Anglesea may not have the name recognition of its neighbouring towns Torquay or Bells Beach, but that’s because locals try to keep this slice of paradise on the downlow to retain its quaint and charming feel. The town marks the start of the more scenic section of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, although it’s just 40 minutes’ drive from Geelong and 90 minutes from Melbourne if you need a city hit.
The Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nation are the original custodians of Anglesea – they called it Kuarka Dorla, or “place to catch mullet”. In the 1830s, squatters named it Swampy Creek and tried to graze cattle. Eventually, fishing and timber-getting became the main industry. In 1884, a township developed around the river’s mouth and it was renamed Anglesea River after Anglesey in Wales.
While dramatic cliffs and surf beaches are the hallmarks of the Great Ocean Road, there are plenty of other activities inland thanks to Anglesea’s river and bushland. Paddling, surfing and fishing are all popular, and walking – along the coast and in Coogoorah Park – is the perfect way to enjoy nature’s beauty. In addition to golf, the Anglesea Golf Club offers guided kangaroo viewing tours to learn about and view its mob of eastern greys.
A meal at the club’s bistro, The Grill House, is a pleasant way to finish a game or tour, overlooking the 18th fairway. (Local tip: come at dusk to see roos.) For water views, head to Last One Inn by the river. It’s a former beach shack that serves local produce with a Latin American twist – think Nikkei crudo and spice-roasted cauliflower with pepitas. On Sundays, it hosts an asado (barbeque) with live music.
Then there’s Lovehouse, which offers Asian fusion dishes such as laksa dumplings and crispy eggplant tacos. For each meal ordered, the beachside restaurant donates one meal to a partner charity to relieve food insecurity. If you’ve been unlucky with the line, visit Fish by Moonlite, where you can order fresh catch to cook at home or get your fish’n’chips fix.
More of a morning person? Head to Poppie’s nursery and cafe and enjoy a Bali tofu bowl or house-made granola with caffeine from Coffee Snobs among lushly landscaped plant life. Or finish your beach run at Four Kings where you can have chilli scrambled eggs or wild mushroom tart with Padre coffee overlooking Anglesea Beach.
Lean into the laid-back lifestyle with a session at Lux Spa & Wellness; its treatments – from facials and body wraps to Vichy showers and massages – are inspired by nature. There’s also Armadi Boutique, where you’ll find contemporary fashion labels, like Elka Collective and Academy Brand, that focus on using natural fibres. Dress your home at Frangipanis, where you’ll find ceramics from local potters, brands like Geelong-based Design Hunt and a friendly welcome by shop dog Freddy.
Agent lens
with Andrew Brown from Surf Coast Real Estate
What are your favourite luxury features in home design?
In Anglesea, luxury home design is all about embracing the natural surroundings in style. My favourite extravagant features include infinity edge pools overlooking the ocean or bush, designer kitchens with butler’s pantries, tennis courts and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with built-in kitchens and firepits. Floor-to-ceiling windows that frame bushland or stunning ocean views create a seamless indoor-outdoor feel, while underfloor heating and freestanding stone bathtubs add indulgence. A private home cinema, wine cellar, and integrated smart home technology elevate convenience and entertainment.
For sale in Anglesea
$3,100,000 to $3,300,000
12 Sixth Avenue, Anglesea VIC 3230
A tranquil coastal retreat just moments from Point Roadknight Beach, this near-new home offers laid-back luxury across a spacious 1362-square-metre block. Blackbutt floors, a chef’s kitchen, expansive decks and a Stuv fireplace create effortless indoor-outdoor flow. There’s also a detached home office studio, sun-drenched decks and a lush garden.
