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Recreational activities in the Painkalac Valley and surrounds

Walking trails

Painkalac Nature Walk
Explore the wonders of the lower valley and discover discover the diverse plants, fascinating creatures, and rich history of this area. Learn about the estuary’s seasonal cycle and the threats it faces.

Painkalac Creek Nature Reserve walk
This gentle walk along a gravel track and a wide mown grass track lets you explore this nature reserve containing a mosaic of wetland, grassland and wooded communities. These vegetation types are now threatened along the Surf Coast due to past development along our waterways.

Painkalac Creek Nature Reserve walking track

Painkalac Creek Nature Reserve walking track

The walk begins in the carpark on the northern side of the Great Ocean Road next to the bridge crossing the Painkalac Creek. Walk past the gate along the gravel path until you reach the sign providing some details of the Nature Reserve. (Note: dogs not allowed beyond the sign).

Painkalac Creek Nature Reserve signContinue along the wide mown track to the end which is 1.3 km from the start. Enjoy the variety of flora and fauna that can be seen and return back the way you came to the start of the walk.

The Surf Coast Walk

There are three sections of the Surf Coast Walk that take in the delights of Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven:

Urquhart Bluff to Sunnymead – 3km

Aireys Clifftops – Sunnymead to Aireys Lighthouse 2.80km

Lighthouse Discovery – Aireys Lighthouse to Fairhaven 2.10km

The links above take you to a map and details of each section.

Walking the Painkalac Concept and Feasibility Plan
Stafford Strategy was engaged by Surf Coast Shire to undertake a concept and feasibility plan  for the development of walking trail experiences within the Painkalac Valley at Aireys Inlet.

Walks in the Great Otway National Park
You can find details of 39 walks in the eastern section of the Great Otway National Park on the Friends of Eastern Otways Walks page.

Horse riding
Horse riding in the Great Otway National Park

Where can I take my dog: Dogs ON-LEAD in the national park
There are many areas within the Great Otway National Park that cater for dogs on leads (from the Friends of Eastern Otways website):

Painkalac Valley Network home page

Painkalac Resource Repository
Explore the links below to learn about the importance, complexity and wonder of the Painkalac Valley – from the source to the sea:

Types of documents

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