Anglesea Perimeter Walk

From the visitor centre the route crosses the Anglesea River and follows the river and campground edge toward the coast. It joins clifftop sections of the Surf Coast Walk, with open views along the shore. The circuit then leaves the coast by a firebreak and Hurst Drive, passes the Eumeralla Scout Camp area and follows Don’s Track toward a lookout above town. From there it turns by the cricket ground and Ellimatta Reserve, crossing Great Ocean Road before heading inland again.

The route follows Ixodia, Black Wattle and Powerline tracks, then Camp Road and Bingley toward Coogoorah Park. The inland walking feels different from the coastal path: broad vehicle tracks and sandy or gravelly firebreaks cross low heath and woodland, with occasional clearings back toward Anglesea. Coogoorah’s boardwalks cross wetland islands and make a good pause for birdwatching. Toilets and picnic facilities are at the park; carry drinking water for the full circuit.

From Coogoorah, the route climbs behind the ship-shaped playground, passes through Alcoa Reserve and approaches the former open-cut mine before climbing Messmate Track to Mt Ingoldsby. The summit gives a broad view across heath, the town edge and the rehabilitating mine landscape. Anglesea’s heathlands became part of Great Otway National Park in 2017 after Alcoa surrendered most of its lease, so this stretch pairs a varied native landscape with a visible local industrial history.

Beyond Mt Ingoldsby, the circuit reaches Harvey Street and follows tracks through O’Donohue Reserve. Late winter and spring bring ground orchids and other heathland flowers around this section. The route crosses Great Ocean Road and reaches Point Roadknight, where beach and clifftop sections lead back toward the river and visitor centre. Follow the W96 steps and clifftop path when the tide or surf makes the shoreline unsuitable; this section has wet, slippery rocks and unstable cliff edges.

This is a long walk on mixed coast paths, sand, gravel roads and rough firebreaks, with several climbs and three Great Ocean Road crossings. Powerline Track between the route’s C and D markers is steep and deeply rutted; clay can turn slick when wet, so it is best for suitably equipped walkers. Stay on the marked tread through sensitive heathland, and clean footwear before and after the walk to limit the spread of plant disease. Dogs are permitted on lead through the National Park sections; follow local reserve rules through town.