Fairhaven Beach
Fairhaven Beach is one of the longest and most spectacular beaches along the Great Ocean Road, stretching for more than six kilometres from the mouth of Painkalac Creek near Aireys Inlet to Moggs Creek. Backed by rolling dunes and coastal heath, it offers wide expanses of golden sand, excellent surf and breathtaking ocean views, making it a favourite destination for swimmers, surfers, beach walkers and photographers.
The beach is renowned for its natural beauty and sense of space. Even during the busy summer months, visitors can usually find a quiet spot to relax, while the long, uninterrupted shoreline is ideal for walking, jogging and beachcombing. Early mornings often reward visitors with spectacular sunrises, while sunsets create beautiful colours across the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
Surfers are drawn to Fairhaven's consistent beach breaks, while anglers can often be seen fishing from the shore. During the annual whale migration between May and October, Humpback and Southern Right Whales are occasionally spotted offshore.
Facilities include a large free car park, public toilets, outdoor showers, Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club
Seasonal lifesaving patrols, beach access paths, surfing, fishing, walking opportunities, picnic areas and
whale watching (seasonal).
Surf Safety
Fairhaven Beach is patrolled by the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, which was established in 1958. Volunteer lifesavers patrol the beach during the summer surf lifesaving season, with additional Life Saving Victoria lifeguards assisting during peak holiday periods.
Despite the patrolled area, Fairhaven is a powerful ocean beach with strong rip currents, large surf and changing conditions. Visitors should always swim between the red and yellow flags, never swim alone and avoid entering the water outside patrol hours. Conditions can change rapidly with tides and swell, so swimmers should follow the advice of lifesavers at all times.
Getting There
From Aireys Inlet, continue west along the Great Ocean Road for approximately 3 km to Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club. A large public car park beside the surf club provides the main access to the beach, with a short walking path leading directly onto the sand. Additional beach access points are available further west along the Great Ocean Road.
Location
370 Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven 3231 View Map
Web Links
→ Fairhaven Beach (BeachSafe)
