Anglesea Beach is not generally regarded as the best on the Great Ocean Road. The likes of Bells Beach and Johanna Beach will always top it for surfing, while the likes of Childers Cove will win on the looks front.
Anglesea Beach, however, is like Lorne Beach in that it has a delightful seaside town behind it. You can stay in the town overnight and walk down to the beach in the morning. Accessibility is key – you don’t need to get in the car and drive to Anglesea Beach from your hotel or the Anglesea Caravan Park.
Is it safe to swim at Anglesea Beach?
This Great Ocean Road beach is around 400 metres long, and is reasonably safe for swimming. It is patrolled by surf lifesavers, and Point Roadknight protects Anglesea Beach from the most ferocious ocean swells.
Swimmers, however, should watch out for rips at the southern end of the beach near the rocks.
Don’t go thinking Anglesea Beach is a totally placid duckpond, however. This Australian beach still gets waves, mostly suitable for novice surfers still working on their techniques.
Anglesea surfing lessons
If you wish to tackle the surf yourself, then Go Ride A Wave, just opposite the beach, rents out surfboards and wetsuits. It also offers Anglesea Beach surfing lessons, beginning with a two-hour introductory course.
This Anglesea surfing lesson covers the basic techniques of surfing and should have you standing on your board by the end of the session. The Go Ride A Wave lessons cost from $84 in a group lesson, but private lessons are also available for anyone wanting one-on-one tuition. They should be booked online.
Anglesea is on the Torquay to Lorne stretch of the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s classic road trip. Other Anglesea attractions include the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the kangaroos on the Anglesea Golf Course.
Anglesea Beach: key visitor information
Information sourced from Surf Life Saving Victoria and Go Ride A Wave. Lesson prices are subject to change — always check for current pricing before booking.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| When is Anglesea Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | Anglesea Main Beach is patrolled by Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club throughout summer. Check the Surf Life Saving Victoria website for current patrol dates and hours. |
| How much does it cost to visit Anglesea Beach? | Entry is free. |
| How long is Anglesea Beach? | Approximately 400 metres, between the Anglesea River mouth and Point Roadknight. |
| Is there parking at Anglesea Beach? | Yes. A large car park is located directly behind the beach, off Noble Street. Additional street parking is available nearby. The car park can fill quickly on summer weekends. |
| What facilities are at Anglesea Beach? | Toilets, showers, a children’s playground and picnic areas are available near the beach. Go Ride A Wave operates a shop directly opposite the beach on the Great Ocean Road, with surfboard and wetsuit hire. |
| Where is Go Ride A Wave in Anglesea? | 143B Great Ocean Road, Anglesea VIC 3230. Directly opposite Anglesea Main Beach, next to the Four Kings shops. |
| How much do surfing lessons cost at Anglesea? | Lessons start from $84 per person for a group surf experience at time of writing, with private lessons also available. |
| What is included in a Go Ride A Wave lesson? | A two-hour lesson with qualified instructors, a full-length wetsuit and a soft beginner surfboard. Lessons run daily. |
| Are surfing lessons at Anglesea suitable for children? | Yes. Go Ride A Wave offers lessons for ages five and over, as well as a dedicated SurfGroms programme for children aged 5–12 during school holidays. |
| What other water activities are available at Anglesea? | Go Ride A Wave also offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons and night kayaking on the Anglesea River. |
| Are dogs allowed at Anglesea Beach? | Dogs are permitted in some sections of Anglesea beach outside peak season. Check Surf Coast Shire Council’s website for current restrictions before visiting. |
| How far is Anglesea from Melbourne? | Approximately 104km, around 90 minutes by car via the Princes Freeway and Great Ocean Road. |
Things to do near Anglesea Beach
Kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course – One of the most unusual wildlife encounters on the Great Ocean Road, Anglesea Golf Course is home to a large mob of eastern grey kangaroos that can be seen grazing on the fairways throughout the day.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie – A short drive from Anglesea, this popular producer offers tastings, tours and a shop, with a wide range of handmade chocolates using locally sourced ingredients.
Bells Beach – Around 10km south of Torquay and 20km from Anglesea, Bells Beach is one of the most iconic surf breaks in the world, hosting the Rip Curl Pro each Easter and offering dramatic clifftop views even for non-surfers.
Aireys Inlet and Split Point Lighthouse – A short drive south of Anglesea, this coastal village is home to the historic Split Point Lighthouse, offering tours and sweeping views over the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Anglesea River – The calm river behind the town is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with wildlife including birdlife and the occasional kangaroo visible from the water. Go Ride A Wave offers guided night kayaking sessions.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool.
- Lorne attraction guides: Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne Beach and Sheoak Falls.
- How tours of the J Ward Lunatic Asylum in Ararat work.
- Practical guide to visiting Ballarat Wildlife Park.
- Bring the gold rush to life at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.
