Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the many questions we get asked about the Surf Coast Walk. If you have a question and don't see it on this list, please ask a Visitor Information Centre or contact us via the contacts page of this website. 

Where can I find more information? 

Friendly staff and volunteers at the Torquay Visitor Information Centre can help plan your walk. Ask them anything about accommodation, things to see, public transport, etc. Call them on 1300 61 42 19 or torquayvic@surfcoast.vic.gov.au for advice. They are open every day 9am-5pm, seven days per week (excluding Christmas Day). [Back to top]

Where is the start and end of the Surf Coast Walk?

The eastern most point of the Surf Coast Walk is Pt Impossible, beach around 5km east of Torquay. The western most point of the Surf Coast Walk is the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club just past Aireys Inlet. 

Either end could be the start or the end point, it's up to you. [Back to top]

Where do I camp ON the Surf Coast Walk?

There are two main camping grounds at Torquay & Anglesea situated right beside the Surf Coast Walk that are independently operated. You could pitch a tent or book a cabin but it is important to book ahead. There are plenty of accommodation providers near the trail from budget to 5 star. We recommend you contact the Torquay Visitor Information Centre on 1300 61 42 19 or torquayvic@surfcoast.vic.gov.au for advice. There are no free-camp sites on the Surf Coast Walk. 

Please note: Bush camping is not permitted on the Surf Coast Walk. [Back to top]

Can I have a campfire?

You are NOT permitted to light a fire along the Surf Coast Walk at anytime. Check with individual camp grounds as to their restrictions at certain times of the year.

For further information, please ring the CFA on 13 1599 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au   [Back to top]

Where can I stay overnight?

Whether you want to sleep at a camp ground or go for comfort – Surf Coast Walk accommodation ranges from budget to boutique and is available in each of the towns to suit your needs. Bed and breakfast, self-contained, motels, hotels, homes and camping are all on offer. We recommend you contact the Torquay Visitor Information Centre on 1300 61 42 19 or torquayvic@surfcoast.vic.gov.au for advice.  [Back to top]

Tidal Conditions

Most of the Surf Coast Walk is on well made track and not affected by high or low tides. Many sections of the Surf Coast Walk can be enjoyed by adding a beach component to make a loop. If you do so, you must be absolutely sure of tide, wave swell events, especially on the Point Addis and Point Roadknight section of the walk. Check the link for local live tide information.  http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Anglesea/tides/latest

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Can I use public transport?

If you don't have car or want to do a point-to-point walk without doing a car shuttle, there are several local transport options available. 

  • Wave Rider South Coast Shuttles – Book a small mini bus for easy group transport - waveridershuttles.com.au
  • Torquay Taxi Services – 131 008
  • Great Ocean Road Cabs, ANGLESEA – 0408 325 992
  • Public Transport Vline Buses operate from Geelong to Lorne via Torquay, Anglesea and Fairhaven. Bus stops that are located very close to the Surf Coast Walk can be found in Anglesea and Fairhaven. This could provide a good return option if you're walking one way from Torquay to Anglesea or Anglesea to Fairhaven. Please check the timetables on the Public Transport Victoria website - www.ptv.vic.gov.au.  You can buy a paper ticket on board the bus with cash. There are usually two services in the morning and two in the afternoon so be sure to check the time and be generous with achieving your time goals. A summer timetable runs with additional services over January. Most stops are within the Surf Coast Towns or a slight detour from the walk (refer to Surf Coast rear off map for stops).
  • Accommodation provider - some accommodation providers may be happy to drop you off at a point on the Surf Coast Walk, just ask. 

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Where can I park my car?

Parking is available along the walk from Point Impossible, Point Danger, Rocky Point, Bird Rock, Bells Beach (commercial buses without a permit are excluded), Point Addis, Point Roadknight, Urquhart bluff, Aireys inlet, Bottom of Split point lighthouse, and Fairhaven.Your car safety remains your responsibility. There are unsecured public parking exists along the Surf Coast Walk and camping areas, please check parking signs for time duration before leaving your vehicle. [Back to top]

Can I buy food along the way?

Yes, there are options for buying a coffee, breakfast or lunch along the walk within the Surf Coast towns.  Because the walk weaves through all the townships along the coast, you can choose from a gourmet style meal, to grabbing some light refreshment.A stone’s throw from the walk you will find fantastic local fresh and delicious food, a great café vibe with quality baristas plus many wholefood stores and eateries to meet your healthy eating needs.

Adding to this is the innovative makers of the region that create an array of delights for you to enjoy. Be sure to sample the locally crafted brew at Blackman’s Brewery or the Rogue Wave Brewing Co. at the Aireys Pub.

Enjoy the tastes of the sea knowing that you are making a sustainable choice by eating at one of our local businesses that are partaking in The Good Fish Project, which promote seafood that doesn’t harm our oceans.

There are several kiosks that operate right on the walk in Torquay, however, as you get further along on the walk you will need to leave the track to purchase supplies in the township. [Back to top]

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome along many of the sections of the walk, but must be on a leash. The Surf Coast Shire Council publishes a dog walk map showing all of the places and times you can take your dog - www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au. 

