Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve
Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
dilemma13
Melbourne, Australia96 contributions
Oct 2020
Great, peaceful place for a walk, bike ride or kayak. Lots of little trails and bridges over wetlands - kind of like a wetland maze which is really fun for the kids. Absolutely ideal for a family who wants to be able to walk/ride/kayak together. We had son in kayak, daughter on bike and us walking and it was perfect! We will definitely be back :)
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beck & Steven X
Melbourne, Australia4,377 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Encompassing the Anglesea River the Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve is a precious wetlands where the ample birdlife, flora & fauna create a thoroughly delightful environment which my husband & I found to be both invigorating & refreshing.
[ Playgrounds & Bike Paths & BBQ's Oh My ! ]:
Dirt pathways of various lengths track throughout which are made to be shared between joggers, bushwalkers & bike riders. Two loop options are included & colour coded signposts can be found at strategic points to assist visitors with following the specific length of trail they have chosen.
Helping to make this marvellous Nature Reserve even more amazing is the excellent playground, picnic & BBQ facilities that are included within its boundary. This superb area is known as the 'Inverlochy Playground' & you will find more details via its own written review.
Parking & entry are both free & public toilets are nearby. Fishing is permitted from set platforms with rules & measurements engraved into metal plaques to help ensure that necessary Conservation requirements are adhered to. Canoeing along the Anglesea River is one of many popular activities in the immediate area & this is also a fantastic way in which to experience Coogoorah Park.
[ A Very Important Matter for All to Please Consider ]:
On the day of our visit my husband & I were appalled to pass at least three separate families all whom were allowing their dogs to run about freely, interfering with the quite enjoyment of other visitors to the park.
In fact one of the dogs ran right past us, headlong straight into the river and went for the ducks that were innocently resting near the edge. Not only was I splashed with water & nearly knocked over but the wildlife was clearly distressed & the fragile river ecosystem unnecessarily disturbed.
Fortunately the ducks escaped however the dogs owner indicated that he couldn't have cared less about my safety nor the lives of the countless animals for whom the park is home. Strict guidelines apply when it comes to Dogs being permitted into parks, wetlands & conservation areas all along the Great Ocean Road & this is one of those areas where dogs must be on a leash.
Signage makes this requirement clear & the Surf Coast Shire appear to have made efforts to ensure that all applicable information sources outline what is required of persons whom may wish to take their domestic pets with them into specific areas.
[Summary]:
Overall the terrain is mostly flat & whilst I do struggle with mobility issues, I found that as the walkways are well maintained & clear of hazards I was able to enjoy a stroll with my husband. Persons with need of mobility aids, wheelchair access & and those whom wish to take along a pram should find the going quite manageable.
We were thrilled by the large variety of birdlife we saw & it was such a joy to watch them flit & dart about. In one particular section we were treated to Butterflies dancing by us & the ducks simply sunning themselves upon the rocks in the river was also such a lovely sight.
All in all the Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve is a wonderful place where one could easily spend a whole day. Whether you take your own provisions for a BBQ or pick up a delicious lunch at the nearby Anglesea Bakery, whether you decide to take along your bicycles or prefer a kayak we are sure that you will enjoy all that the park has on offer!
Thank you for reading this review we hope that it has been helpful. Please also refer to the photographs as they form a part of the review.
*** One last kindly & respectful reminder to please show consideration for fellow visitors to the park & please do your part to protect our fragile ecosystem & wildlife by adhering to a simple request. Please ensure your dogs are leashed at all times. Thank you.
[ Playgrounds & Bike Paths & BBQ's Oh My ! ]:
Dirt pathways of various lengths track throughout which are made to be shared between joggers, bushwalkers & bike riders. Two loop options are included & colour coded signposts can be found at strategic points to assist visitors with following the specific length of trail they have chosen.
Helping to make this marvellous Nature Reserve even more amazing is the excellent playground, picnic & BBQ facilities that are included within its boundary. This superb area is known as the 'Inverlochy Playground' & you will find more details via its own written review.
Parking & entry are both free & public toilets are nearby. Fishing is permitted from set platforms with rules & measurements engraved into metal plaques to help ensure that necessary Conservation requirements are adhered to. Canoeing along the Anglesea River is one of many popular activities in the immediate area & this is also a fantastic way in which to experience Coogoorah Park.
[ A Very Important Matter for All to Please Consider ]:
On the day of our visit my husband & I were appalled to pass at least three separate families all whom were allowing their dogs to run about freely, interfering with the quite enjoyment of other visitors to the park.
In fact one of the dogs ran right past us, headlong straight into the river and went for the ducks that were innocently resting near the edge. Not only was I splashed with water & nearly knocked over but the wildlife was clearly distressed & the fragile river ecosystem unnecessarily disturbed.
Fortunately the ducks escaped however the dogs owner indicated that he couldn't have cared less about my safety nor the lives of the countless animals for whom the park is home. Strict guidelines apply when it comes to Dogs being permitted into parks, wetlands & conservation areas all along the Great Ocean Road & this is one of those areas where dogs must be on a leash.
Signage makes this requirement clear & the Surf Coast Shire appear to have made efforts to ensure that all applicable information sources outline what is required of persons whom may wish to take their domestic pets with them into specific areas.
