The small seaside town of Anglesea is often overlooked by visitors road tripping down the Great Ocean Road on their way to Lorne or further afield. But with some of the best beaches in the area it’s really not to be missed. This sleepy town is a relaxing 1.5 hr drive from Melbourne making it the perfect distance for a quick weekend escape or day trip.
I spent many a weekend here in my youth with friends that had a little caravan site along the river. But even though it’s slightly more developed that it was back in the 80s and 90s, it still has it’s seaside charm (and Jums Chips). Anglesea holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m glad we returned to enjoy it as a family.
STAY – Where to Stay in Anglesea
Anglesea has a range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget. From campsites to luxury holiday houses you are sure to find a place to stay that fits your family’s needs. Plan to book early if visiting in peak Summer season as apartments and caravan parks fill up fast with loyal holiday makers that love returning year after year.
Where we stayed:
Great Ocean Road Resort
Centrally located right on the Great Ocean Road and walking distance to the Main Beach, the Great Ocean Road Resort has self-contained Studios and Apartments that cater for groups of 2-6 people.
Families will enjoy the facilities which include an indoor heated pool, tennis court, games and barbecue area, and Jumpz Anglesea trampoline park. The resort also has an onsite restaurant, The Coast Restaurant & Bar, and a day spa.
We stayed in a Two Bedroom Deluxe Apartment.
Great Ocean Road Resort
105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea Vic 3230
03 5263 3363
Book your stay Here
On our wish list:
Safari Tent – Big 4 Anglesea Holiday Park
A unique ‘glamping’ experience for the adventure seeking family. Sleeping up to 6 in style with all the facilities you’d expect from a luxury campsite including private en-suite, decked out kitchen, personal barbecue and even an outdoor claw-foot bath!
The Big 4 Anglesea Holiday Park also has a fantastic new playground and the largest indoor pool in Anglesea.
BIG 4 Anglesea
45 Murray St, Anglesea Victoria 3230
03 52631640
EAT – Where to Eat in Anglesea
You’ll find an abundance of family friendly places to grab a meal in and around Anglesea. There are also several public BBQ and nice picnic areas if you fancy self catering.
Brunch
McGain’s Nursery, Café and Food Store
One of Anglesea’s best kept secrets – this cafe is part of a nursery complex where you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch under a canopy of plants. It’s like being in a secret garden. A little off the beaten path, it’s where you’ll find the locals ‘in the know’.
McGain’s adjoining grocery shop sells organic and biodynamic beers and wines, organic milk, delicatessen goods, fruit and vegetables, take-home meals, handmade sweet treats, chocolates, oils and condiments.
McGain’s Nursery, Café and Food Store
1 Simmons Court, Anglesea, 3230
03 5263 3841
Café Hours
8:30 am – 3:00 pm daily
Nursery & Food Store Hours
8:30am – 5pm daily
Maid’s Pantry at Anglesea General Store
A large outdoor eating area with plenty of room to play will keep the kids happy until their breakfast arrives. Order from the brunch menu which has a good selection of healthy meals to get your day started or if you are after something more exotic, try a ‘breakfast from abroad’. If you want to hit the beach early grab something to go from the General store.
Maid’s Pantry
119 Great Ocean Road Anglesea, Vic 3230
03 5263 1420
6:30 am – 4:00 pm daily
Lunch
Pod Cafe at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Come for the chocolate and stay for a meal at the Pod Cafe. There’s a good selection of pizzas and burgers, as well as several kids lunch box options that come with a cool ‘moo box’.
Of course the desserts are a must try! They are super large, so you may want to share.
The kids can burn off their sugar rush in the fabulous (fenced in) outdoor play space. It has a lovely fragrant garden and shaded sand play area, as well as balls and outdoor games.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
1200 Great Ocean Road Corner Elkington Road, Bellbrae
03 5263 1588
9am – 5pm daily
Jums Chicken
A local institution! Any trip to Anglesea is not complete without a serve of hot chips and gravy from Jums. They also do great roast chicken rolls and other quick take-away options.
Jums Chicken
77 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Vic
Coffee & Snacks
The Kiosk
Situated in the car park of Point Roadknight beach, this little hole in the wall serves Padre coffee, cold drinks, take-away sandwiches and other tasty snacks. Perfect for keeping the hunger pangs at bay without leaving the beach.
The Kiosk
104 Melba Parade, Anglesea
Summer hours 7am – 7pm daily
Dinner
The Coast Restaurant
Conveniently located at the Great Ocean Road Resort, The Coast Restaurant has a family friendly menu with a great value kids meal selection.
A popular happy hour hangout with $5 beer and wine from 3-5pm.
We enjoyed a double tiered seafood platter that was big enough to feed the 3 of us.
The Coast Restaurant
105 Great Ocean Road Anglesea
03 52631683
Little Feast Aireys Inlet
Head down the road a little to Aireys Inlet for lunch or dinner at Little Feast. The atmosphere is relaxed and the decor features work by talented local artists.
The dinner menu is based around sharing plates which make for a fun and sociable meal. Don’t miss their stellar selection of ‘cocktails with benefits’ packed with nutritious twists like kombucha. No need to twist my arm, you had me at cocktail!
