Split Point Lighthouse precinct traffic management changes
We are introducing new traffic management changes in the Split Point Lighthouse precinct, Aireys Inlet.
We know larger buses in the area can affect safety and amenity, and we will be trialling a change to parking controls to discourage them in the precinct.
The precinct is a popular stopping point for tour bus operators.
New measures are being introduced as a trial in the first half of 2026. The aim is to improve safety for residents, road users and pedestrians, provide clarity for bus drivers, and support Council Rangers' and Victoria Police monitoring of parking in the precinct.
Our approach aligns with existing Council resolutions, trialling the following in 2026:
Installation of new signage will be necessary to enable Rangers to issue parking infringement notices. Wherever possible, signs will be attached to existing signposts to minimise visual impact.
Residents can be assured Council is not seeking to seal any streets or remove green space within the precinct.
We will trial the measures across the next 12 months and continue working with partner organisations on longer-term strategies to manage the impacts of visitation.
The trial will help guide future planning.
Rangers will continue to monitor the area as part of regular patrols, attending as much as operating capacity and competing demands across the shire allow.
Traffic congestion and bus parking in the precinct have been long-standing issues in the precinct. We appreciate the community’s and tour operators’ cooperation as these changes are introduced.
Why is bus parking a problem in this area of Aireys Inlet?
Aireys Inlet is an appealing stopover for tour buses making their way between Melbourne and the 12 Apostles via the Great Ocean Road, given its distance from Melbourne, scenic attributes and provision of public toilets.
Historic Split Point Lighthouse is a major attraction.
The precinct has no signed restriction zones at present and parking is random, impedes traffic and brings safety concerns, generally peaking with high bus numbers about 10.30am and 5pm each day.
Can buses still enter the Split Point Lighthouse Precinct?
Buses can still enter the Split Point Lighthouse precinct to drop-off and pick-up passengers at the existing 15 minute drop-off point opposite the skate park. Buses must then wait in the non V-line bus park on the Great Ocean Road.
Where will the signs be placed?
The map below shows the bus entry point, bus drop-off point, permitted bus direction and bus parking.
Two types of signs are being installed to support clear direction and enforcement:
- 'No stopping - vehicles over 6 metres' signs will be installed at the entrance to the precinct
- 'No Standing' signs will be installed along the permitted bus direction route and based on advice from the Ranger Services team.
When will the changes be introduced?
New signage will be installed on 3 March 2026. We are ahead of time and had previously advised that Easter 2026 was our target date.
How will these measures help ease problems?
Preventing vehicles longer than 6m from stopping and parking will exclude coaches and other larger buses from the precinct, reduce traffic volume and congestion and improve safety for residents and visitors.
The new measures will provide greater clarity for bus drivers, and support Council Rangers and Victoria Police in monitoring parking in the busy area.
At the moment there are no signed restriction zones within the precinct. This means that only Victoria Police have the authority to issue parking infringement notices. The introduction of restriction signage will allow Council Rangers to enforce parking rules and issue parking infringement notices within the precinct.
Who has Council consulted?
Council has taken into account community feedback and worked on the issue in collaboration with:
- Victoria Police
- Department of Transport and Planning
- Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Parks Victoria
- Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism
- Aireys Inlet District Association.
Will there be restrictions on size of parking and no stopping signs?
All signs will be sized according to Australian Standards.
Why doesn't Council just ban buses from the precinct?
Council does not have the authority to ban buses from the precinct. That authority rests with the Department of Transport and Planning.