Ocean View Track Walk from Moggs Creek Picnic Area
The Ocean View Track from Moggs Creek Picnic Area is one of those Great Ocean Road walks that gives you a satisfying mix of forest, coastal heathland and a big ocean reward. Starting in the Great Otway National Park near Aireys Inlet, the 4.5 km circuit is generally rated moderate and takes about two hours, with some steeper uphill sections before the coastal views open up.
Why the Moggs Creek Ocean View Circuit Is Worth the Climb
For hikers looking for a scenic Great Ocean Road bushwalk near Aireys Inlet, this circuit packs a lot into a manageable distance. The track moves through dry woodland and coastal heath before reaching broad views towards Split Point Lighthouse, Fairhaven Beach, Eastern View and the ocean. It feels wonderfully removed from the road even though the coast is never far away.
The walk begins at Moggs Creek Picnic Area, where picnic tables and toilets make it easy to organise a relaxed start. From the western end of the car park, follow the signed Ocean View Track into ironbark and messmate forest. The climbing is steady rather than technical, but there is enough uphill walking to make good shoes, water and a comfortable pace worthwhile.
Undoubtably, the view from the Ocean View Circuit Walk lookout with sweeping views west to east over the Great Ocean Road is the highlight of the walk.
One of my favourite things about hiking is how quickly a familiar coastal destination can feel completely different once you leave the car behind. I am an avid photographer, and this is exactly the kind of walk where carrying the camera pays off.
It reminds me of the lesson from my old Pentax Q: be prepared and take the camera with you and more importantly have it at the ready if you like taking photos of native birds. You never quite know when the view or native birdlife is going to turn into the photo you are happiest you captured (or missed, ha ha).
The forest section has its own quiet appeal. Friends of Eastern Otways notes ironbarks, messmates, peppermints, Mountain Grey-gums and Southern Blue-gums along the route, plus grass-trees and small orchids in season. Birdlife can include Eastern Yellow Robins, White-throated Treecreepers, Grey Shrike-thrushes and the uncommon Rufous Bristlebird, so this is not a walk where you need to rush.
The fairly rare grass-trees and small low level ferns are probably the scenic highlight after the view of the Great Ocean Road. If you are fortunate the birdlife may be around but the birdlife is definitely more abundant in the Moggs Creek Nature Walk area where the microclimate seems cooler and wetter.
As the route heads towards the coast, the landscape changes and the reward becomes obvious. The Ocean View lookout delivers sweeping coastal scenery over the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven and the sea. On a clear day, the combination of blue water, pale beach and the line of the coast is awesome for landscape photography.
A moderate wide angle lens makes sense here, although a telephoto can be just as useful for compressing the coastline and pulling distant details closer. A telephoto lens may especially be useful if trying to take a shot of the lighthouse otherwise the lighthouse will look like a pinprick.
The official Parks Victoria visitor guide lists the Ocean View Circuit Walk at 4.5 km and about two hours return, with steep sections through dry woodland and coastal heathland. I'd generally describe the walk as easy to moderate to moderate depending on fitness. That difference is fair. The surface is generally straightforward, but the uphill sections will get your attention, especially on a warm day.
Spring is particularly attractive because the heathland can be dotted with wildflowers, while cooler autumn conditions can also make the climbing more comfortable. The avid bushwalker will know that spring and autumn are definitely the best time to do walking in Victoria.
Don't be tempted to wait around for warmer weather as this can often mean too hot as well as entering snake season. Arrgh! Whatever the season, check park conditions before leaving Melbourne.
Add Moggs Creek to your walk
For the completist walker or those just wanting a bit more exercise then add a little diversion to Moggs Creek to your walk. This adds just over 1km return (560 m one-way) to your walk.
Now Moggs Creek probably isn't anything particularly special visually speaking so for me as I'm a completist as well as wanting that little bit more exercise I don't mind adding a bit of extra redundant walking. However, if that's not your personality it would be easy to give it a miss and you wouldn't really be missing out on anything (except some exercise).
It was nice to see some local history at Moggs Creek and I guess, just to see what it is. However, if you are looking to add to your walk I'd definitely recommend doing the Moggs Creek Nature Walk over walking to Moggs Creek.
If you have time after the circuit, the picnic area is a good place to slow down before heading back to the Great Ocean Road. Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, the Memorial Arch and Split Point Lighthouse are all logical additions to the day. For me, that is the sweet spot of a Victorian weekend walk: enough effort to feel earned, a beautiful view, a camera full of possibilities and still time for another coastal stop on the way home.
Trivia: Parks Victoria describes the lookout at the end of the Ocean View Walk as offering a magnificent vista over the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven and the ocean. The surrounding walk also passes through dry woodland and coastal heathland where spring wildflowers can be a highlight.
Make sure to really appreciate the view of the Great Ocean Road from the Ocean View Circuit Walk Lookout before heading back to Maggs Creek Picnic Area and carpark. Once you start the walk back it will be easy to forget the fantastic view you just enjoyed.
