Anglesea Perimeter Walk

Embrace the scenic beauty of Anglesea on the Anglesea Perimeter Walk (APW), a 22.6 km trail looping around the township and connecting you to serene woodlands, rugged heathlands, and coastal cliffs. Minutes from the Great Ocean Road, this invigorating trek is ideal for nature lovers, with views stretching across the lush landscapes of Victoria’s southwest.

About the Walk

This loop connects multiple tracks, taking you through sections of the Great Otway National Park, Anglesea Heath, coastal reserves, private land, and Surf Coast Shire parklands. The trail is marked with APW logos for easy navigation, letting you explore diverse habitats in an environmentally sensitive area.

Respect the Land: This region is incredibly sensitive ecologically. To protect the landscape, please stay on marked trails and take all waste home with you.

  • Starting Point: Anglesea Visitor Information Centre
  • Distance: 22.6 km (split into two 11 km loops)
  • Time: Approx. 7 hours for the full walk or 3.5 hours per loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for walkers with a moderate fitness level
  • Track Conditions: Gravel paths, 4WD tracks, fire breaks, and bush trails. Bring sturdy walking gear, and remember to carry enough water.

Full Walk Overview

Type of walk

Self Guided

Trip Length

22.6 km

Walk Grade

Moderate

Eastern Loop

Starting at the Anglesea Information Centre, cross the Anglesea River on the bridge along the Great Ocean Road. Follow the APW logos along the river, through the campground, and up the cliffs where the trail enters the Great Otway National Park. About 1.5 km from the river, turn away from the coast and take a zigzag path toward the Eumerella Scout Camp, following signs to a scenic lookout at the 5 km mark – a perfect spot for a break with sweeping views.

From here, the path descends past the Anglesea Cricket Pavilion to Ellimatta Road. Cross the Great Ocean Road carefully and follow the map to locate the Ixodia Track. After entering Black Wattle Track, continue uphill through picturesque woodlands for about 1.5 km. The path then heads south, crossing the Anglesea River on footbridges into Coogoorah Park, where there are facilities to rest before completing the loop or continuing to the western half.

Western Loop

Starting from the Anglesea Visitor Centre or Coogoorah Park, follow the Anglesea River inland, then head west from Coogoorah Park through open bushland to the Messmate Track. Here, you’ll ascend steadily to Mount Ingolsby, Anglesea’s highest point at 121 metres, where stunning panoramic views await.

From Mount Ingolsby, head left along Harvey Street until reaching an entrance to the Great Otway National Park. Walk parallel to Harvey Street properties, then continue downhill through unique vegetation, arriving at the coast 6.8 km from Coogoorah Park. Cross the Great Ocean Road carefully and head down O’Donohue Road to the beach.

Walk along the shoreline for 1 km to reach Point Roadknight main beach. From there, follow the Surf Coast Walk path back to the Anglesea Information Centre for a satisfying end to the journey.