Travel Victoria logo Travel Victoria - accommodation and visitor guide
Victoria's regions, cities and towns Accommodation search Experience Victoria Information about Victoria
Home > Regions > Great Ocean Road > Anakie
ANAKIE information & attractions
Anakie title 1 Anakie title 2 Anakie title 3 Anakie title 4
Information and attractions Accommodation Restaurants, cafes and wineries Tours and recreational activities Transport Maps and location Facts and services Weather and climate Photographs

Introduction:

The small township of Anakie is located on the main road between Geelong and Ballan in the foothills of the scenic Brisbane Ranges.

The town is named after "The Anakies" which are a series of three hills that overlook the town - nicknamed the 3 Sisters by locals. Nearby is the extinct volcanic peak of Mt Anakie which rises 398 metres above sea level.

Anakie's facilities include a general store, school, church and a recreation reserve which supports the local football, cricket, tennis and netball clubs. A couple of wineries are located within the undulating countryside surrounding the town.

Approaching Anakie from Geelong, visitors are greeted by the "Koala Country" sign which highlights that the nearby Brisbane Ranges National Park is home to one of the greatest densities of koalas in Victoria, particularly in the area surrounding the Anakie Gorge.

One of Anakie's most famous attractions is Fairy Park. Claimed to be Australia's first and oldest theme park, it has been built on a rocky granite outcrop known as Elephant Rock. The park is based on fairy tale characters and includes over 30 displays, BBQ and picnic shelters, kiosk facilities, and spectacular elevated views over the surrounding countryside.

Take a 10 kilometre drive westwards along De Motts Road to Steiglitz. This former gold-mining town dates back to the 1850s and is still home to a handful of residents. A few of the town's original buildings have been preserved including the court house (opened in 1875), St Pauls Church, St Thomas Church, Scott's Hotel and the drapers shop. A number of bush walks through the surrounding Steiglitz Historic Park can be undertaken from the court house. For something to eat or drink, or for some information on the local area, drop into Peppercorn Place which is located south of the court house on the road to Ballan.

A few kilometres west of Steiglitz, the road to Meredith crosses the Moorabool River at Coopers Bridge. The sandy river banks along this section of the river provide a great spot for swimming or fishing.

 
Attractions:

Fairy Park
Situated on a rocky granite outcrop, this theme park is based on fairy tales complete with animated displays, a medieval playground, and facilities which include a kiosk, BBQs and picnic ground

Parks, gardens & trails:

Brisbane Ranges National Park
Located just north of Anakie, this park has one of Victoria's richest wildflower habitats and densest koala populations, with features including the Anakie Gorge, Stony Creek, scenic lookouts, picnic areas, walking tracks and camping areas
Steiglitz Historic Park
Encompassing the living ghost town of Steiglitz, this 469 hectare park features historic buildings from the region's gold rush days, mining relics, picnic areas, wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife

* All the above links are external and open up in a new window

Advertise - About us - Contact us - Privacy - Terms of use
© 2004-2012. Travel Victoria - www.travelvictoria.com.au - Victoria, Australia