Little Feast Aireys Inlet
85 Great Ocean Road
Aireys Inlet VIC 3231
03 52896621
PLAY – Things to See & Do in Anglesea
This little town has plenty to keep the family entertained all year round. With three beaches to choose from, stunning coastal walks, and wildlife to encounter, it’s the perfect place to chill.
Hit the beach
Anglesea has some of the best beaches along the Great Ocean Road, my personal fave being Point Roadknight. Swim and play at Main Beach or Point Roadknight in summer. In the cooler months Soapy Rocks is ideal for rock pooling, dog running or beach walks.
Point Roadknight beach – A sheltered beach at Point Roadknight a favourite for young families.
Anglesea Main Beach – Main beaches shallow waves are your ideal learn to surf spot.
Soapy Rocks – Soapy Rocks is the back beach at Anglesea between the Anglesea Surf Club and Point Roadknight Beach.
Explore the River
Take a walk along the Anglesea river. Kids will enjoy spotting the many species of water bird that are native to the area. There are lots of bridges that criss-cross the wetlands which makes for an interesting adventure. The boardwalks are also suitable for bike riding or a spot of fishing (license required).
If you are feeling more adventurous hire a paddle boat or canoe and explore the area from the water.
Canoes can be taken up-stream, you’ll need to duck under the low bridges. It was a super fun way to explore the area, and the sheltered estuary is easy to paddle for even the most novice of canoers.
I really loved getting out on the water and paddling up the river in the canoes. It was the highlight of our weekend.
If you are in kind of a lazy mood, the mini motor boats are a hoot. Emma got such a thrill driving hers around.
Anglesea Paddle Boats & Canoe Hire
Anglesea River next to the Anglesea Bridge
0408599942
Canoe hire $35 per Hour with all safety equipment included.
Meet the local kangaroos
Take a guided kangaroo tour of the Anglesea Golf Course to meet the local resident marsupials. This 20 minute golf buggy tour is lots of fun and is the perfect way to see the kangaroos. The eastern grey kangaroos on the golf course are highly habituated to humans which provides a unique opportunity to observe and study kangaroos up close.
There are currently over 200 kangaroos living on the golf course, one of the highest population densities ever recorded for this species.
Kangaroo Tours
Anglesea Golf Club, Golf Links Road Anglesea
03 52631954
Tours currently run 7 days a week 10.00am – 4.00pm
Adults $10.00 Children Under 12 $5.00
Family Pass 2 Adults & 2 Children Under 12 $25.00
Play on a Pirate Ship
Coogoorah Park adventure playground is a great place for a picnic lunch or barbecue. You can walk there from town along the river or drive (there is a small carpark).
The wooden ship is inspired by the ‘Inverlochy’, wrecked off the coast in 1902.
Walk the Surf Coast
Hike sections of the Surf Coast Walk at your own pace. The 44km walk connects Torquay to Aireys Inlet but you don’t need to tackle it all at once.
Sections 6, 7 and 8 are all accessible from Anglesea and take in some great views.
Section 12 from Split Point Lighthouse is very scenic.
Plan your walk and download a Surf Coast Walk map here
Get your Jump On!
Kids can bounce themselves silly at Jumpz Anglesea. Located at the Great Ocean Road Resort, it’s open to the public 7 days a week. With 360 degrees of trampolines, bouncing off the walls is a piece of cake.
Sessions start at $10 for 30 min
Jumpz Anglesea
Located within Great Ocean Road Resort
105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea VIC 3230
Learn all about Chocolate
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. You can learn how chocolate is made, watch the chocolate makers at work and taste lots of samples.
Join one of the daily, hosted tasting sessions where you will be guides through a selection of 12 hand crafted chocolates while explaining how chocolate is made, how ingredients are sourced and the artisan techniques of their European Chocolatiers use to create each sweet treat.
Sessions are $3 per person and take place at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm each day.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
1200 Great Ocean Road Corner Elkington Road, Bellbrae
03 5263 1588
9am – 5pm daily
Visit a working Lighthouse
Known as the ‘White Queen’, the Split Point Lighthouse has been keeping seafarers safe since 1891 and is still in use today.
You may recognise her from the classic children’s TV series ‘Round the Twist’.
Climb the 132 stairs for a 360 degree unparalleled view of the coastline.
Split Point Lighthouse
Federal Street
Aireys Inlet Victoria 3231
(Turn left at Inlet Cres follow ‘Lighthouse Tours’ Signs)
30 min guided tours run daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm
Children must be over the age of 5 to join the tour
Appropriate footwear must be worn. Not suitable for people with pacemakers.
Adults $14
Concession or Senior $10
Child $8 (aged 5 – 16 years)
Family $40*
GETTING THERE
Anglesea is an easy 1.5hr drive from Melbourne. There are regular bus services from Geelong (via Torquay), which has connections to Melbourne via train.
PIN FOR LATER
My Poppet visited Anglesea as guest of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and we were hosted by some of the businesses mentioned. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
You are quite the travel saleswoman, Cintia. Anglesea looks like a wonderful place to visit, especially the paddle boats, the chocolaterie, and the picturesque lighthouse. It looks particularly inviting since we’re in a troubling, deep freeze here in the southeastern US, and it looks nice and warm there!
I hope you’ve defrosted a little bit. It’s the last days of summer here, Emma was back at school today and it’s all gone by way too quickly.