Town by Town Snapshot: Anglesea

THE size of Anglesea is approximately 96.9sqkm. It has 17 parks covering nearly 86.6 per cent of the total area.

Set between bushland and ocean on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Anglesea remains one of the region’s most appealing coastal towns.

Just over an hour from Melbourne and about 40 minutes from Geelong, it attracts a mix of permanent residents, sea-changers and holiday home owners drawn to its relaxed pace and strong connection to nature.

The town is shaped by its natural landscape. The Anglesea River winds through the centre of town, creating a green spine of walking paths, picnic areas and calm water popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Along the coast, Anglesea Main Beach and nearby Point Roadknight offer patrolled swimming areas and consistent surf, while inland the surrounding heath and forest link directly into the Great Otway National Park.

Much of Anglesea’s charm lies in how closely the built environment sits within this landscape. The township is bordered by bushland and coastal reserves, helping preserve a strong sense of greenery and limiting outward expansion.

Housing reflects the town’s evolution from a traditional holiday destination to a year-round community.

Original beach shacks and mid-century coastal cottages remain scattered throughout the older parts of town, many thoughtfully renovated, while contemporary homes and architect-designed builds have gradually emerged in more recent decades. This mix gives the suburb a relaxed but increasingly refined coastal character.

Despite its natural setting, Anglesea retains a compact and practical town centre. Shops, cafes, the primary school, sporting facilities and local services cluster close to the river and main beach, helping maintain a walkable village feel.

Community life is an important part of the town’s identity. Local sporting clubs, markets and seasonal events keep the calendar active, while environmental stewardship continues to shape local planning and development.

With the Great Ocean Road at its doorstep and bushland stretching to its northern edge, Anglesea offers a rare balance of accessibility and escape.

It is a coastal town where everyday living sits comfortably alongside the rhythms of the river, the surf and the surrounding heath.

The predominant age group in Anglesea in 60-69 years.

Households in Anglesea are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Anglesea work in a professional occupation. In 2021, 77.1 per cent of the homes in Anglesea were owner-occupied compared with 75.3 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats: Anglesea

Population: 3,208

Male: 49%

Female: 51%

Median age: 54

5 Year Population Change: 26%

Median House Value: $1,465,445

Change in Median House Price (5YRS): -13.4%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: $650

Average Length of Ownership: 20 years

Median House Price Over Time:

February 2026: $1,465,445