Ironbark Basin Picnic Area

Ironbark Basin Picnic Area is a small table-and-information stop in ironbark woodland off Point Addis Road. The 1.5 km Ironbark Basin Nature Trail Circuit starts from the same car park and takes about an hour through forest and heathland. It drops steeply into the basin and climbs back, so choose the loop for a proper short walk rather than a flat leg-stretch.

From Anglesea, head toward Geelong on the Great Ocean Road for about 7.5 km, turn right into Point Addis Road, then turn left into the signed Ironbark Basin / Kitjarra Ngiti car park after about 500 m. An information board and a Cinnamon Fungus hygiene station mark the entrance. Dogs are allowed on lead at the picnic area. Toilet and drinking-water facilities weren’t confirmed, so check before relying on them. The steep slopes are harder after rain.

The circuit passes regrowth Red Ironbark and Messmate Stringybark, with Austral Grasstrees partway down the slope. Spring brings pomaderris flowers among mat-rush, bracken and wattles; Nodding Greenhood orchids may also appear. Near the bottom, a small dam sits beside the track, where frog spawn can show among reeds when it’s wet. Hollows in the ironbarks shelter small birds, possums and gliders; Powerful Owls are possible, but never a sure sighting.