Airies Inlet Skate Park

Some towns on the Great Ocean Road have their landmarks — Split Point Lighthouse, Erskine Falls, the 12 Apostles — but Aireys Inlet Skate Park has carved its own kind of fame. I’ve rolled through plenty of bowls across Australia, but this one, tucked between bush and beach, has that salty coastal soul that only a Surf Coast park can muster. It’s a place where groms, old dogs, and the occasional dad-on-a-deck all share the same rhythm.
I’m Paul Beames — tour operator, traveller, and bloke who’s spent more than his fair share of time chasing both road and ramp around Victoria. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on Aireys Inlet Skate Park, giving you the lowdown on its history, its quirks, and what makes it one of the best local hangouts off the Great Ocean Road.
Table of Contents

Wheels In Motion: The Story Of A Coastal Icon

Every good skate facility has a story, and Aireys Inlet’s is a true community effort. Back in the late 1990s, before Convic Skate Park designers became a household name, the locals here were pushing for their own spot — a concrete skatepark that reflected Aireys’ surfy lifestyle. By the early 2000s, the Surf Coast Shire teamed up with Oasis Skate Parks and community volunteers to shape something authentic. Locals wanted smooth lines like the waves off Fairhaven, not clunky street blocks. What they got was a coastal-inspired layout that flowed like a wave — smooth, connected, and full of rhythm. The result? A double bowl design that nods to the town’s laid-back surf heritage while giving riders a space to build serious skateboarding skills. It’s a small-town initiative meets big-concrete energy.
Oasis Skate Parks

Facilities And Highlights At The Local Park

If you’ve ridden the ramps at Torquay Skatepark or the bowls near Jan Juc, you’ll recognise the same design DNA here. Aireys Inlet Skate Park might be compact, but its flow lines and fun 4ft peanut bowl punch above their weight.

  • Smooth concrete bowl 1.5m to 2.2m deep.
  • Large bowl for long carvings and air time.
  • A street with low rails and ledges.
  • Flat for kick turns or spins.
  • Natural shade and ocean breeze off Beach Road, near the Lighthouse Walk.
See also  Best Sunset Spots on the Great Ocean Road
FeatureDetails
Skill LevelIntermediate – Expert
Bowl DepthApprox. 1.5m – 2.2m
Surface MaterialSmooth, poured concrete
Rail / Grind BoxSingle low rail, standard length
LightingDusk-till-dawn, energy-efficient LEDs
Seating & ShadeTimber benches, natural tree canopy nearby

Parks Victoria looks after the surrounding bushland, but the skate park itself is managed by Surf Coast Shire — so it’s well maintained, clean, and safety checks are regular.

Best Time To Skate — Seasons, Crowds, And Coastal Weather

Timing your session here can make or break your day. Aireys Inlet’s weather can go from gentle coastal breeze to full-blown “hold onto your hat” gusts.

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Bigger crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays. Early mornings or late arvos are best for smooth runs.
  • Autumn (Mar–May): The sweet spot — mild temps, fewer crowds and that sea air.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Fewer people, but you’ll need layers. The bowl can get slippery with dew, so watch your step.
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): A mix of everything — unpredictable weather but lively vibes.

Aireys Inlet gets around 94 clear days a year with 22°C summer max and 14°C winter max (Bureau of Meteorology, 2024). Bring sunscreen, a hat and a jumper — coastal weather can turn faster than a dodgy kickflip.

Best Time To Skate — Seasons, Crowds, And Coastal Weather
Park Rules And Local Etiquette — Keep It Respectful

Park Rules And Local Etiquette — Keep It Respectful

  • Take turns — don’t snake a line.
  • Keep dogs leashed and outside the riding zones.
  • No glass bottles — no one likes a smashed sesh.
  • Helmets for the young (and the smart).
  • Respect locals — they built this place.

