Explore the Surf Coast from Anglesea

Discover coastal charm and adventure: exploring the Surf Coast from Anglesea.

The seaside town of Anglesea lies along the Surf Coast on the Anglesea River. With its dramatic cliffs and a forest featuring native wildlife and picture-perfect beaches, Anglesea is a traveller’s paradise. Conveniently located between Torquay and Aireys Inlet, the town is a great central base from which to explore the official start of the famed Great Ocean Road.

DAY 1: Spend the day in Anglesea

Anglesea boasts an abundance of activities where you can soak up some ‘Vitamin Sea’, the best way to spend your time! Places to stay include the Great Ocean Road Resort for hotel style rooms or apartments, or the Anglesea Family Caravan Park for campsites or cabin accommodation.

Start the Day With a Healthy Breakfast

Fuel up with a healthy breakfast at Poppies Cafe & Nursery, where the freshest seasonal ingredients are combined with nutrition and flavour. There’s also a modern menu of light meals and brunch at Anglesea General Store, where you can pick up supplies for the day.

Kayak, Bike and Surf the Coast

The gentle Anglesea River is perfect for paddling a kayak with the kids. Boat rentals from Anglesea Paddle Boats and Canoe Hire include equipment and safety gear, so just bring your sunscreen!

Explore Anglesea by bike on the Eumerella bike trails, meandering through epic scenery. Park at the Hurst Road trailhead. Hire a mountain bike from Trailhead Bike Co or drop by the Anglesea Bike Park to enjoy a day out with the whole family.

Grab your board, or hire a board from Go Ride a Wave, and head out for a surf. The beaches are perfect for all skill levels, Anglesea is one of the best places along the Great Ocean Road for beginner surfers

Snack, Supper and Retire for the Night

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Icecreamery is a sweeth-tooth’s paradise – watch the chocolateries at work and sample chocolate, or grab a cone from their delicious range of ice creams. Check out their special events calendar for month-long celebrations including favourites like hot chocolate, rocky road or brownies!

Take a break with an afternoon cocktail and snack on the deck at Last One Inn, the self-dubbed neighbourhood restaurant and bar. This spot with a view has quality food and drinks–and there’s also live music on the weekends.

Top off the day with gourmet fish and chips by the river or on the beach from Fish by Moonlite, they make pretty awesome potato cakes, too!

DAY 2: Be a local for a day in Torquay

Enjoy the Coast and Stop for Lunch

First up, surf’s up! Surfing in Torquay is a must-do. Hire a board at Go Ride a Wave in Torquay or Torquay Surfing Academy and head out to Cosy Corner or Torquay Surf Beach. More experienced surfers can try Jan Juc Surf Beach, or check out the pros riding the waves at Bells Beach.

Walk part of the Surf Coast Walk or stroll along the esplanade. Breathtaking landscapes with endless photo opportunities surround you along the way.

There are too many good cafes with excellent coffee in Torquay. Beer lovers are spoilt for choice and can make a beeline for Blackman’s Brewery, the Torquay Taphouse or Bells Beach Brewing. For an epic sandwich try Gooleys in Gilbert street or find your way to Mortadeli.

Shop and Eat Like a Local

Shop for great bargains at the outlet and second-hand stores in Baines Crescent. Pick up discounted surf clothes, swimwear and wetties, then check out Surf City’s latest gear from the big surf brands.

Dine out at one of the many restaurants or bars, or for a unique dining experience, try Samesyn. Number One Restaurant at RACV Torquay Resort is the go for relaxed casual dining with an exceptional view across the Torquay golf course to the sea.

After dinner, return to Anglesea for a good night’s rest to prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Aireys Inlet.

DAY 3: Visit Aireys Inlet

Grab Breakfast, Tour a Lighthouse or try a Rasul steam experience

After strolling along the beach, pop into one of the cafes for breakfast and coffee. The Lighthouse Tea Rooms has a great breakfast and brunch selection, accompanied by ocean views. Mr T and Me serves great coffee, and food to suit vegetarians, vegans and meat-lovers.

Take a tour of the Split Point Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline. The tour guides you through maritime history, where you’ll learn about the hundreds of shipwrecks over the years.

Explore the Sunnymead Beach to see some unique rock formation, explore the rock pools or just to finsd a quieter spot to kick back and wind down on the beach.

For a different type of spa experience book a treatment, bathhouse experience or a steam in the Rasul at Indie Spa.

Have Lunch, Appreciate Art and Bid Aireys Inlet Goodbye

Hit the famous Aireys Pub for lunch, and enjoy a local brew with a view and a true country pub vibe. You can also visit La Comptoir, a delightful brasserie serving amazing cakes and pastries all day, and authentic French meals.

Wind the action down a notch and visit the Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery with artworks by local and regional artists, including glass art, jewellery and sculptures.

Wrap up the day with the best wood-fired pizza in town at The Captain of Aireys. Bookings are recommended and they’re usually closed for a break in winter, so double-check before heading over.

Make your way back to Anglesea for your last night.

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