Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Geelong has all the benefits of a sizeable city but with the relaxed atmosphere of coastal country. Facing north on Corio Bay, Geelong boasts a glorious waterfront precinct, sophisticated dining options and all kinds of entertainment on tap. There is a lively calendar of events and the region is perhaps the Australian wine industry's best-kept secret.

The charming nearby towns and villages of the Bellarine offer a huge range of things to do. The Bellarine Peninsula faces Port Phillip Bay on its northern and eastern shores and Bass Strait on the south, so water activities abound, ranging from gentle bay beaches that are great for families and fishing to sensational surf beaches and world-class scuba diving sites.

The Bellarine has been building a reputation as a food and wine destination and the Bellarine Taste Trail brings together many of the gourmet offerings of the region including wineries, restaurants and cafes and producers of beer, fresh produce, goats cheese, olive oil and seafood.

Highlights

Queenscliff

Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries crossing the bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7am and 6pm, seven days of the week 375 days of the year. Forget the long drive, come with Searoad Ferries for a restful crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento. On your journey you may see a playful Dolphin playing in the waves of the ferry or even a whale from a distance. Connecting the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, the 40 minute crossing is a stress free alternative to driving through the city, saving you time and kilometres. Whether you travel as a foot passenger to explore the villages of Queenscliff and Sorrento, or with your car, there is much to see on the crossing - spectacular coastline, mighty ships and maybe a dolphin or two. Or perhaps you'd rather be sipping a coffee, enjoying a focaccia or slurping on an ice cream from the onboard kiosk. The twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each. Operating Times The all weather ferries leave every hour on the hour, 7am to 6pm, 365 days of the year. A 7pm departure operates from December 26th until the end of the state of Victoria Daylight Saving. Passengers with vehicles are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The ferries depart from Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier, Sorrento. Melway references map 157 C7 (Sorrento) and map 499 J10(Queenscliff). Special Features On the 40-minute journey, unparalleled views of historic lighthouses, the Point Nepean fortifications, navigational features, seals and dolphins are available from the comfortable lounge areas, cafe style seating or numerous observation decks.

Drysdale

Tuckerberry Hill

Tuckerberry Hill is located on the North East slopes of Murradoc Hill, overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne and the Heads.. Pick Your Own Blueberries or Strawberries in a friendly family atmosphere enjoyed by all ages. Strawberry season November, February, March and April. Blueberry season December and January They are five minutes east of Drysdale towards St. Leonards just off the Murradoc Road (Melways Map 458 B11). Follow their tourist signs from Drysdale or Queenscliff The Tuckerberry Hill Café provides light lunches, blueberry cakes, muffins, scones and pancakes coffee / tea, milkshakes and their very own blueberry ice cream. Their local produce includes their very own Blueberry Conserve, Sauce and Chutney. Mason's Creek Olive Oil and infused olive oil with chilli, basil, garlic or lime and Beck's Honey. Update: Now picking STRAWBERRIES - a great holiday activity for all the family (children very welcome in the U PIck orchard). Open - April weekends and Public Easter holidays.

Queenscliff

The Blues Train

Victoria's historic coastal town of Queenscliff is home to the world's one and only Blues Train. It is a unique experience that combines four of Australia's best live acts and the beautiful scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula on the Drysdale Railway line while aboard a real moving vintage steam train. It is one of Australia's most spectacular entertainment experiences - it is a mini festival in one night and a progressive party you'll never forget. Nothing captures the spirit of the blues quite like a steam train. Listening to the train whistle and the clickety-clack on the tracks you can imagine the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains as they were 'ridin' the blinds' around America's deep south. The Blues Train leaves Queenscliff Railway Station after guests have enjoyed a delicious meal complemented by fine Australian and local wines. The steam train then makes its way along 16 kilometres of track, gently rocking from side to side, seemingly in beat with the music. At each of the stops, Suma Park and Drysdale, revellers swap carriages to see another of the acts, so by the end of the night patrons have seen all four acts performing on the train. Drinks are available from the mobile bar that miraculously appears on each platform (from the converted guard's van). You can sit back, relax and listen to the music with a drinking on one of the seated carriages or get up and boogie the blues away in one of the dance carriages. Please visit the website for the different show dates.

