{"id":3415,"date":"2023-04-29T08:05:51","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T08:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/?p=3415"},"modified":"2024-01-23T03:28:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T03:28:53","slug":"things-to-do-anglesea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/things-to-do-anglesea\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Remarkable Things to Do in Anglesea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I’ve always had a soft spot for Anglesea. This little town on the Surf Coast is often overshadowed by its big brothers to the east and west, but where Torquay and Lorne are busy and bustling in summer, Anglesea is much more relaxed. If you’re like me and prefer a slower pace to your holidays, here’s where you’ll find it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slower doesn’t mean boring, though: in fact, every time I visit, I’m surprised at just how many things there are to do in Anglesea for such a small town. For outdoorsy types, the options feel endless: surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, hiking, biking, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when it’s not beach weather, though, you’re not going to be left sitting around in your hotel room: Anglesea on a rainy day can be just as rewarding. From chocolate tasting to impromptu craft beer tours, shopping to exploring a famous lighthouse, you definitely don’t need to go far to find a good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And all of that before you take in Anglesea’s most famous attraction: a golf course where the kangaroos easily outnumber the players!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve visited throughout the year, from the height of summer to the middle of winter, and most recently on a couple of gorgeous autumnal days. It’s great at almost any time of year, and visiting during shoulder season means cheaper hotel prices and no crowds. Most places stay open all year round, albeit sometimes with reduced hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what’s worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Work On Your Tan at Anglesea’s Beaches<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Anglesea
Anglesea Beach on a beautiful day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like many popular spots along the Great Ocean Road, Anglesea’s beaches are its biggest drawcard. You’ve got several to choose from, with each one appealing for a slightly different reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First up is Anglesea Beach, the most popular of the lot. As the name suggests, it’s right in town, with the river spilling into the sea part way along. It’s patrolled during summer, and with relatively calm waves compared to much of the rest of the Surf Coast, is an ideal spot for swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can easily walk there from most accommodation around town, and I invariably end up doing exactly that whenever I visit, spending hours alternating between heating up in the sun and cooling off in the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point Roadknight Beach is probably most well-known for its rock pools (below), but it’s a great spot for families whether you’re interested in marine life or not. Like Anglesea Beach, it’s patrolled during summer, and because it’s protected by the limestone cliff that gives it its name, the water stays calm in most weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve got a furry friend with you, head over to Guvvos Beach. It’s dog-friendly year round, although you are required to keep them on a leash at all times. In theory, at least. Because it’s a little out of town and stretches for several kilometres, you’ll rarely find many people on it, especially once you head away from the carparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love this beach for its quiet and solitude, but note that it isn’t patrolled at any time of year, and the waves can get much rougher than nearby beaches. With big waves and more than the occasional rip, it’s best appreciated from the shoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Go Rock-Pooling at Point Roadknight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Rocks at the end of Point Roadknight Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For Lauren, growing up in the UK, rock-pooling formed a core part of almost every family holiday when she was a child. That’s probably why she made a beeline for Point Roadknight as soon as we got into town, very excited at the prospect of wandering around the rocks for hours and tracking down tiny animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wasn’t disappointed, and if you get there around low tide, you won’t be either: there’s a good chance you and the kids will find all manner of sea life going about its daily business. You will need to time your visit, though, as the rocks are entirely covered when the tide comes back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once that happens, it’s time to head up the trail behind the beach to check out the view of Soapy Rocks. As the name suggests, these rocks (and those behind the beach) are deceptively slippery, so enjoy the views but perhaps avoid clambering around on them unless you’re very sure-footed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can walk to Point Roadknight from most parts of town in under twenty minutes, but there’s a good sized carpark there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Play Golf With Kangaroos<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kangaroos
Looks like it’s time to pull out the sand wedge. Victor Maschek\/Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In its own right, the Anglesea Golf Course is a lovely spot to work on your handicap. It’s been around for over seventy years, with a full 18 holes plus the usual selection of practice facilities, including a driving range, net, and both fairways and putting greens to perfect your technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The real highlight of the course, however, and the thing that brings most people to play here, is the very high likelihood that you’ll be sharing your tee with a family of kangaroos! They’ve been in the area for much longer than humans, and have shown no desire to move just because we decided to build a golf course in their backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The roos tend to hang out in the rough, under the shade of the trees in the long grass. It’s a good incentive to line up your shots carefully: not only are you more likely to get around the course under par if you hit down the middle of the fairway, you also won’t have to convince a mob of kangaroos to move so you can play your shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Or Take a Tour to Get Up Close and Personal With Them<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kangaroos
Only in Australia… Ewan Chesser\/Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’re not all that into golf, it’s still well worth checking out the strange sight of kangaroos hopping across the fairway. Volunteers at the club run tours throughout the day during peak season, taking you around the course in electric golf buggies and explaining the backstory behind this 300-strong population of Eastern Greys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The half-hour tour is really fun, and super-popular with tourists (I’ve had multiple family members rave about it when they’re visiting from overseas). You’ll want to book ahead<\/a> if you’re there during the summer holidays, but can also turn up on the day to join the next tour, space permitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During breeding season, there’s a good chance you’ll get to see joeys peering out from their mother’s pouches, or jumping in and out of them once they get a bit older. You’ll get plenty of good photo opportunities at any time of year, though, with the chance to get out of the buggy and nice and close to the kangaroos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s reasonably-priced for such an unusual experience, at $15 per adult, $5 per child under 12, or $35 for a family of four. My tip is to try to book your tour for late afternoon if you can, as that’s when the kangaroos are likely to be most active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Paddle or Motor Along the Anglesea River<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Canoeing on the Anglesea River in