Getting there
From Melbourne, travel towards Geelong and continue to the Great Ocean Road. Near Moggs Creek, turn inland from the Great Ocean Road onto Old Coach Road, then follow local signs via Old Neuk Road and Boyd Avenue to Moggs Creek Picnic Area. The final approach includes an unsealed road. The picnic area is approximately 16 km east of Lorne and is a practical trailhead for the Ocean View Circuit.
Unless living in the outer western suburbs or living semi-local like Geelong you'd probably only visit here as part of an extended trip along the Great Ocean Road or a stay at say Lorne, Bells Beach, Airey's Inlet or your own favourite spot on the Great Ocean Road. At least that's what I'd imagine.
- Drive times (approx.): About 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours from Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, depending on traffic and Great Ocean Road conditions.
- Good base: Aireys Inlet: Close to Split Point Lighthouse, Fairhaven and the eastern Otways walking network.
- Good base: Lorne: A larger coastal base with accommodation, dining and easy access to more Great Otway National Park walks.
When
The walk can be visited year-round, subject to weather, fire danger, road access and park closures. Spring is excellent for wildflowers, while autumn often brings cooler walking conditions. Check Parks Victoria alerts before travelling.
Cost
FREE. There is no entry fee for this walk or the Moggs Creek Picnic Area.
Ocean View Track Moggs Creek FAQ
How long is the Ocean View Track from Moggs Creek Picnic Area?
The commonly published circuit distance is 4.5 km, with about two hours recommended for the return walk.
How difficult is the Ocean View Circuit Walk?
Allow for a moderate walk with some steep or sustained uphill sections. The track is generally well graded, but walkers should wear suitable footwear and carry water.
What views can I see from the Ocean View Track?
The walk is known for coastal views towards Split Point Lighthouse, Fairhaven Beach, Eastern View and the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Are there toilets at Moggs Creek Picnic Area?
Yes. Public visitor information for Moggs Creek Picnic Area lists toilets and picnic facilities at the trailhead.
Is the Ocean View Track free?
Yes. Visiting the picnic area and walking the circuit is FREE.
When is the best time to walk the Ocean View Track?
Spring is a great choice for heathland wildflowers, while autumn can offer comfortable walking temperatures. Conditions can change at any time, so check official park alerts before your visit.
Is the track currently open?
Parks Victoria currently lists Moggs Creek Picnic Area and Ocean Track among areas reopened (as at 13 September 2026) after the January 2026 storm and flood damage.
Can I bring my dog on the walk?
The circuit is within Great Otway National Park. Dogs are generally not permitted in national parks unless a specific exception applies. Check the latest Parks Victoria rules before travelling with a dog.
Nearby Tourist Destinations
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- Aireys Inlet: A relaxed Great Ocean Road township with coastal walks, cafes and access to Split Point Lighthouse.
- Distillery Creek Picnic Area: A nearby Great Otway National Park trailhead for short nature walks and longer bushwalking routes.
- Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary: A protected marine area below Split Point Lighthouse with dramatic coastal scenery and rock platforms.
- Fairhaven Beach: A long surf beach immediately east of Moggs Creek, with broad coastal views and patrolled areas in season.
- Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch: One of the Great Ocean Road's best known landmarks, located near Eastern View.
- Lorne: A major Great Ocean Road town with beaches, food, galleries and access to waterfalls and forest walks.
- Moggs Creek Beach: A quieter coastal stop with views towards Split Point Lighthouse and a creek-side boardwalk area.
- Painkalac Creek: A scenic waterway at Aireys Inlet with walking opportunities and access towards the coast.
- Split Point Lighthouse: The iconic lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, with headland views over Eagle Rock and the Surf Coast.
- Teddy's Lookout: A popular Lorne lookout with elevated views of the Great Ocean Road and coastline.
This Weekend in the West
Find out events, markets and festivals this weekend in the West. Bookmark the page for your handy reference.
Play our 1990s Music Trivia and Word Puzzle
Inspired by Wordle and our love of trivia we present Trivdle! All in a 1990s theme.
Play 1990s Word and Trivia Puzzle Here
Official Website
Check current track conditions, park alerts and visitor information here: Great Otway National Park, Parks Victoria.
Visit Daylesford
Explore more of Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Daylesford.
More Information on Daylesford
Visit Macedon
Explore more of regional Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Macedon.
Visit Trentham
Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Trentham.
Visit Lancefield
Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Lancefield.
More Information on Lancefield
Explore Castlemaine
Explore country Victoria and the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Castlemaine.
More Information on Castlemaine
Visit Kyneton
Kyneton has a number of attractions including many wineries! Plan ahead for your next visit to Central and West Central Victoria.
Explore more of Victoria - Malmsbury
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Malmsbury.
Visit Colac
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Colac.
Visit Ballarat
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Ballarat.
Visit Taradale
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Taradale.
Visit Bacchus Marsh
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Bacchus Marsh.
More Information on Bacchus Marsh
Visit Clunes
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Clunes.
Explore Creswick
Explore country Victoria and the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Creswick.
Explore more of Victoria - Woodend
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Woodend.
