Look, I get it. When you're driving the Great Ocean Road, it's easy to just follow the tourist trail. Everyone stops at the same spots, takes the same photos, then moves on. But some of the best places are the ones that don't shout for your attention.
Point Roadknight is one of those places.
Where Even Is Point Roadknight?
Right, so Point Roadknight sits just around the corner from Anglesea. If you're heading south on the Great Ocean Road, you'll pass through Anglesea proper first. The point itself is that rocky headland that juts out between Anglesea Beach and the stretch of coast heading towards Aireys Inlet.
Most people drive straight past it. They're too busy heading to the 12 Apostles or ticking off the lighthouse at Aireys. Which honestly works out pretty well for those of us who know about it.
Why I Keep Coming Back
I've shot this coastline more times than I can count. There's something about the way the cliffs drop down to the ocean here that just works. No matter what the light's doing, no matter what season it is, Point Roadknight delivers.
The rock formations are proper dramatic without being overdone. You get these sheer cliff faces in warm orange and brown tones, then suddenly there's this brilliant blue water smashing against them. It's raw and real, which is exactly what I'm after when I'm out with my camera.
The vantage points around here are gold too. You can shoot south towards Point Roadknight itself, or north back towards Anglesea. Either way, you're getting coastal views that rival anything else on the Great Ocean Road.
Soapy Rocks and Other Highlights
One of my favourite spots in the area is Soapy Rocks. Yeah, that's actually what it's called. The rocks here get this slippery coating from algae and sea spray, hence the name. They've also got these brilliant colours. Oranges, browns, even some greens depending on the time of year.
I've captured this area on several occasions. My Anglesea Art Print IV shows Soapy Rocks on a perfect summer day. The water is that crazy turquoise blue you dream about, and the rocks are showing off their full colour range.
Then there's Anglesea Art Print V, which looks over Soapy Rocks towards Point Roadknight. This one's all about the layers. You've got the colourful rocks in the foreground, then that deep blue ocean, then the headland in the distance.
The Cliff Top Views
The clifftop perspective here is something else. You're standing way up high, looking down at the beach and out to sea. It's the kind of view that makes you remember why you live in Australia.
I shot Anglesea Art Print II from up on these cliffs. You can see the golden sand below, the clear water, and the way the coastline curves around towards Point Roadknight. It's one of those photos where you can almost feel the sea breeze.
Another cracker is Anglesea Art Print III. This one shows the Surf Life Saving Club perched up on the cliffs with the Great Ocean Road snaking past. On one side you've got the road, on the other that crystal blue water. It really shows how this whole area just hangs on the edge between land and sea.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, any time works. I've been here in every season and it always delivers. Summer gives you those deep blue skies and warm light. Winter brings drama with bigger seas and moody clouds. Autumn has softer light that's perfect for photography.
Early morning is my pick if you want fewer people around. The light's better too. Late afternoon can be great when the sun's lower and you get that warm glow on the cliffs.
Getting There
From Melbourne, it's about 90 minutes down the Princes Highway through Geelong. Once you hit Anglesea, just follow the Great Ocean Road south. There are several lookouts and parking spots where you can pull over and check out the views towards Point Roadknight.
The main Anglesea lookout is well signposted and has good parking. From there, you can walk to various vantage points along the clifftops.
Bring Point Roadknight Home
If you want to bring a piece of this coastline into your home, I've got you covered. All my prints are shot by me personally, and each one is printed to order right here in Victoria. I offer everything from unframed prints to premium shadow box frames with museum-quality glass.
Check out my full range of Anglesea prints to see this beautiful stretch of coast in all its glory. Free shipping Australia wide, and every frame uses FSC certified timber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Point Roadknight?
The main swimming beach is Anglesea Beach, which is patrolled and safer for a dip. Point Roadknight itself is more rocky with stronger currents, so it's better for looking at than swimming in. Stick to the main beach if you want to get in the water.
How long should I spend at Point Roadknight?
Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour. That's enough time to check out a couple of lookout points and really take in the views. If you're keen on walking the coastal tracks, you could easily spend half a day exploring the area.
Is Point Roadknight suitable for kids?
Yeah, the lookouts are fine for kids, but keep an eye on them near the cliff edges. There are fences at the main viewing areas, but not everywhere. The walks along the clifftops are pretty easy going, so older kids should handle them no worries.
What else is nearby?
You've got the main Anglesea township just up the road with cafes and shops. Aireys Inlet and the Split Point Lighthouse are about 10 minutes south. If you're doing the full Great Ocean Road trip, you're perfectly positioned between Torquay to the northeast and Apollo Bay to the southwest.