[Summary]:
Overall the terrain is mostly flat & whilst I do struggle with mobility issues, I found that as the walkways are well maintained & clear of hazards I was able to enjoy a stroll with my husband. Persons with need of mobility aids, wheelchair access & and those whom wish to take along a pram should find the going quite manageable.
We were thrilled by the large variety of birdlife we saw & it was such a joy to watch them flit & dart about. In one particular section we were treated to Butterflies dancing by us & the ducks simply sunning themselves upon the rocks in the river was also such a lovely sight.
All in all the Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve is a wonderful place where one could easily spend a whole day. Whether you take your own provisions for a BBQ or pick up a delicious lunch at the nearby Anglesea Bakery, whether you decide to take along your bicycles or prefer a kayak we are sure that you will enjoy all that the park has on offer!
Thank you for reading this review we hope that it has been helpful. Please also refer to the photographs as they form a part of the review.
*** One last kindly & respectful reminder to please show consideration for fellow visitors to the park & please do your part to protect our fragile ecosystem & wildlife by adhering to a simple request. Please ensure your dogs are leashed at all times. Thank you.
Written December 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chelsea P
Melbourne, Australia111 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Love the park, the view, the play ground. We spent a few hours there. Kids absolutely loved it. So relaxing!
Written May 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maddy1982
Melbourne, Australia92 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
Great playground in a beautiful location with BBQ facilities (undercover) and grassy areas for a picnic.
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia9,710 contributions
Nov 2016 • Business
It is easy to spend several hours in Coogoorah Park which is often more sheltered than the coast. Take a bush walk around the pathways, fish from the jetties, stop for a barbecue or rest while the children play in the playground which includes a wooden ship inspired by the ‘Inverlochy’, wrecked off the coast in 1902.
The kids can play in the Anglesea River, there are a number of Conservation areas and you can go fishing off the jetties. I've taken many groups canoeing and stand up paddle boarding on the river.
Listen out for frogs calling and look out for egrets walking in the shallows searching for lunchFacilities at the Reserve or nearby
Open 24 hours a day.
Fishing platforms, walking tracks, Picnic tables, Public toilets, nearby Car parking
Dogs allowed on lead.
A must visit in Anglesea.
The kids can play in the Anglesea River, there are a number of Conservation areas and you can go fishing off the jetties. I've taken many groups canoeing and stand up paddle boarding on the river.
Listen out for frogs calling and look out for egrets walking in the shallows searching for lunchFacilities at the Reserve or nearby
Open 24 hours a day.
Fishing platforms, walking tracks, Picnic tables, Public toilets, nearby Car parking
Dogs allowed on lead.
A must visit in Anglesea.
Written March 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa G
Melbourne, Australia32 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Lovely to spend a few hours, pack a lunch, take the kids and even take your fishing rod.. lots of small bream. I have not seen such clear blue water in land before. Really pretty, with lots of boardwalks and tracks. The playground is an added bonus and our 5 year old had a great time.
Written September 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
littlearrow2
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Stumbled across this lovely quiet park with walking tracks and elevated bridges, cycling tracks, wetland and scrub birds right on sunset. Lovely!
Written December 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BelindaJane1979
Traralgon, Australia6 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
Took our two young kids here on our recent stay at Anglesea. Great place for bikes, plenty of open spaces and great play equipment for the kids. Worth a visit.
Written October 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,724 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
There should be a better map of the tracks, with some indication of how long which routes would take. We wanted a walk, but not too long and had trouble working out which way to go to get a nice loop walk. From what I had read about this nature reserve we were expecting to see a lot of water birds, but there were none to be seen at all. Not as interesting a stop as we were expecting.
Written November 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Koala-Linz
Melbourne, Australia136 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Peaceful park that the Surf Coast Shire and local community residents have sort to protect. BBQs available and children's play equipment - although advise parents to keep a careful watch on the pre-primary activists ! Kayaking can be enjoyed too, but advise to avoid the ducks and other protected bird life and forget the fishing despite what you have heard! This park is great for walks and riding your bike around - in fact biking was the best fun, but be careful over the bridges and on corners or you will end up talking to the frogs (of which there seems to be many!). Basic toilets but no shops - although you can go for a hike/bike across the reserve if necessary to the Pub and IGA, etc, but better to get what you need first !
Written March 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sebastion12
Smythesdale, Australia5 contributions
Hi, I shall be in the area from the 30th to the 2nd, just wondering how much kayaking and canoeing costs? Do I have to book
Thanks Rochelle
Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve (Anglesea) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve
- We recommend booking Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve:
- (0.10 mi) THE LODGE - WOOD FIRE/TENNIS
- (0.10 mi) 9 Ingram Drive Summar
- (0.13 mi) Idyllic Ingram - Anglesea
- (0.18 mi) BUDGET ACCOMMADATION THAT'S NEAT AS A PIN!
- (0.21 mi) Anglesea Beach House
- Restaurants near Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve:
- (0.36 mi) Bumblebeez Cafe
- (0.37 mi) Rose Chinese Restaurant
- (0.43 mi) Laneway 73
- (0.30 mi) Anglesea Hotel
- (0.38 mi) Morgans Bar and Grill