Located near the start of the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the beach town of Anglesea is surrounded by sheer cliffs and boasts some of the best golden-sand beaches and coastal walking trails in Australia. Clear blue water, gentle waves, and unique rock formations make Anglesea an ideal summer getaway. The town’s 18-hole golf course is also home to more than 300 grey kangaroos who roam across the fairways, soaking up the sun and hopping from green to green.

Near the town centre, you’ll find the entrance to the walking trails at Anglesea Heath, which is 28 square miles of heathland, woodland, forest, and swamp. The heath is a haven for flora and fauna, and almost a quarter of Victoria’s plant species can be found here, including more than 100 varieties of orchids. In spring, the orchids create a spectacular colour display all over Anglesea.

The nearest airport to Anglesea is Avalon Airport (AVL), which is about a 45-minute drive away. If you’re flying from the UK, you’ll most likely arrive via Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport (MEL), which is a 90-minute drive from Anglesea. Both airports have many car rental options.

If you’re driving from Melbourne city centre, it should take you around one hour and 45 minutes. A direct bus service also departs from Melbourne’s Southern Cross train station. Once you arrive in Anglesea, most attractions are within walking distance, and there are also many cycle paths and bike rentals available in town. If you’re planning on making regular trips to sites a little further afield, a car may be your best option.

Anglesea is one of Victoria’s great beach destinations, with many accommodation options for your stay. Between December and February, you can expect warm days for enjoying the beach, so pack your sunscreen and hat, as it can get hot in the middle of the day. The Festival of Sails takes place every year around Australia Day (January 26) in nearby Geelong, offering much for boat afficionados to admire as well as live music along the waterfront.

Spring and autumn both bring mild weather mixed in with rainy days and cool temperatures. Victoria’s weather can be inconsistent during these seasons, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers. Although winter is much colder, it’s also a nice time to visit, but make sure you have a warm jacket.

Anglesea Beach

Most people who come to Anglesea are here to spend time on its soft golden sand. The beach is largely sheltered by the towering cliffs, and the calm waters are ideal for swimming and family-friendly water sports. In summer, lifeguards patrol the beach. Anglesea Beach is also considered to be one of Victoria’s best spots to learn to surf due to the gentle rolling waves.

Surf Coast Walk

Anglesea forms part of the epic Surf Coast Walk, a 28-mile trail that starts from Torquay and continues along the coastline. Three of the trail’s 12 sections start in Anglesea. The shortest is a one-mile walk along the Anglesea Riverbank, which meanders through the grassy landscape. The Anglesea Heath section takes you up along the spectacular ochre cliffs to Point Addis, while the two-mile walk to Point Roadknight offers panoramic views of the town, river, and ocean.

Great Ocean Road

Take a drive along one of Australia’s most scenic byways, the Great Ocean Road. Anglesea is almost at the start of this 151-mile road, which hugs the Victoria coastline west almost all the way to Warrnambool. There are many lookouts to stop and admire the views, including one of Victoria’s most famous rock formations, the 12 Apostles. This unique landmark is a series of limestone stacks that jut out from the water just off the shore. Further down the road, you’ll pass through Lorne and Apollo Bay, both of which have beautiful beaches as well as pubs and cafes where you can stop for lunch.