The community vibe here is strong, and that’s one of the things I love most. Everyone looks out for each other. If your board shoots across the flat, someone will grab it before it hits the road.

Family Friendly Fun — Kids, Scooters, And Community Vibes

Not every skate park gets the “family-friendly” tick, but Aireys Inlet does it easily. Parents can chill on the grass or benches while kids roll, and the park’s layout means visibility is high — no blind spots or dodgy corners. Scooters and BMX kids are welcome. Sunday mornings see families, teens and even local surf groms swapping decks for scooters before heading down to Fairhaven for an arvo surf. Throughout the summer, community BBQs and youth days happen, run by Surf Coast Shire or local volunteer groups. It’s a hub in every sense — no entry fees, no egos, just people having a go.

Refuelling After A Session — Food & Cafés Nearby

  • The Lighthouse Tea Rooms — great coffee and coastal views.
  • Onda Food House — top brunch and smoothie bowls.
  • Aireys Pub — grab a cold tinnie and parma post-session.
  • The General Store — for quick snacks, water or ice cream.
See also  Lorne

If you’re with Great Ocean Road Tours Australia, most tours stop through Aireys for coffee or a leg stretch — perfect for skaters to sneak in a session while others take lighthouse pics.

Events And Community — Where Locals Shine

This isn’t just a place to shred — it’s a hub. Aireys Inlet Skate Park has hosted everything from youth festivals and local comps to community fundraisers.
Each January, the Surf Coast Summer Skate Jam brings riders from all over Victoria — music, prizes and friendly competition. There’s also the occasional BMX jam or art wall event where local muralists paint the park’s retaining walls.
What’s special here isn’t just the talent — it’s the vibe. Kids cheer for each other’s tricks, parents clap from the benches and visitors are made to feel like locals.
As I’ve seen in towns all along the Great Ocean Road, a well-used skate park is more than concrete — it’s a connection.

Events And Community — Where Locals Shine

Gear Checklist

  • Board / Scooter / BMX (check bearings and tyres)
  • Helmet and pads — especially for younger riders
  • Sunscreen and sunnies — UV here is no joke
  • Water bottle — refill at the park tap or local café
  • Skate shoes — grippy soles make all the difference
  • Light jacket — that sea breeze bites come 4 pm

If you’re road-tripping, throw a spare set of bearings and bolts in your kit. Coastal humidity can make metal parts seize faster than you’d think.

Safety First — Know Your Surroundings

  • Check the surface — sea mist can make it slippery in the mornings.
  • Mind the kids — it’s a mixed-use space, so be aware.
  • First aid — there’s a kit at the community hall and a defib unit at the general store.
  • Emergency access — the Great Ocean Road is your quickest exit if things go wrong.
See also  Walking & hiking on the Great Ocean Road

Surf Coast Shire’s maintenance team do regular inspections so hazards don’t hang around. But like any outdoor facility, conditions can change overnight — especially after heavy rain or coastal storms.

Safety First — Know Your Surroundings

Getting There — A Scenic Drive Along The Coast

Finding Aireys Inlet Skate Park is as easy as spotting a surfer with sandy hair. It’s just off the Great Ocean Road, halfway between Anglesea and Fairhaven.

  • From Melbourne: 125km southwest, 1hr 45mins drive via M1 and Great Ocean Road.
  • From Torquay: 25 minutes west.

The park is off Inlet Crescent, beside the Aireys Inlet Community Hall.
Public transport is limited — buses run irregularly — so if you’re coming from Melbourne or Geelong, you’re better off driving or joining a Great Ocean Road Tours Australia day trip that includes an Aireys stop.
There’s free parking, shaded areas and a public loo just a short walk away.

FAQ

Yes, it’s free and open all year.
Yes. The double bowl has shallow zones for learners.
Yes — all wheels welcome.
Yes. LED lights until around 10 pm.
Yes — try the Lighthouse Tea Rooms or Onda Food House, just a short ride away.