Geelong

The Pier

The Pier Geelong is a beautifully designed, versatile and comfortable function venue. Catering for up to 700 guests seated or 1100 guests' cocktail style as one spacious room, or make use of the internal dividing walls create two smaller rooms with your choice of the Hopetoun Room or the Lillias Room that also offers a terrace. Also included in the events area is a boardroom with water and city views perfect for private meetings. Dining is only part of the experience of Baveras Brasserie. The weathered beauty of the restaurant, 250 metres out over Corio Bay, gives it a sense of old grandeur, complimented by an extensive wine list and an elegant al carte menu created by our experienced and passionate team of chefs. Baveras is on the eastern side of Cunningham Pier. With its own entrance, pre dinner drinks area and an elegantly designed restaurant. The newly renovated restaurant is now open seven days a week for a tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner (except Sunday night). The Piers boutique bar on level one. Enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday, house made gourmet pizzas plus a great grazing menu, extensive wine and cocktail list and premium beer with the best views in town. Warm up next to the double sided fireplace and play retro board games! A Japanese chef will have your mouth watering for more. City Quarter is available to be privately booked Monday- Wednesday and function space is available to be booked from Thursday- Sunday.

Geelong

National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store close to the vibrant new Waterfront Geelong. The Museum is Australia's largest comprehensive museum of wool, showcasing the region's wool story - from the sheep's back to the clothes rack, and from the birth of the industry in the 1840's to its place in the world today. Central to the Museum experience is the 1910 built Axminster Jacquard carpet loom. Daily demonstrations by the Museum's skilled carpet weavers show how the loom works, and at the same time produce the Museum's own "Manor House Rug", available for purchase through the Museum Shop. The Museum has two permanent galleries telling the Australian story of wool. The first, "The Wool Harvest", looks at sheep farming and wool production. Exploring the pastoral aspect of wool in Australia, visitors can follow the path of the fleece through shearing, classing, wool pressing and dispatch. A recreated shearing shed and a film about shearing demonstrate what life in the shearing industry was like. Shearing demonstrations can be arranged for group bookings. Gallery Two, "From Fleece to Fabric", looks at the processing of wool into fabric and offers an insight into the people and processes involved in the textile industry. A sequential display of the machinery actually used in the process demonstrates the transformation of fleece to fabric. The Museum also has an exciting annual calendar of temporary exhibitions and events. On the Ground Floor, the Museum Shop stocks a wide range of woollen products and unique local crafts while Black Sheep Cafe & Restaurant offers great food, wines, coffee and cakes. The Museum is fully wheel chair accessible and there are accessible parking spaces located directly in front of the Museum. Bus parking and group tours are also available.

Queenscliff

Explorer Tour

Come aboard South Bay Eco Adventures, our purpose-built, fast and comfortable eco tour boat for an unforgettable two and a half hour tour of southern Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. View Port Phillip Heads from a new perspective and explore areas only accessible by boat. This is a diverse and dynamic Explorer Tour which changes to compliment the weather conditions. It's an unforgettable two and half hour round trip which explores Southern Port Phillip Bay.

Queenscliff

Discovery Tour

The 1 hour and 15 minute Discovery tour will take you out of Queenscliff Harbour to view Port Phillip Heads from the water, discovering a different perspective of Southern Port Phillip Bay. The history of the Port Phillip Bay lighthouses and shipping channels will be highlighted as South Bay Eco Adventures traverse the bay to Point Nepean. Point Nepean offers glimpses of the notorious rip, unveiling the shipwreck past of the early settlers and the present day technology and services allowing ships to enter the Port of Melbourne. As we drift pass Fort Nepean into Nepean Bay Marine National Park, the rich military history of Port Phillip Bay will be unravelled. Nepean Bay offers a sheltered view port of the Bay, with views back to Queenscliff.

