Are you looking for a relaxing and rewarding getaway in Victoria? Do you want to experience the best of the region's food, wine, culture and nature? If yes, then you should visit the Bellarine Peninsula, a hidden gem that offers something for everyone.
The Bellarine Peninsula is a peninsula that juts out into Port Phillip Bay, south-west of Melbourne. It is home to some of the most picturesque and historic towns in Victoria, such as Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Barwon Heads and Portarlington. It is also blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches and coastlines in Australia, where you can enjoy surfing, swimming, fishing, diving and wildlife watching. And if that's not enough, it also boasts some of the finest wineries and cideries in the country, where you can taste the local produce and enjoy the views.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a family adventure, a solo retreat or a group outing, the Bellarine Peninsula has something for you. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to see and do, where to stay and eat, and how to get to this amazing destination. So, let's get started!
Bellarine Peninsula Towns
One of the main attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula is its charming towns, each with its own character and appeal. Here are some of the most popular ones that you should not miss:
Queenscliff
Queenscliff is the largest and most historic town on the peninsula, dating back to the 1850s. It is famous for its Victorian-era buildings, such as the Fort Queenscliff, the Queenscliff Maritime Museum and the Queenscliff Hotel. It is also a cultural hub, hosting several festivals throughout the year, such as the Queenscliff Music Festival, the Queenscliff Literary Festival and the Queenscliff Heritage Weekend. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a ferry ride to Sorrento, on the other side of the bay, or a steam train ride to Drysdale, along the Bellarine Railway.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Queenscliff, we recommend the Vue Grand Hotel, a historic and elegant hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar and a fine dining restaurant. If you are looking for a place to eat in Queenscliff, we recommend the Athelstane House, a cosy and contemporary restaurant that serves delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Point Lonsdale
Point Lonsdale is a quaint and quiet town that sits at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, where the bay meets the ocean. It is known for its lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the bay and the ocean, and its pier, which is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. It is also a great place for beach lovers, as it has both calm and surf beaches, such as the Point Lonsdale Front Beach and the Point Lonsdale Back Beach. And if you are lucky, you might spot some dolphins, seals or whales in the water.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Point Lonsdale, we recommend the Point Lonsdale Guest House, a charming and cosy guest house that offers spacious rooms, a heated pool and a tennis court. If you are looking for a place to eat in Point Lonsdale, we recommend the Noble Rot Wine Store & Bar, a stylish and friendly wine bar that serves tapas, cheese boards and pizzas, along with a great selection of wines.
Barwon Heads
Barwon Heads is a lively and trendy town that sits at the mouth of the Barwon River, where the river meets the ocean. It is a paradise for golfers, as it has two of the best golf courses in Australia, the Barwon Heads Golf Club and the Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. It is also a paradise for surfers, as it has some of the best surf breaks in the region, such as the Thirteenth Beach, the Ocean Grove Main Beach and the Barwon Heads Main Beach. And if you are a fan of the TV show SeaChange, you might recognize some of the locations, such as the Barwon Heads Bridge, the Ozone Jetty and the Diver Dan's Dive Shop.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Barwon Heads, we recommend the Barwon Heads Resort, a modern and luxurious resort that offers spacious apartments, a spa, a gym and a golf course. If you are looking for a place to eat in Barwon Heads, we recommend the At The Heads, a stunning and sophisticated restaurant that overlooks the Barwon River and the ocean, and serves fresh and seasonal dishes, such as seafood, pasta and burgers.
Portarlington
Portarlington is a charming and relaxed town that sits on the northern tip of the peninsula, facing Melbourne across the bay. It is famous for its mussels, which are harvested from the bay and sold at the pier, the markets and the restaurants. It is also famous for its wineries, which produce some of the finest wines in the region, such as pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz. And if you are looking for some fun and entertainment, you can join the Portarlington Celtic Festival, the Portarlington Mussel Festival or the Portarlington Art Show, which are held throughout the year.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Portarlington, we recommend the Pelican Sands Bed & Breakfast, a cosy and romantic bed and breakfast that offers elegant rooms, a jacuzzi and a garden. If you are looking for a place to eat in Portarlington, we recommend the Saints & Sailors, a funky and friendly pub that serves hearty and tasty dishes, such as mussels, pizzas and burgers, along with live music and trivia nights.
Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove is the largest and most popular town on the peninsula, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It is known for its surf beach, which is one of the best and safest in Victoria, and its surf lifesaving club, which is one of the oldest and largest in Australia. It is also known for its shopping and dining scene, which offers a variety of options, from boutiques and cafes to supermarkets and restaurants. And if you are looking for some nature and adventure, you can explore the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, which is home to native flora and fauna, or the Adventure Park, which is the largest theme park in Victoria.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Ocean Grove, we recommend the Ocean Grove Chalet, a stylish and comfortable hotel that offers modern rooms, a pool, a sauna and a bar. If you are looking for a place to eat in Ocean Grove, we recommend the Driftwood Cafe, a cosy and casual cafe that serves delicious and healthy dishes, such as salads, wraps and smoothies.
Bellarine Peninsula Beaches and Coastlines
One of the main attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula is its beaches and coastlines, which offer a variety of experiences and activities. Here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:
Bay and Ocean Beaches
The Bellarine Peninsula has both bay and ocean beaches, which cater to different preferences and abilities. The bay beaches are calm and sheltered, ideal for swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. The ocean beaches are wild and exposed, ideal for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing and diving. Some of the best bay beaches are the Portarlington Beach, the Indented Head Beach and the St Leonards Beach. Some of the best ocean beaches are the Thirteenth Beach, the Ocean Grove Main Beach and the Barwon Heads Main Beach.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the bay and ocean beaches, we recommend the Bellarine Bayside Holiday Parks, which offer a range of accommodation options, from cabins and villas to campsites and caravan sites, along the bay and ocean coastlines. If you are looking for a place to eat near the bay and ocean beaches, we recommend the Beach House Barwon Heads, which is a casual and family-friendly restaurant that serves fresh and local seafood, such as fish and chips, calamari and mussels.
Surfing
The Bellarine Peninsula is a surfer's paradise, as it has some of the best and most consistent surf breaks in the region. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a wave that suits your level and style. Some of the best surf spots are the Thirteenth Beach, which has a long and powerful right-hand point break, the Ocean Grove Main Beach, which has a fun and friendly beach break, and the Barwon Heads Main Beach, which has a challenging and hollow reef break. And if you need some lessons or equipment, you can visit the Go Ride A Wave, which is a surf school and shop that operates at the Ocean Grove Main Beach.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the surf spots, we recommend the Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, which is a golf resort that offers luxury lodges, a spa, a restaurant and two golf courses, along the Thirteenth Beach. If you are looking for a place to eat near the surf spots, we recommend the Dunes Cafe & Bar, which is a relaxed and rustic cafe and bar that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a view of the Ocean Grove Main Beach.
Fishing
The Bellarine Peninsula is a fisherman's dream, as it has some of the most abundant and diverse fishing grounds in the country. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater, river or ocean, pier or boat, you will find a spot that satisfies your fishing needs. Some of the best fishing spots are the Portarlington Pier, which is famous for its mussels, snapper and flathead, the Barwon River, which is home to bream, mullet and estuary perch, and the Port Phillip Heads, which is a hotspot for kingfish, tuna and squid. And if you need some guidance or equipment, you can join the Sea All Dolphin Swims, which is a fishing charter and tour company that operates from Queenscliff.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the fishing spots, we recommend the Portarlington Beach Motel, which is a cosy and affordable motel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a pool and a barbecue area, near the Portarlington Pier. If you are looking for a place to eat near the fishing spots, we recommend the Barwon Orange, which is a trendy and tasty cafe and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a view of the Barwon River.
