Anglesea is a town in Victoria, Australia. It is located on the Great Ocean Road in the Surf Coast Shire local government area. At the 2006 census, Anglesea had a population of 2,290.
Originally known as Swampy Creek, the area's name was changed to Anglesea River in 1884 when the township was established. A Post Office under that name opened on 16 April 1886 and was renamed Anglesea in 1950. Alcoa of Australia operate a power station and open-cut coalmine in the town.
In February 1983, the Ash Wednesday fires swept through the area, destroying many houses.
Tourism
There is a surge in population during the summer months, reaching a peak around Christmas and New Year's Eve, as many Melbourne residents arrive for the holiday season. Although the town's main beach usually has reasonable surfing conditions, many surfers opt for the beach known as "Guvvo's", just west of town at the end of O'Donohue Road. Anglesea is also well-known locally for its regular riverbank markets, which are held by the river on Anglesea's main street, the Great Ocean Road.
The town's golf-course is renowned for its resident population of eastern grey kangaroos which graze on the fairways. In September the town hosts the Angair Wildflower Festival.
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