The town of Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven is located in Victoria, Australia. This coastal haven has a rich and vibrant history dating back to pre-colonial times when the Wathaurong people called this area their home. European explorers first set foot in the area in the 1830s and gradually established settlements in the area.

The town of Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven was originally known as 'Iramoo' which meant 'campsite' in the Wathaurong language. The indigenous community thrived in the area before the arrival of European settlers who established their pastoral settlements inland. With the advent of the gold rush in the 1850s, there was a sudden influx of settlers in the area keen on finding their fortune in the goldfields of Victoria. The first white settler in Aireys Inlet was a shepherd named Joseph Pettit, who arrived in the area in the 1860s.

In 1876, the railway line was extended from Geelong to Winchelsea and Birregurra, passing through the town's area. This helped to boost the town's economy, and the population began to grow. The town's name was changed from 'Iramoo' to Aireys Inlet in 1883 after the district surveyor, W.J. Airey.

The town's focus shifted to tourism in the 1900s, with notable visitors such as Dame Nellie Melba, the famous opera singer, who owned and resided in a house in Aireys Inlet for some time in the early 1900s. Melba Avenue, which runs through the town, was named after her.

In the 1950s, Fairhaven, a new town emerged along the coast which later became a part of Aireys Inlet. This town was built mainly as a holiday destination for Melburnians and has since become a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors to Victoria.

The Split Point Lighthouse, a prominent landmark of the town, was built-in 1891, and its original purpose was to help navigate ships along the coast. In recent times, it has become a poplar tourist attraction in the area, with guided tours and stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

The Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most iconic coastal drives, passes through Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven, providing visitors with a scenic drive through picturesque coastal landscapes. Several natural attractions such as the Great Otway National Park, the Anglesea Heath, and the Aire River provide visitors with a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding.

The town of Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven has come a long way since its early days of settlement and has become a much-loved holiday destination for people seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The town's rich history, combined with its stunningly beautiful natural surroundings, make it a must-visit destination for anyone taking a trip along Victoria's stunning Great Ocean Road.