Bellarine Peninsula Wineries and Cideries
One of the main attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula is its wineries and cideries, which offer a taste of the region's produce and scenery. Here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:
Bellarine Peninsula Wine Region
The Bellarine Peninsula Wine Region is one of the most diverse and dynamic wine regions in Victoria, producing a range of wines, such as pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, riesling and sauvignon blanc. The region has four sub-regions, each with its own terroir and climate, which influence the style and quality of the wines. The sub-regions are the Swan Bay, the Portarlington, the Drysdale and the Wallington. The region has over 40 wineries, each with its own cellar door, where you can sample the wines, learn about the winemaking process and meet the winemakers.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the wine region, we recommend the Lon Retreat & Spa, which is a luxury and eco-friendly retreat that offers spacious and stylish suites, a spa, a mineral pool and a farm. If you are looking for a place to eat near the wine region, we recommend the Jack Rabbit Vineyard, which is a stunning and award-winning restaurant that serves contemporary and seasonal dishes, such as lamb, duck and seafood, paired with the estate's wines.
Bellarine Peninsula Cideries
The Bellarine Peninsula is also home to some of the best cideries in the country, producing a range of ciders, such as apple, pear, cherry and berry. The cideries use local and organic fruits, which are grown and harvested on the peninsula, and craft them into refreshing and delicious ciders, using traditional and modern methods. The cideries also offer tours, tastings and events, where you can learn about the cidermaking process and enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the cideries, we recommend the Bellarine Day Spa & Retreat, which is a cosy and tranquil retreat that offers comfortable and cosy cottages, a day spa, a pool and a barbecue area. If you are looking for a place to eat near the cideries, we recommend the Flying Brick Cider Co, which is a funky and fun restaurant that serves gourmet and casual dishes, such as pizzas, burgers and salads, along with their own ciders.
Bellarine Peninsula Cycling Trails
One of the main attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula is its cycling trails, which offer a great way to explore the region and enjoy the scenery. Here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:
Bellarine Rail Trail
The Bellarine Rail Trail is a 32-kilometre cycling trail that follows the former railway line from South Geelong to Queenscliff. It is a flat and easy trail, suitable for all ages and abilities, and passes through some of the most scenic and historic towns on the peninsula, such as Drysdale, Curlewis and Swan Bay. Along the way, you can admire the views of the bay and the ocean, the farmlands and the vineyards, and the wildlife and the wetlands. And if you want to add some fun and nostalgia to your ride, you can hop on the Q Train, which is a restored and refurbished train that runs along the trail, and serves a gourmet and degustation menu, featuring the region's produce and wines.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Bellarine Rail Trail, we recommend the Drysdale House Bed & Breakfast, which is a cosy and historic bed and breakfast that offers elegant and comfortable rooms, a garden and a lounge. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Bellarine Rail Trail, we recommend the Banks Road Vineyard, which is a boutique and family-owned vineyard that offers wine tastings, cheese platters and pizzas, in a relaxed and rustic setting.
Geelong Waterfront
The Geelong Waterfront is a 4.5-kilometre cycling trail that follows the edge of the Corio Bay, from Rippleside Park to Limeburners Point. It is a smooth and scenic trail, suitable for all ages and abilities, and passes through some of the most iconic and vibrant attractions of Geelong, such as the Eastern Beach, the Cunningham Pier, the Carousel, the Baywalk Bollards and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the bay and the city, the beaches and the parks, and the art and the culture. And if you want to add some adventure and excitement to your ride, you can visit the Adventure Park, which is the largest theme park in Victoria, and features water slides, roller coasters, go-karts and more.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Geelong Waterfront, we recommend the Novotel Geelong, which is a modern and luxurious hotel that offers spacious and stylish rooms, a pool, a gym and a restaurant, with a view of the bay and the city. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Geelong Waterfront, we recommend the Edge Geelong, which is a trendy and lively restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of dishes, such as burgers, salads, steaks and seafood.
Barwon River Trail
The Barwon River Trail is a 20-kilometre cycling trail that follows the course of the Barwon River, from Fyansford to Barwon Heads. It is a varied and interesting trail, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders, and passes through some of the most diverse and natural landscapes on the peninsula, such as the Buckley Falls, the Balyang Sanctuary, the Lake Connewarre and the Barwon Bluff. Along the way, you can appreciate the views of the river and the ocean, the forests and the wetlands, and the wildlife and the birds. And if you want to add some history and culture to your ride, you can visit the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which is an educational and interactive centre that showcases the Aboriginal culture, art and history, and offers guided tours, workshops and performances.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Barwon River Trail, we recommend the Riverside Ocean Grove, which is a cosy and affordable motel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a pool, a barbecue area and a playground. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Barwon River Trail, we recommend the Barwon Orange, which is a trendy and tasty cafe and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a view of the river and the ocean.
