Urquhart Bluff

Urquhart Bluff is one of the Great Ocean Road’s best spots, natural wonders, cultural heritage and beach culture. This rugged coastline has the Southern Ocean, beaches and native wildlife, perfect for nature lovers, surfers and families. Whether you’re driving through the coastal towns of Aireys Inlet or the national parks nearby, Urquhart Bluff is a must do.

Discovering the Past of Bluff

Urquhart Bluff is more than just a natural wonder, it’s a place of history. The traditional lands of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people, this area has cultural significance that goes back thousands of years. These Indigenous custodians have lived in harmony with the land, leaving behind a legacy of sustainable living and a deep spiritual connection to the coast. Their cultural heritage is acknowledged through interpretive signage along the Surf Coast Walk so visitors can learn about their traditional practices and the reconciliation that continues today.
Urquhart Bluff has a modern history, too. The Great Ocean Road, a wonder of human ingenuity, was built by returned soldiers after World War I. This iconic road connects the remote coastal communities and is the world’s longest war memorial to those who served. The road itself is a symbol of partnerships and the desire to create a better future for the region. The towns nearby, like Aireys Inlet and Anglesea, have their own history, with heritage buildings, stories of early settlers and maritime history to add to your visit.

How to get to Bluff

Getting to Urquhart Bluff starts when you hit the Great Ocean Road. Only 30km from Torquay and 9km north of Anglesea this beautiful spot is car accessible. The drive is an adventure in itself, with coastal views of towering limestone cliffs, rolling green hills and the Southern Ocean as your companion. The road trip is a must do with lookouts along the way including Eastern View and Ocean View where you can stop and take some great photos. From Melbourne it’s about a 2 hour drive. Public transport is limited so it’s best to have a car so you can discover the hidden gems like Sunnymead Beach and Fairhaven Beach. If you’re coming from further afield Urquhart Bluff is a great base to explore other coastal routes like the inland route to Lavers Hill or the scenic drive to Port Campbell National Park.

Bluff Beach: A Surfer’s Paradise

Urquhart Bluff Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches and world-class surfing. The long stretch of coastline and consistent waves make it a favourite for surfers of all levels. Experienced surfers will find challenging waves out the back, while beginners can practice in the calmer sections up the front. Surf Coast locals and visitors alike come to this beach for the uncrowded breaks and stunning views, including rocky cliffs and rainforests that create a dramatic backdrop.
The beach is also a great place to relax. The sand is vast and perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing or having a picnic with family and friends. Lifeguards patrol the area during peak season so everyone can enjoy the water. If you want to learn to surf, local surf schools offer lessons for all levels, so it’s an inclusive and fun experience for all.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hikers and nature lovers will find plenty to discover near Urquhart Bluff. The coastal track from Urquhart Bluff to Anglesea Surf Beach and Fairhaven Beach has stunning coastal views and native wildlife spotting. Inland the ancient rainforest trails lead to natural wonders like Melba Gully and the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. If you prefer shorter walks the Surf Coast Walk has options from coastal cliffs to green hills with 360 degree views of the Southern Ocean and rainforest.

Fishing from the Beach, Rocks or a Boat Below the Bluff

Urquhart Bluff is a fisherman’s paradise. Whether casting from the sand or rocks, you can catch a range of fish, including salmon and snapper. If you have a boat, you can head out to Bass Strait for even more opportunities. Early mornings and winter are the best times to fish, with fewer crowds and more marine life. For beginners, the calm waters of Childers Cove and Blanket Bay are a great place to start this popular pastime.

Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise

For a more relaxing experience, take a bay cruise around the southern coast. These cruises depart from nearby coastal towns like Port Campbell and Aireys Inlet and offer stunning views of natural rock formations, including the famous limestone stacks of the Bay of Islands and London Bridge. The rugged coastline and the calm of the Southern Ocean make this a must-do. On-land sightseeing options include visiting coastal towns and iconic spots like Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Johanna Beach.

Best Time to Visit Bluff

When you visit Urquhart Bluff, it depends on what you want to do. Summer (December to February) is beach time, where you can surf and explore famous surf beaches. Autumn and spring are mild weather and perfect for hiking through ferns and coastal ranges. Winter is quieter and great for fishing and nature walks, and you can see migrating whales along the southern coast,which makes it a highlight on many tours Great Ocean Road.

Towns near Urquhart Bluff

Several coastal towns near Urquhart Bluff add to its appeal as a destination. Aireys Inlet, with its famous Split Point Lighthouse and Aireys Pub, is a minute away. Lorne has a lively arts scene and access to waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. Port Campbell, with the Port Campbell National Park, has easy access to the famous natural wonders of the Twelve Apostles. Further along, are towns like Port Fairy and Cape Otway, which have a mix of cultural heritage and coastal charm so that you can have a full Great Ocean Road experience.