Geelong Waterfront

Geelong Scenic Boat Cruise

Freedom Bay Cruises can give you the best view of Geelong! Located at Steampacket Quay on the beautiful Waterfront the 40 minute tour travels around Cunningham Pier, past boats, port facilities and the Art Deco Eastern Beach. All cruises include a full commentary and both inside seating and outside viewing areas. Freedom can take up to 60 passengers and cruises depart on the hour from 11am to 4pm, weekends and school holidays. Cruises are suitable for all ages with ample room for prams and wheelie frames. Crew are happy to assist passengers board the boat via the gangplank and four steps. Groups can pre book exclusive cruises on Freedom during the week, minimum numbers required. Freedom is also available for private parties at an hourly rate. For further information please visit the web site.

Wallington

Adventure Park

Super charge your summer at Victoria's biggest theme park! Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia. Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just ten minutes from Geelong boasts 21 exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family! Just some of the ways you can make a gigantic splash and enjoy the unlimited rides all day long include: - Raft the roaring rapids on The River Torrent Lazy River, with twisting tides and swirling gauntlets along a tropical river oasis - Speed down head first and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Six Lane Aqua Racer, a speed slide for the serious thrill-seekers which can take you up to 40km per hour - Race down The Gold Rush Rapids in a speedy 20 seconds and take the two metre plunge - Take a splash in the dark on the Wild West Canyon on a two-seater raft, experiencing twists and 360 degree turns! Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun. On dry land, families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Electric Cars, try a hand at Archery, discover the new Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of Mini Golf, take a leisurely ride on the Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes and watch the world go by on the Classic Carousel. Bring in a picnic, hire a barbecue and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Hotel

Come on in and enjoy the marvellous view of the Barwon Heads river and relax in the Barwon Heads Hotel dining area or outdoor courtyard over a freshly served meal from our kitchen. The Barwon Heads Hotel is situated in the idyllic township of Barwon Heads, and only minutes from two of Australia's top golf courses and premier surf beaches.

Wallington

Bellarine Adventure Golf

Set on six acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, Bellarine Adventure Golf has two magnificent 18 hole courses. They are great for any weather with both courses providing plenty of shelter from the sun or rain. Each course incorporates real sand and water hazards to keep you on your toes and those scores honest. People of all ages can play and they have putters to suit the smallest of kids through to the biggest.

Near Lethbridge

Camilo Olives

Camilo Olive Grove is located near Teesdale between the grassy woodland of the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Leigh River, among rolling hills in South West Victoria. Founded by Joan and Peter McGovern in 2002, Camilo was the result of an extensive search for a location that would provide a great climate, position and soil for growing premium quality olives, and a property that would give them much pleasure. The Leigh River winds its way through a valley at the edge of the property providing a home to beautiful and very old river gums and blackwood trees as well as an abundance of Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and possums. Camilo's olives are planted on flat plains between the reserve and the river valley. Extensive wildlife corridors, planted on Camilo at the same time as the olive grove, provide shelter and are home to local native animals and a safe bridge for wildlife travelling between the reserve and the river. The cool climate environment of the region means Camilo olives enjoy maximum sunshine and a prolonged ripening period, producing premium extra virgin olive oils.

Geelong

City Quarter

City Quarter is a place like no other. Two hundred and fifty metres out over Corio Bay, this boutique bar patiently sits and awaits your custom. Your journey starts at the beginning of Cunningham Pier... meander out to your destination, listen to the water lapping the pylons, enjoy the sea breeze as you ascend to City Quarter via a grand staircase onto a hand crafted deck... now, make sure you now turn around and admire the views of the Geelong city skyline. City Quarter also offers stunning views Western and Eastern Beach. Loft ceilings, sophisticated textiles, low lighting, three decks, comfortable lounges and tables, a double sided fireplace, cocktails made with passion and gourmet pizza and worldly inspired tapas. City Quarter look forward to welcoming you.

