (Chargefox network, with an idle fee if you overstay).
The lighthouse
Split Point Lighthouse was built in 1891. It was first called Eagles Nest Point. The tower is cement-rendered concrete, 34 metres tall, and because it sits up on the cliff, the light is about 66 metres above sea level.
It's had a quiet working life. The Commonwealth took it over in 1919, converted it to acetylene and automated it, so no keeper has needed to live there since. It went onto mains electricity in 1972. And it still works: the light comes on every night, warning ships off a stretch of coast that's seen plenty of wrecks.
Going up: tours
Split Point Lighthouse Tours runs the visits. The lighthouse opens daily except Christmas and Boxing Day. There are two ways in:
Guided tour
These pre-booked sessions run for 30 or 45 minutes, with a guide telling the stories of the lighthouse and the shipwrecks along this coast. Good if you've got curious kids, or you like knowing what you're looking at.
Express tour
The express visit is self-guided. It can take as little as 10 minutes, or you can stay longer. Handy if you're squeezing it in on the way to Lorne.
Before you book
Entry is $15 for adults and $12 for children aged 5 to 16. Children must be able to climb the stairs, and an adult must accompany those under 10. You can book online or pay at the door; check the operator's page for seasonal hours. It's a lot of stairs to the top, so take it slowly if heights or climbs aren't your thing.
Not keen on the climb? The view from the lookout at the base is most of the fun anyway, and that's free.
Photo: Split Point Lighthouse Tours,
used with permission 
Photo: Split Point Lighthouse Tours,
used with permission 
The walk to Eagle Rock and beyond
Split Point lookout
Right next to the lighthouse, looking out over Eagle Rock and the Southern Ocean. Between May and October it's one of the better spots on the coast for southern right and humpback whales. Our whale watching guide has the details.
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary
Eagle Rock is the big stack offshore, and the water around it is a marine sanctuary. A short track of about 300 metres takes you to a lookout over it. There's also Land's End lookout a few minutes' walk from the lighthouse. The cliff edges around here aren't fenced everywhere, so hang on to small kids, especially when it's windy.
Lighthouse Discovery Trail
This is the last section of the Surf Coast Walk, an easy coastal path from the lighthouse to the Fairhaven surf club, around 2 km one way. Allow 30 to 45 minutes each way. Going the other way, the clifftop path heads back towards Sunnymead and Urquhart Bluff. The Surf Coast Walk guide has the full list of sections.
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria 
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria 
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria Eating in Aireys Inlet
Aireys is small, but you won't go hungry. The Aireys Pub, home of Salt Brewing Co., is the obvious one for a beer and a pub lunch after the walk. The Lighthouse Tea Rooms are close to the lighthouse if you'd rather a coffee and a scone. Both are listed by Visit Great Ocean Road. Opening hours change with the season, so check before you head over.
Our breweries guide covers more of the local beer if that's your thing.
Bringing the dog
Dogs can come for the walk, but keep them on a lead. Surf Coast Shire rules say dogs must be on a lead in public places in township areas unless it's a signed off-leash area, and they're never allowed in playgrounds or environmentally sensitive areas. Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven also have hooded plover exclusion zones on the beaches, which get fenced during nesting season.
The rules change around the lighthouse reserve and along the clifftop, so read the signs as you go. Don't count on taking the dog on the tour (check with the operator), so plan on someone holding the lead at the bottom. Our dog-friendly Torquay guide has more on dogs along the coast.
Split Point Lighthouse FAQ
How far is Split Point Lighthouse from Torquay?
About 30 to 35 minutes along the Great Ocean Road, through Anglesea to Aireys Inlet.
Is Split Point Lighthouse in Anglesea?
No. It's at Aireys Inlet, the next town along the Great Ocean Road, about 10 to 15 minutes past Anglesea. Anglesea has no lighthouse of its own.
Is this the Round the Twist lighthouse?
Yes. Split Point Lighthouse is the one from the TV series Round the Twist, and the tour operator still mentions it on its website.
Can you go inside Split Point Lighthouse?
Yes. The self-guided express tour is available daily except Christmas and Boxing Day, and pre-booked guided tours run for 30 or 45 minutes. Entry is $15 for adults and $12 for children aged 5 to 16.
Is there a minimum age for tours?
Yes. Children need to be 5 or older to go up the lighthouse.
How old is the lighthouse?
It was built in 1891. The tower is 34 metres tall, and the light sits about 66 metres above sea level. It's been automated since 1919 and still works every night.
Can I see whales from Split Point?
Sometimes. The lookout beside the lighthouse is a well-known spot for southern right and humpback whales between May and October. Bring binoculars and some patience.
Split Point is an easy first stop on a Lorne day trip, and pairs well with a morning in Anglesea. For the rest of the village, see our Aireys Inlet guide. Going further? There's koala spotting at Kennett River, the Twelve Apostles day trip and our three-day Great Ocean Road itinerary. Bringing the kids? The family holiday guide has more ideas. Want to stay half an hour up the road? Check dates and send us an enquiry.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 14 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Split Point Lighthouse Tour FAQ — Split Point Lighthouse Tours
- Split Point Lighthouse — Lighthouses of Australia Inc
- Aireys Inlet — Visit Great Ocean Road
- Aireys Inlet - Lighthouse Discovery Trail — Melbourne Playgrounds
- Where to walk your dogs — Surf Coast Shire
- Council managed EV charging — Surf Coast Shire