Anglesea

Anglesea is a laid-back coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, where wild surf beaches meet the serene backdrop of the Anglesea River and the iconic heathland of the Anglesea Heath. It's a favourite for families and nature lovers, offering a blend of classic beach culture, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting, all within easy reach of the Surf Coast's top attractions.

Highlights & What to See

• Anglesea Main Beach & Point Roadknight – Two distinct beaches: Main Beach is patrolled and great for swimming, while Point Roadknight offers a sheltered cove and rock pools for exploring.
• Anglesea River & Coogoorah Park – Paddle or kayak up the peaceful river; the park has a boardwalk, bird hides, and picnic spots.
• Anglesea Heath – A vast area of coastal heathland with walking trails, wildflowers in spring, and the chance to see eastern grey kangaroos at dawn or dusk.
• Great Ocean Road Walk – The stretch from Anglesea to Aireys Inlet is a scenic coastal walk with stunning cliffs and ocean views.
• Surfing & Golf – Anglesea Golf Club is renowned for its resident kangaroo population, and the surf breaks (like Winkipop) are world-class.

Suggested Time to Spend

Anglesea can be enjoyed as a day trip from Melbourne (about 1.5 hours) or as a relaxed overnight stop on a Great Ocean Road itinerary. For a full experience, spend at least a full day: morning on the river or heath, afternoon at the beach, and sunset at Point Roadknight. If you're staying overnight, two days allow you to explore nearby walks and the surf coast more deeply.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Torquay – The surf capital of Australia, with Bells Beach and great shopping, just 10 minutes east.
• Aireys Inlet – Home to the iconic Split Point Lighthouse and the scenic Great Ocean Road walk.
• Lorne – A vibrant resort town with waterfalls, rainforest walks, and a lively café scene, about 20 minutes west.
• Great Otway National Park – Towering waterfalls, ancient rainforest, and the famous Otway Fly treetop walk, a short drive inland.

Please check official sources for current details.