Portarlington

Bellarine Taste Trail

The Bellarine Taste Trail is a collection of gourmet delights and foodie experiences all within 20 minutes of each other. The trail twists a scenic path around The Bellarine, taking visitors to vineyards that are receiving some of Australia’s highest accolades for their wine and farms that have changed the local restaurant scene with their amazing produce. There are breweries using innovative techniques for original flavours and bakeries known for amazing wood-fired bread and multi-award winning pies. Several tour companies run charter operations across the Bellarine, so you can truly indulge in all the Bellarine Taste Trail has to offer and let someone else worry about transport and navigation. The Bellarine is bounded by Port Phillip Bay to the North and Bass Strait to the South – as such, the seafood on offer is amazing. Portarlington’s mussels are well known locally and feature in a different dish at virtually every restaurant in the region. Places to eat range from those with stunning water views, or nestled in rolling farmland hills to exquisite and grand historic hotel dining rooms. They all offer their unique take on local fare. For more casual meals, pick up a bounty of local produce from one of the provedores and food stores around the Bellarine and make it yourself – either at home or at your holiday accommodation.

Geelong

Eastern Beach

The art-deco swimming enclosure at Eastern Beach has been a Geelong favourite for generations. Built in the 1930’s, the ‘Promenade’ is a wooden structure built in an arc, great for walking on a warm evening. The swimming area also has a large tower and diving boards. There is a separate children’s pool that is enclosed and paved. On shore, there is a fantastic adventure playground with plenty of spectator seats for the grown ups. There are large areas of lawn perfect for picnics or, depending on the season, a kick of the football or a game of cricket. There are toilet and dressing room facilities, and the beach is patrolled by lifesavers during summer. There is also a restaurant / café / kiosk on site. The whole area is set amongst grassy hills and enormous trees, and several of the buildings in the precinct are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Queenscliff

ex HMAS Canberra

The ex HMAS Canberra dive site is the first artificial reef specifically created for diving in Victoria. It lies in approximately 28 metres of water, with the top of the mast about 5 metres below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site. When the ship as prepared for scuttling many of the original working features were retained so divers still get a sense of being on board a working ship. Dive charter operators based at Queenscliff Harbour can lead trips to dive the ex HMAS Canberra.

Geelong Pakington Street

Pakington Street

Pakington Street (or ‘Pako’ to locals) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan mix of shopping and eating out. Food and drink ranges from casual coffee shops with al fresco facilities and pubs with bistros to trendy bars and top class restaurants. Fashion stores, boutique giftware, specialty stores and gourmet groceries make up the eclectic mix of shops. You are likely to finish your day with a killer pair of heels and a bag of locally grown gourmet tomatoes.

Geelong

Geelong Waterfront

Building their city on a North-facing bay was a stroke of genius for the forefathers of Geelong. Generations later, residents and visitors alike are enjoying the benefits of the area collectively known as 'The Waterfront'. Stretching from Eastern Beach around to Rippleside, the area incorporates many restaurants and cafes on the water's edge. There are places for kids to play, from open grassy areas to some of the biggest and best playgrounds in the region. There are kids attractions including the carousel, a miniature train ride and a skate park. Seasonally there are also bungee trampolines and a giant ferris wheel. Childrens attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do.

Geelong

Geelong Shopping

As Victoria’s largest regional town, there are loads of shopping options in Geelong. The central city area has a high concentration of malls with major department stores and chains, as well as a good mix of specialty shops and independent boutiques. There are fairly large-scale shopping centres in major suburbs such as Belmont, Waurn Ponds and Corio. Pakington Street, running through Newtown and Geelong West, is vibrant and fashionable. Shops here tend to be independent and perfect for finding on-trend fashion or unique homewares.

