Anglesea Heath (Anglesea)

Take a close look at this remarkable heathland and you will be richly rewarded. The tapestry of heathlands, woodlands and paperbark swamps bursts into colour in springtime, and is claimed as the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria. This natural haven also provides homes for many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Discover and enjoy.

Anglesea Heath is a unique place of diversity. Amazingly about a quarter of Victoria's plant species can be found here including over 80 different types of orchids. Equally as diverse is the wildlife that lives here. 29 mammal species have been recorded, among them the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and the rare Swamp Antechinus (Antechinus minimus). More than 100 species of native birds thrive here including the Crimson Rosella, Bronzewing pigeons and a variety of Honeyeaters. This exceptional biodiversity has not gone unnoticed; naturalists have admired and studied the area for decades. The Australian Heritage Commission listed the Anglesea Heath on the Register of the National Estate, recognising its importance Australia wide!

Few places so close to Melbourne have such diversity and beauty. The sense of remoteness offered by the area is a peaceful alternative to the popular Great Ocean Road coastline. It is up to all visitors to respect the precious and fragile natural values of the area.

Walking and nature study
Vehicle tracks offer walkers. artists, photographers and birdwatchers opportunities to view the heathland up close. Springtime is spectacular. when the heathland erupts into a sea of vibrant colour, but observant visitors will be rewarded in all seasons. Dusty Miller. Honeypots and Harrisons South tracks are great places to explore springtime in the Heath.

4WD and motorcycles
Driving vehicles and riding trail bikes on open formed and named roads and tracks is permitted. Driving off-road damages and destroys the fragile soils and plants of the Anglesea Heath and is illegal.

During winter and spring some roads are closed to vehicles, (usually between 30 June and 1 November). These roads are closed to prevent erosion, preserve road surfaces and ensure public safety of roads affected by seasonal closures.

Horse and mountain bike riding
There are a number of horse back or mountain biking opportunities in Anglesea Heath. From a leisurely hour long ride to an all day adventure. There's something to suit everyone. Horse and mountain bike riding is permitted on open named vehicle roads and tracks. The Anglesea Bike Park has over 500m of mountain cross and jump tracks and will provide challenges for novice and experienced riders alike. Surrounding the bike park is a series of trails ideal for cross country mountain biking. lxodia and Firebreak tracks and the network of trails within Coogoorah Park will make excellent short rides. For something longer why not explore Dusty Miller, Shiney Eye, Honeypots or Harrison South Tracks.

Camping and picnicking
Although there are currently no formal camping or picnic grounds in the Anglesea Heath there are a number of places where you can camp or picnic nearby. Hammonds Road Camping Area, in the adjacent Great Otway National Park is the closest campsite to the Heath. Distillery Creek, Urquhart Bluff and Moggs Creek provide excellent opportunities for picknicking or barbecues and are railheads for a variety of walking tracks.

Exploring the Area:

Nearby areas include the Great Otway National Park, Otway Forest Park, Point Addis Marine National Park and Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.

Location and Access:

Located about 100km southwest of Melbourne, the Anglesea Heath is most commonly accessed from the Great Ocean Road north of the Anglesea township, via Forest Road then Gum Flat Road (see map). Several unsealed roads cross the Anglesea Heath and extend into Great Otway National Park and/or Otway Forest Park. These roads can also serve as access points, but for a large part of the year (May to November) they may be slippery and wet and not suitable for two wheel drive vehicles.