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.
Anglesea boasts an abundance of activities where you can soak up some ‘Vitamin Sea’, the best way to spend your time!
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.
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 one of the 120 biking trails meandering through epic scenery. 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.
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!
Head back to your accommodation and get some shut-eye. Tomorrow’s adventure awaits!
Paddle a kayak on the Anglesea River with Anglesea Paddleboats and Canoe Hire
Explore Anglesea by bike or hit up the Anglesea Bike Park with the family
Grab your board (or hire one from Go Ride a Wave) and head out for a surf
Grab an arvo cocktail and a snack on the deck at Last One Inn
Gourmet fish and chips by the river from Fish by Moonlite
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 can make a beeline for Blackman’s Brewery or Bells Beach Brewing. Try a beer made with the finest ingredients, with a delicious burger or pizza.
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, don’t worry, there’s no dress code in Torquay, sandy feet are always welcome! Il Matto is an authentic Italian eatery for wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. For Asian fusion with fresh cocktails, try Bob Sugar at the other end of the beach. For a more fine dining experience, Number One Restaurant at RACV Torquay Resort is the go.
After dinner, return to Anglesea for a good night’s rest to prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Aireys Inlet.
Hire a board or BYO and head out for a surf at Cosy Corner, Torquay Surf Beach or for the more experienced, Jan Juc
Visit Bells Beach to watch the pros
Grab a second coffee and walk the esplanade or part of the Surf Coast Walk
Hit the surf seconds stores in Baines Crescent for discounted surf clothes, swimwear and wetties, or Surf City for the latest gear from the big surf brands
Top off the day and dine out at one of the many restaurants or bars (don’t worry, there’s no dress code in Torquay, sandy feet always welcomed)
Head back to Anglesea for a good nights rest, tomorrow we explore the other side!
Begin your day with a stunning sunrise over the Split Point Lighthouse, then get behind the wheel for the 10-minute drive from Anglesea to Aireys Inlet.
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. Onda Foodhouse on Painkalac River serves Allpress 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. You might even get to spot a pod of whales or dolphins from the topmost balcony!
Take your mountain bike,or hire one in Anglesea,and hit the 20-kilometre Currawong Falls trail, starting from the Distillery Creek Picnic Area trailhead. It’s an easy route that takes about three hours.
If walking is more your style or you’re looking for something shorter, take one of the other walks signposted at the trailhead.
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 Great Ocean Road Gin for a tasting.
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.
Take a Split Point Lighthouse tour
If you’ve got your mountain bike (or you can hire one in Anglesea), hit the 20km Currawong Falls trail, starting from Distillery Creek Picnic Area
If walking is more your style, you can also walk the Currawong Falls track, or there are shorter walks signposted at the same spot in Distillery Creek Picnic Area
Hit the famous Aireys Pub for lunch and a local brew with a view for a true country pub vibe, or a gin tasting might be more your thing at Great Ocean Road Gin
Take the action down a notch and go for a stroll around Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery
For the best wood-fired pizza, hit up The Captain of Aireys before heading back to Anglesea for your last night in
The seaside town of Anglesea is less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne, making it an ideal destination for some respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether you’re travelling in a group, with family or venturing on a couples or solo trip, Anglesea is centrally located with many nearby attractions, making it an enticing Surf Coast getaway.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
