Anakie photos

Anakie

Anakie
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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.