Anglesea Springtime Wildflower Walk
A 2.5km wander along a range of defined tracks in the Anglesea heathlands off O'Donohue Road is a wonderful experience in Springtime when the coastal heathlands erupt in a tapestry of colour. Terrestrial orchids abound in the area.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: O'Donohue Road near Fifth Avenue, Anglesea
Time and Distance: 2.5 km circuit (1 hr plus time to enjoy the flowers)
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Walk Notes
Enter the coastal heathlands at the small entrance opposite Fifth Avenue and admire the panoramic view across to Aireys Inlet and Lorne. Walk past the first track on your right and turn right at the second track about 80 m from the entrance. In spring this track is flanked with the white flowering Cypress Daisy-bush. The track will lead you gradually uphill through grass-trees, sedges, messmates and Prickly Teatree until it branches. Turn left and follow the track, climbing gradually uphill until you reach the firebreak behind the houses in Harvey Street.
Spend some time exploring the firebreak as several species of terrestrial orchids grow in this area. The tall Great Sun Orchid with its spectacular blue flowers usually flowers there in spring.
From the start of the firebreak walk up to just before the fence line on Harvey Street. Turn right and follow the track until it almost meets O'Donohue Road. At the corner there is a very good specimen of the endemic Anglesea Grey-gum behind the Great Otway National Park sign.
Turn right and walk down the hillside to the second firebreak behind the houses in O'Donohue Road. Walk down the firebreak until you once again come to the track leading to the entrance at Fifth Avenue.
This is not a walk to hurry ? you are sure to find so many flowers, including terrestrial orchids, to admire. The abundance and diversity of species is a highlight of this area. Many birds also enjoy these heathlands.
The Grey Shrike-thrush can frequently be heard calling, while keen ears may pick up calls of some of the smaller birds. Eastern Grey Kangaroos are often seen in the area. Other fauna such as echidnas and insects may also be observed. Although springtime is the best season to walk in these coastal heathlands, other seasons will bring their own rewards.
How to Get There
Cross the Anglesea Bridge in the direction of Lorne and drive 3 km through the township of Anglesea to O'Donohue Road. Turn right and drive 300 m. Park near Fifth Avenue where there is a small entrance into the Park.
Guide to Walks in the Great Otway National Park Eastern Section
You can also purchase a full colour booklet produced by the Friends of Eastern Otways containing detailed track notes and maps for 38 walks in the area from Great Escape Books in Aireys Inlet, the Anglesea News & Lotto or the Angair website.
Location
Cnr Odonohue Road and Fifth Avenue, Anglesea 3230 Map
Web Links
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-6-springtime-wildflower-experience
→ Friends of Eastern Otways