Bellarine Peninsula Art Galleries
One of the main attractions of the Bellarine Peninsula is its art galleries, which offer a glimpse of the region's creativity and culture. Here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:
Geelong Gallery
The Geelong Gallery is one of the oldest and most prestigious art galleries in Victoria, established in 1896. It is located in the heart of Geelong, in a beautiful heritage building, and features a collection of over 6,000 works of art, ranging from colonial to contemporary, Australian to international. Some of the highlights include works by Eugene von Guerard, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, Fred Williams and Brett Whiteley. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions, events and programs, such as the Geelong Contemporary Art Prize, the Geelong Acquisitive Print Awards and the Geelong School of Art.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Geelong Gallery, we recommend the Rydges Geelong, which is a stylish and comfortable hotel that offers modern and spacious rooms, a pool, a gym and a restaurant, with a view of the city and the bay. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Geelong Gallery, we recommend the IGNI, which is a fine and innovative restaurant that serves degustation menus, featuring seasonal and local ingredients, cooked over fire.
Salt Contemporary Art
The Salt Contemporary Art is a contemporary and cutting-edge art gallery that showcases the works of emerging and established artists, both local and national. It is located in the historic town of Queenscliff, in a renovated 19th-century building, and features a variety of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. Some of the artists that have exhibited at the gallery include David Frazer, Dean Bowen, John Wolseley, Deborah Williams and Michael Leunig. The gallery also hosts workshops, talks and events, such as the Salt Art Trail, the Salt Art Fair and the Salt Art Auction.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Salt Contemporary Art, we recommend the Vue Grand Hotel, which is a historic and elegant hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar and a fine dining restaurant. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Salt Contemporary Art, we recommend the 360Q, which is a waterfront and panoramic restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of dishes, such as seafood, pasta, steak and pizza.
Queenscliff Gallery
The Queenscliff Gallery is a boutique and specialised art gallery that focuses on printmaking and works on paper. It is located in the historic town of Queenscliff, in a restored 1868 Wesleyan church, and features a collection of over 2,000 works of art, by over 150 artists, such as Rick Amor, Jock Clutterbuck, G.W. Bot, David Frazer and Rona Green. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, residencies and workshops, such as the Queenscliff Literary Festival Exhibition, the Queenscliff Gallery Residency Program and the Queenscliff Gallery Printmaking Workshop.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Queenscliff Gallery, we recommend the Athelstane House, which is a cosy and contemporary hotel that offers spacious and stylish rooms, a lounge and a restaurant. If you are looking for a place to eat near the Queenscliff Gallery, we recommend the Scandinavian Ice Cream Company, which is a cosy and colourful ice cream shop that serves homemade and natural ice cream, sorbet and gelato, in a variety of flavours, such as salted caramel, lemon cheesecake and raspberry white chocolate.
Conclusion
The Bellarine Peninsula is a coastal paradise that offers a range of attractions, activities, experiences, towns, food, wine and accommodation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and rewarding getaway, or a fun and adventurous escapade, you will find something that suits your taste and budget. The Bellarine Peninsula is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and explored.
Here are some tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip to the Bellarine Peninsula:
- The best time to visit the Bellarine Peninsula is from October to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the events and festivals are in full swing. However, the Bellarine Peninsula can be enjoyed all year round, as each season has its own charm and beauty.
- The best way to get to the Bellarine Peninsula is by car, as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace and convenience. You can drive from Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula in about an hour and a half, via the Princes Freeway and the Bellarine Highway. Alternatively, you can take a train from Melbourne to Geelong, and then a bus to the Bellarine Peninsula, which takes about two hours in total.
- The best way to get around the Bellarine Peninsula is by bike, as it allows you to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere, and access some of the best trails and attractions. You can bring your own bike, or hire one from one of the many bike shops and hire centres on the peninsula. You can also use public transport, such as buses and ferries, to get around the Bellarine Peninsula, but they may not be frequent or convenient.