Coogoorah Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meandering through the heart of the town, the Anglesea River is just as big a part of daily life here as the ocean. You’ll often find locals out paddling around the waterways, but if you’re visiting town and don’t have your own vessel, Anglesea Paddle Boats has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company operates from the end of Noble Street alongside the Great Ocean Road bridge, and has a variety of human and petrol-powered vessels for hire. You’ll pay $30 per quarter hour in the paddle boats, $40 per quarter hour in the motor boats, and $50 per hour in the canoes. They can all carry up to three people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever vessel you choose, dawdling up and down the river on a sunny day is one of life’s little pleasures. I find the canoeing most enjoyable: it’s more affordable to take out for a longer period, making for a relaxing, peaceful experience once you get away from the main part of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also turn off the main part of the river into Coogoorah Reserve (discussed below), a delightful stretch of water and wetlands, and you definitely should: it’s the best part of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shop is open every day from 10am in summer, but only operates at weekends during the quiet winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Learn to Surf and Paddleboard<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Lovely day for a surf!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With Bells Beach a matter of minutes up the road, it’s hardly a surprise that surfing is a big deal in Anglesea. Professional surfers and those who aspire to be flock to the area, but if you’re new to the sport, getting started can seem a bit intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it was for me: I was more than a little worried before my first surf lesson! As with many things in life, those fears were unfounded: by the end of the morning I was already standing on my board and riding (very small) waves into shore. If I can do it, believe me, anyone can!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In not-entirely-surprising news, there’s a great surf school in Anglesea that can help you overcome any fears and take your first steps toward riding the big waves that pound this section of coastline. Go Ride a Wave is literally just over the road from Anglesea Beach, and has taught thousands of people to surf over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They run beginner group lessons daily<\/a>, even over winter (you just need a thicker wetsuit!), at a cost of $79 per adult for a two-hour introductory course. Packs of three lessons are available at a slightly discounted rate, if you’re in town for a while, and private tuition is an option as well .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While surfing is the main focus, it’s not the only water sport on offer: the company also hires out standup paddleboards and runs group and private lessons for them over the warmer months. You’ll again pay $79 per adult for an introductory lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you only need to hire a board, it’s $25-30 for two hours through to $45-50 for the day. All boards come with wetsuits, so no need to bring your own unless you want to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Cast a Line and Catch Your Dinner<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Are the fish biting today? Only one way to tell! zoepavel\/Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re mad on fishing or just like to a drop a line in the water now and then, Anglesea is the place to do it. Thanks to the combination of river and ocean, there are many great spots to try your luck, and a wide range of different species in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somewhere towards the river mouth is probably the best place to start, at least if you’re on the hunt for whiting or flounder. As you head back up the river, mullet and bream become more common: you can cast from the trail that runs alongside, but the boatsheds near the bridge are ideal if you’ll be there for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re more of a surfcaster, that’s definitely an option too. Everything from gummy shark and snapper to whiting and calamari are regularly found close to shore, and there are near-endless places to fish directly off the beach or from nearby rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget that with only a few exceptions, anybody between the ages of 18 and 70 needs a recreational fishing license to fish in Victoria. You can buy one that lasts anywhere from three days to three years, in person or online, so make sure you do before you cast off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the fish aren’t biting, it’s not a problem: head along to Fish By Moonlight on the main street and grab your lunch or dinner from there instead. It’s the best fish and chips in town, and while there are a few seats outside, I’d recommend getting your meal to take away. The shop is opposite the huge Lions Park and a short walk to the river, so you can easily create an impromptu picnic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Walk, Picnic, and Play at Coogoorah Nature Reserve<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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One of the many trails through Coogoorah Nature Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m going to put it out there: I really<\/em> like Coogoorah Nature Reserve. It’s just far enough from the beach that most visitors don’t seem to make it there, which means it’s much quieter in summer than most of the rest of Anglesea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slightly north of town, you can get to it from the Great Ocean Road in a couple of minutes, on either side of the river. Coming in from the eastern side is particularly nice: just find a park somewhere along Bingley Road, then walk across the pedestrian bridge into the reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, you’ve got a wealth of options. I’ve walked most of the trails that wind through this 17 hectare reserve, and for somewhere so close to town, I’ve often only had birdsong for company. You can cycle these paths as well, if you prefer wheels to feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The river also branches off and meanders through the reserve, and you’ll often find people canoeing and kayaking around the waterways. Fishing is pretty popular here, and I usually see someone with a line in the water as I wander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you don’t have to do any of those activities if you don’t want to. Along with the nature reserve, there’s a manicured section of parkland with BBQ facilities, children’s playgrounds, toilets, and the like. It’s the ideal spot for a lazy picnic, and you’re unlikely to have to share it with too many other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that’s where you’re headed, come in from River Reserve Road: there’s a good-sized carpark there, right beside the playground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Hike a Section of the Surf Coast Walk<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Only 44km to go!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Surf Coast Walk is a spectacular 44km path that runs from Point Impossible, a few kilometres east of Torquay, to Fairhaven, just west of Aireys Inlet. A few masochistic<\/s> enthusiastic people walk the whole thing in one day, while a larger number spread it over a weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail runs directly through Anglesea: you’ll see signs for it at various points, but chances are that if you’re on a trail beside the ocean in this area, you’re on the Surf Coast Walk. If you don’t have the time or motivation to tackle the whole thing, there are several shorter sections that are worth doing, separately or combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the longer trails, you’ll get the most out of them if you’ve got someone who can drop you off or pick you up, as there are no real loop options. If it’s just you, start in Anglesea and walk until you decide it’s time to turn around: it’s really up to you where that is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve listed a few of my favourite sections that start\/finish in Anglesea below, with links to the AllTrails maps for easier navigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n