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 Circuit Walk pdf map
The following information and images are from Parks Victoria. Disclaimer: The information maybe out of date so use with caution.
The above image shows the walk outlined in orange leaving from the Moggs Pinic Ground carpark. The line shown in aquamarine blue is the walk to Moggs Creek from the Ocean View Circuit lookout.
You may download the Great Otway National Park Anglesea Aireys Inlet Currawong Falls pdf map from here. Again, this information is from Parks Victoria and maybe out of date. Disclaimer: User caution is advised.
For additional information on walks in neighbouring Lorne, check out the Lorne Walks and Waterfalls pdf map.
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.
Tourist Destinations near the Ocean View Circuit Walk and Aireys Inlet
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.
- Anglesea Lookout: Also known as Loveridge Lookout, enjoy panaoramic views from Anglesea Lookout or just stop here to stretch your legs and give the kids a bit of a break. Perfect if you are stopping in Anglesea already.
- If you love waterfalls then the nearby Currawong Falls walk should be near the top of your things to do list.
- and Jebbs Pool is great if you like getting wet and Jebbs Pool is an iconic swimming spot. 12 mins away from Lorne town centre.
- Distillery Creek Picnic Area: A nearby Great Otway National Park trailhead for short nature walks and longer bushwalking routes.
- Chopstix Noodle Bar: If you love unique and eclectic venues that make an impression then Chopstix could be your in your future for your food fetish. Located in Lorne.
- Currawong Falls: A longer bushwalk near Aireys Inlet with forest, ridges and waterfall scenery. Check out more information on Currawong Falls.
- 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 best known landmarks on the Great Ocean Road, located near Eastern View. The Great Ocean Memorial Arch is a near compulsory selfie spot.
- Lorne: A major Great Ocean Road town with beaches, food, galleries and access to waterfalls and forest walks. Check out the Lower Kalimna Falls Walk, Phantom Falls and Cumberland Falls among many waterfall walks in the Lorne area.
- 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.
- Qdos Fine Arts, Lorne: If art is one of your things then it pays to visit Qdos Gallery in Lorne for an art, sculpture and creativity experience.
- Sheoak Falls: A short waterfall option close to the Great Ocean Road. At only 1.4km return, Sheoak Falls is a nice easy accessible walk plus it looks pretty too. Just 10 minutes drive from Lorne.
- Split Point Lighthouse: A classic Great Ocean Road landmark on the Aireys Inlet headland with coastal walking tracks and ocean views. Enjoy the stunning cliff top view at the Split Point Lighthouse without having to drive all the way to the 12 Apostles.
- Teddy's Lookout: A popular Lorne lookout with elevated views of the Great Ocean Road and coastline.
- The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road: A Bellbrae chocolate, ice cream and cafe destination with landscaped grounds and family activities. The kids will love being surrounded by chocolates, sweets and ice-creams while you can grab a coffee and chill for a bit at The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road.
- The Fives Cafe and plant nursery: Have a pitstop and enjoy a great coffee, warm up by the fireplace, scout the plant nursery and stretch your legs at The Fives Cafe as you continue your drive to the Great Ocean Road and Aireys Inlet.
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Official Website
Check current track conditions, park alerts and visitor information here: Great Otway National Park, Parks Victoria.
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