Spotlight: Aireys Inlet Holiday Park
You'll need a day or few to enjoy the relaxed coastal charm of this Great Ocean Road stop-offMany tourists might barely glance at Aireys Inlet as they rush to the more popular holiday destinations of Lorne and Apollo Bay along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.
Or indeed never get as far as the quaint coastal town as they pull up stumps at Torquay or Anglesea a few kilometres closer to the major centres of Geelong and Melbourne.
But to do so would be missing out on the relaxed charm and rugged coastline beauty of Aireys Inlet, population about 1200. Home to one of the picturesque old lighthouses that dot Australia’s coastline, there are plenty of other attractions in the area to justify an extended stay.
PARKING STAY
Our home for one night recently was the Aireys Inlet Holiday Park, part of the Top Tourist Parks chain and run by the efficient and friendly Terry and Avis Hope.
Terry, a former Melbourne schoolteacher, and Avis have made a number of additions and cosmetic improvements since taking over the park's operation about eight years ago.
In the last 12 months alone they've added two, two-bedroom, self-contained cabins that can accommodate up to six people and feature a kitchen, heating and air-con, TV/DVD and all bedding.
Another new addition is the modern camp kitchen available to all guests with a stove, oven, cooktops, fridge/freezer, and utensils.
Like many caravan parks, the Aireys Inlet park has followed the trend of providing a range of budget and luxury accommodation options for those not hauling a tent or caravan.
The park has about 70 sites in total, with everything from a spa cabin with queen size bed for romantic getaways, to powered sites with ensuites, and unpowered campsites. There are 17 one and two-bedroom cabins of various configurations catering to couples and families.
Some sites are drive-through and some are big enough for extra large motorhomes, appealing to grey nomads and the increasing number of European travellers in rental vehicles.
In fact, for our overnight stay we nestled our Kea rental motorhome on a concrete slab up alongside a Jayco powered ensuite, enjoying the luxury of a private hot shower, toilet and basin in lieu of the park's shared bathroom facilities.
While Terry admits his park is often a beneficiary of ‘overflow’ from nearby Anglesea and Lorne during the busier periods, it also appeals in its own right to families for its quiet, down-to-earth atmosphere, with sealed paths for bike riding, a small playground, and TV room to keep the younger ones happy.
Other features include free wire internet, covered bbqs, laundry, heated pool and spa ($4 per person).
With its central location it’s a short walk across the main road to a group of shops, which include a general store with servo, a cafe with great cakes, pizza restaurant, and Buddhist-style nursery.
The park is also a great base for the wide range of outdoor activities available nearby including bushwalking, fishing, surfing, mountain biking and horse riding.
It’s a half hour coastal walk to the base of the Split Point lightstation with its spectacular views, and you can also book a guided tour of the lighthouse which was established in 1891.
Although all powered sites have sullage points, Terry says he no longer provides a 'pay-per-shower' facility after a bad experience with drop-in travellers who abused the privilege. Pets are permissible on powered sites outside of peak season.
The park is not as big as some, so you definitely need to book, especially during peak season. Although Terry did tell us there were some vacancies still available for the busy December/January holiday season. You might want to be quick, though.
With its close proximity to Melbourne, and numerous Great Ocean Road attractions within easy driving distances, the Aireys Inlet Holiday Park is a good affordable option for a weekend getaway, short stop-over or longer stay.
Address: 19-25 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet, Victoria
Phone: 03 5289 6230
Website: www.aicp.com.au
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