Things to do near Anglesea
Anglesea sits between Torquay and Lorne, 30 minutes from each. From here, Bells Beach, Memorial Arch, Split Point Lighthouse, and the Surf Coast Walk are all easy day trips.
Day-trip from Anglesea
Anglesea is the central Surf Coast town — between Torquay and Lorne, with the famous wild kangaroos at the golf course right in town. From Anglesea accommodation, you can reach Bells Beach in 15 minutes, the Aireys Inlet lighthouse in 18 minutes, and Lorne in 30 minutes. The town itself is family-focused; the surrounding day trips deliver the major Surf Coast attractions.
Top things to do near Anglesea
Bells Beach
Australia's most famous surf break.
13 km · 15 minMemorial Arch
Wooden gateway marking the road's start.
15 km · 18 minSplit Point Lighthouse
1891 'White Queen' on the Aireys Inlet headland.
15 km · 18 minAireys Inlet town
Quietest Surf Coast town with cliff walks.
12 km · 15 minLorne foreshore
Pretty beach town with pier and café strip.
33 km · 30 minErskine Falls
30-metre Otway waterfall behind Lorne.
45 km · 45 minThings to do near Anglesea FAQs
- What can you do near Anglesea?
- Bells Beach (15 min north), Memorial Arch (18 min south), Split Point Lighthouse and Aireys Inlet (15 min south), Lorne (30 min south), Torquay (15 min north), Geelong (40 min north). Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos are right in town — the headline activity.
- What's the closest beach to Anglesea?
- Anglesea main beach (in town, patrolled summer). Pt Roadknight (south end of town, surf break). Smiths Beach (3 km south, quieter walk-down). Sunnymeade Beach (5 km south, gentler family beach). The closest beaches that aren't Anglesea's own.
- Are the Anglesea kangaroos a day trip?
- No — they're in town. The Anglesea Golf Course is on the eastern edge of Anglesea itself. Drive Golf Links Road slowly to see them grazing the fairways. Free, year-round, best at dawn or dusk. Combined with one of the surrounding day trips makes for a full Surf Coast day.
- Is Lorne close to Anglesea?
- 30 minutes south by car (33 km). The drive includes Aireys Inlet and Memorial Arch en route — most travellers stop at both rather than driving direct. Combined with a Lorne café visit, a half-day trip from Anglesea covers most of the central Surf Coast.
- Can you walk from Anglesea to other beaches?
- Yes — sections of the 44 km Surf Coast Walk pass through Anglesea. The Anglesea to Aireys Inlet section is the standard 16 km one-way day section (4-5 hours, fit walkers). Shorter walks from Anglesea include Pt Roadknight loops and short coast sections.
- Are there family activities near Anglesea?
- Yes. Anglesea kangaroos themselves are the kid-favourite. Plus patrolled beach swimming, Lorne pier, Bells Beach viewing, the Otway Fly (90 min west). The Anglesea Family Caravan Park has playgrounds. Multiple short walks suitable for prams.
- How long should you spend exploring near Anglesea?
- 1-2 days. Day 1: kangaroos in the morning, Bells Beach late morning, Memorial Arch + Aireys Inlet afternoon. Day 2: Surf Coast Walk section or south to Lorne for a longer day. Multi-night Anglesea stays let you slow down without missing major attractions.