Anglesea doesn't get nearly enough credit. Most people drive straight through on their way to Lorne or Apollo Bay, which honestly suits the locals just fine. But if you've ever actually stopped here, you know. The river mouth, the point, the kangaroos on the golf course, the long beach that somehow never feels crowded even in January. I've been shooting this stretch of coast for years and Anglesea keeps pulling me back. There's always a new angle, a new light, a new reason to park the car and get the camera out.
This is my local photographer's guide to things to do in Anglesea, plus a few thoughts on how to take a piece of it home with you.
Get Out on the Beach Early
The beach at Anglesea faces south-west, which means you get incredible late afternoon light in summer and moody, grey-green swells in winter. Early mornings are something else entirely. The surf is usually glassy, the crowds are non-existent, and if you walk far enough from the main beach access you'll often have a long stretch of sand completely to yourself.
I've shot here at all different times of day and the late afternoon golden hour is hard to beat. The cliffs at the southern end of the beach glow in that light and the water picks up colour in a way that makes the whole scene feel almost unreal.
Walk the Great Ocean Road Cliff Tops
The cliff top walk from the main beach toward Point Roadknight is one of the most underrated short walks on the entire Surf Coast. You get views back over Anglesea, down to the point, and out across open ocean. It takes maybe 45 minutes return and the effort to reward ratio is ridiculous. Take it slow, look down at the rock platforms, and keep an eye out for dolphins if there's any swell running.
Point Roadknight itself is worth a separate visit. It's a sheltered bay around the corner from the main beach, popular with families and beginner surfers. I've shot it from above with the drone on a still morning and the colours in that water are genuinely hard to believe. You can see Point Roadknight Art Print II if you want to know what I mean. It's one of my most popular prints and it's easy to see why once you've stood there.
See the Kangaroos at the Golf Course
Yes, this is a real thing. The Anglesea Golf Club has a mob of kangaroos that just lives on the course. They're not shy, they're not performing for tourists, they're just there eating grass and doing kangaroo things. It's one of those only-in-Australia moments that genuinely surprises people who haven't heard about it. Worth doing even if you have zero interest in golf.
Surf or Watch at Anglesea Point
The point break at Anglesea is a fun, beginner-friendly wave when it's small and a proper punchy right-hander when a decent swell lines up. There's a good grassy bank above the break where you can sit and watch without getting in the way. If you're learning to surf, the surf schools here are relaxed and the beach break in front of the river mouth is about as gentle as it gets on the Surf Coast.
If you want something with a bit more bite, Point Addis is just a short drive north. I wrote a full guide to things to do at Point Addis if you're planning to explore both in the same day.
Bring a Piece of Anglesea Home
If you've spent time in Anglesea, whether it's your annual family holiday or somewhere you grew up visiting, there's something genuinely nice about having it on your wall. Not a postcard. Not a generic stock photo of "the Australian coast." An actual photograph of that beach, that point, that light.
I shoot all of my Anglesea prints personally. I know these spots. The Anglesea Art Print I is a good starting point if you want something that captures the full sweep of the beach and the surrounding landscape. Prints start from $89, they're printed and shipped from Victoria, and all framed options come in FSC certified timber frames with a 10-year warranty. Free shipping anywhere in Australia.
If you want to see the full range, I've got Anglesea Art Print II, Anglesea Art Print III, Anglesea Art Print IV and more, each shot from a different vantage point at a different time of day. There's usually one that clicks with the memory you're trying to hold onto.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Anglesea with kids?
The kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Club are a genuine highlight for families and completely free to see. The main beach and river mouth area are calm and safe for younger swimmers. There are also easy walking tracks along the foreshore that don't require much effort and still deliver great coastal views.
Is Anglesea worth stopping at on the Great Ocean Road?
Absolutely, and it's one of the most overlooked stops on the whole drive. Anglesea has beaches, walks, a surf break, a river estuary and local cafes, all without the crowds you'll find further along at Lorne. It's worth at least half a day, and it makes a genuinely good base if you're exploring the Surf Coast over a few days.
Where can I buy Anglesea wall art online?
Local Breaks has a dedicated range of Anglesea art prints shot on location by Geelong-based photographer Sam Piasente. Prints start from $89 and are available unframed or in a range of framed options including classic timber frames and floating frame canvas. Free shipping across Australia and printed to order from Victoria.
What size wall art works best for a living room or holiday house?
For a living room feature wall, an L size (59.4x84.1cm) or XL size (84.1x118.9cm) tends to make the most impact. If you're decorating a holiday house or Airbnb, a large format print gives the space a finished, considered feel that guests notice. Check the size guide if you're not sure what will work in your specific space.
If you're heading to Anglesea soon, enjoy it. And if you've already been and you're chasing that feeling again, I hope one of my prints does the job.