Enjoy walking your dog in this beautiful place and help keep it beautiful, please pick up after your pet. While there are some dog poo plastic bag dispensers along the Surf Coast Walk, it is recommended you carry your own. Carry the bag to the nearest bin once used. 

To ensure children’s safety and comfort, dogs are not allowed in public playgrounds. Fenced dune and vegetation areas are also off limits and, while the regulations only apply to township areas please check with National Parks and help protect birds , wildlife and our precious coastal environment. [Back to top]

What should I bring with me?

Weather along the coast can change quickly so it is always best to be prepared. Always take a mobile phone. Coverage may vary, check with your provider. Carry snacks and drinks. It is not a necessity to wear hiking boots, however, if tracking the entire walk, it would be advisable to wear good supportive comfortable footwear. Consider sun and rain protection. Sturdy, closed shoes are recommended.  [Back to top]

Safety

Your safety is your responsibility

Bushfire Safety

Victoria is one of the world's most fire prone areas. If you are travelling or holidaying anywhere around the state this summer, make sure you're FireReady. Stay informed, be prepared and pack some essential items so you're ready to leave when you need to.

Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared. If you're staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on which the Code Red has been declared.

Visit the Country Fire Authority website to check the Fire Danger Rating and complete the Traveller's Checklist for more advice on planning your trip and staying safe - www.cfa.vic.gov.au. 

Prepare, Act, Survive: Your safety is your responsibility and you need to be aware of current Fire Danger Ratings.

Fire Danger Declarations

During the fire danger period, over the warmer summer months of the year a Total Fire Ban day may be declared. On these days you must not light a fire and should stop any activity which might start a fire. This includes using portable liquid and gas fuel cooking stoves. During periods of hot and windy weather and in the event that a Total Fire Ban is declared, hikers should carry some food that does not need to be cooked.

Code Red Fire Danger Rating

Code Red is a fire danger rating that indicates the worst conditions for a bushfire. If you haven't started your walk, re-consider your trip and leave the area early. If you are already walking, leave the walk at the earliest opportunity do not wait and see.

Severe or Extreme Fire Danger Ratings

If there is a Severe or Extreme fire danger rating, this means all walkers are advised to consider their personal safety while on their planned walking route. You need to know your planned escape routes as many sections of the walk have no safe refuge (due to thick heathland and fuel-laden forest, steep cliffs or a combination of these).

Do not wait and see. Parks Victoria advises that leaving the park early under these predicted conditions is your best option, or if not safe to do so, to stay at safe beach access areas.

For more information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please use these information contacts: (you may need to try several methods, all except radio, rely on telephone or internet connections).

VicEmergency app – available from your mobile App store
Victorian Bushfire Information Line on free call 1800 226 226
CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Emergency radio broadcaster - ABC Local Radio (including 774 on the AM band) and commercial radio.

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Personal Safety

If you're planning a longer walk, consider completing a Victoria Police Trip Intentions form. The form should be completed and left with a reliable friend, family member or responsible authority. The contact person you nominate will raise the alarm if you haven't returned and/or contacted them by the time indicated on the form. The form can be found on the Victoria Police website - www.police.vic.gov.au.

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Accessibility

There are Grade 1 wide concrete paths with little gradient in central Torquay and Anglesea. Most of the Surf Coast Walk is of a very high standard and is Grade 2: tracks are flat, smooth and step free or Grade 3: steeper hills, stairs and beach walking.

The Surf Coast Shire Council provides access to beach and all-terrain wheelchairs so people with a disability can enjoy our beaches, oceans and trails. 

You can book these wheelchairs for free. Just be sure to book ahead because they are very popular - www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

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Please don't litter

No butts: No cuts

Surf Coast Shire beaches are all smoke and glass-free all year around.

Over 32 billion cigarette butts are dropped in Australia each year. Butts are a major source of beach pollution and are difficult and expensive to clean up. Butts can take up to five years to break down in sea water.

The three foreshore grass areas glass-free from 15 November to 31 January between 9pm – 6am each year. The beach is glass free all year round.

Too many glass related injuries occur over summer – despite cleanup efforts, broken glass is extremely difficult to detect in sand or on the foreshore, please help us keep the Surf Coast Walk glass free.

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Can I ride my bike on the Surf Coast Walk?

More than half the walk is open to cyclists. Please consider that as this is a shared use track to be considerate of other users. There are three on-beach sections around Pt Addis and Pt Roadknight and Sunnymeade (before Aireys Inlet). If you are riding, you would need to navigate around these sections via road.  See map for details.  [Back to top]

Toilets

There are numerous public toilets along the route all with access to parking.Check the map for details

Changing Places Toilet Anglesea

Providing bigger, safer and more accessible bathrooms for people with a disability.

Anglesea will be soon receive a fully-accessible toilet through the state government’s Changing Places program.  Four Kings Car Park in Anglesea will be one of 26 new locations to build a Changing Places toilet.The toilets have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability and their carers, who would otherwise not be able to use standard or even ambulant toilets. Each facility has adjustable height, an adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, enough space for two people.

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