River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Anglesea
Close to the beach and heathlands, plus the Anglesea River, Anglesea offers a perfect low-key vibe.
Popular camping styles for Anglesea
7 top river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campgrounds near Anglesea
River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Anglesea guide
Overview
Only 37 kilometers from Geelong, Anglesea, a popular seaside community and family holiday destination boasts a lovely surf beach that's back by striking, orange-hued cliffs. The Anglesea River offers canoeing and windsurfing opportunities, while excellent walks abound in Coogoorah Park and the heathlands. Amenities, from supermarkets to cafes, are plentiful. Anglesea is known for its kangaroo mobs. To see them, get a ‘hoppin to the local golf course (tours offered). Campers can choose from a Big4 to the well-located Anglesea Family Caravan Park where camping sites face the water.
Aireys Inlet
The famous landmark of this low-key coastal hamlet, that’s spread out along cliffs and the marshlands behind (think good bird life), is the Spit Point Lighthouse (1834). Aireys has two parks, a Big4, with full facilities, and Aireys Inlet Holiday Park, on the main road with tent sites (no power). Here, caravans have the choice of private ensuite cabins and there’s a small camp kitchen.
Great Memorial Arch
A short drive from Anglesea, at Eastern View, stands the famous memorial arch and ‘diggers’ sculpture commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the building of the Great Ocean Road. This famous landmark of Australia was erected to commemorate the returned servicemen from World War I who built the Great Ocean Road from 1918 to 1932.
Surf Coast Walk
Stretching for 44km between Point Impossible (near Torquay) and Fairhaven (near Airey’s Inlet), the trail of the Surf Coast Walk follows the coastline. The walk passes through the famous Bells Beach, famous for surfing. Anglesea is a handy departure point to do some of the walk—north to Fairhaven, or south towards Point Impossible.
Fairhaven and Point Roadknight
Heading south, Point Roadknight Beach, near Anglesea, is a beautiful arc of sand framed by orange cliffs and is a handy alternative to the family-filled Anglesea front beach. If you’re heading southwards, along the coast to Lorne, stop at Fairhaven and walk for kilometers along golden sand!
When to go
You’ll need to reserve ahead from December 26 until the end of January when the summer holiday crowds descend on the coast. Be aware of bushfires in the hottest months. At any other time of year, the village takes on a slower pace and you’ll have Anglesea pretty much to yourselves.
Know before you go
- If driving, beware kangaroos around Anglesea, especially when driving at dusk and in the evenings when they appear to nibble on front lawns. If you do encounter one, allow it to hop away at its will (they may become disorientated by the headlights).
- As everywhere along the Great Ocean Road, adhere to all bushfire warnings.
- Anglesea has reasonable services, including a small supermarket; for a wider choice, stock up in Torquay (if you’re heading west).