Queenscliff

Vue Grand, Queenscliff

Situated in the heart of beautiful Queenscliff, and less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Vue Grand is a stunning multi award winning boutique hotel. A magnificent historic property, the Vue Grand is one of Victoria's leading venues for weddings, dining, conferencing and accommodation. The Vue Grand boasts 32 rooms, reflecting the hotels unique charm, with a variety of room types to suit everybody's needs & budget. You can't go past the magnificent Turret Suite, with breathtaking 180 degree panoramic views; king sized bed, heated floor tiles, retractable plasma and a spa with a view for the ultimate coastal escape. For those wanting to indulge in a true FINE DINING experience, the Vue Grand's award winning Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. The inspiring menu has a strong focus on local produce showcasing the best of what the Bellarine has to offer. The Vue Grand won Golden Plate awards for both 2010 and 2011. For the perfect conference retreat, combine the fine food & wine of the Vue Grand with the intimate setting of the hotel to spoil your delegates and create a memorable and unique conference experience. The Vue Grand is the perfect venue to help you create your perfect WEDDING day. From the sweeping staircase, to the majestic grand dining room, the exceptional food and wine and the intimate touches we put into your day, this is a day you and your guests will remember forever. In the summer months you can also relax, unwind and enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar with spectacular views of the bay. The hotel also offers relaxing on-site massages, fun and fantastic functions and intimate private dining.

Drysdale

Clifton Springs Golf Club

Clifton Springs Golf Club is a Mike Clayton designed 18 hole course. The course has superb Legend turf fairways and is located about an hours drive from the Westgate Bridge near the town of Drysdale where full facilities are available. The club is the best located course on the Bellarine Peninsula and with superb views of Corio Bay across to Avalon Airport. The sight of the many ships sailing past as you play the course is a sight that will be remembered forever. Being central to Port Phillip Heads and Geelong in the middle of the Bellarine Wine District with easy access to both surf and bay beaches it is perfect for a day or weekend visit. The course has an excellent dining area that has views to dream about and would make any occasion a memorable one. The Club's Open Week is held in November each year. Entry forms can be obtained by contacting the club or via our website.

Geelong

Club Cats - Geelong Football Club

Geelong Cats and Club Cats know how to put on a great performance - on and off the field. For food, functions and fun you can't go past Club Cats. Club Cats will take care of everything, so you can relax with friends and enjoy our surroundings at Kardinia Park. Club Cats also provide function facilities for all occasions. Whether it be a corporate function, birthday party, wedding or just a social get together, you can't go past Club Cats.

Lethbridge

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Clyde Park is a cellar door and bistro set on the beautiful Moorabool Valley just off the Midland Highway half an hour north of Geelong, 35 minutes from of Ballarat. The speciality is the wines, in particular, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The food, lovingly cooked by the chef and owner Sue include a wonderful array of wood fired pizza, anti Pasto tasting plates, salt and pepper calamari. Clyde Park offers a cellar door and offer weekend specials. A James Halliday 2012 ***** (5 star red) winery.

Geelong

Combat Laser Strike Geelong

Laser Strike is a safe and exciting outdoor laser skirmish, laser tag based in The Basin, Gembrook, Geelong, Warrnambool, Mansfield-Benalla, Phillip Island, Mt Buller and Mobile! The laser skirmish guns shoot harmless beams of infra-red light, they work both indoors and outdoors, make lots of noise and have sensors on the target lighting up to show a 'hit'. Each hit reduces available health points, until the player gets "killed or retired" from the game. There are several different weapons on offer including short-range sub-machine guns through to long-range telescopic sniper rifles, each with its own tactics and uses. Many different tactical missions and scenarios are battled out and are to be won or lost. Teams must work together on their planning and strategy to achieve their aims and objectives. Games and sessions available both during the day and at night. Laser Strike and it's combat simulation is just like paintball but without the pain or the bruises and is great for birthday parties, sports teams, corporate team building events, school and university groups, social clubs and groups, hens and bucks parties and individuals Laser Strike is also 100% fully mobile. Yes, Combat Laser Strike can come to you! Best of all ----ANY AGE CAN PLAY!

Near Lethbridge

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Experience the Del Rios winery which is located on the western slopes of Mt Anakie, an ancient volcano just west of Port Phillip Bay. This unique site produces chardonnay, marsanne, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. The vines are tended by hand, the fruit is hand harvested and the wines are handcrafted. Del Rios cool climate wines are made in small quantities, from premium estate grown fruit, produced in low yields using meticulous vine management in the vineyards. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect the true varietal character of the Anakie region. Visit the del Rios cellar door and Cafe@Anakie Ridge which is open every weekend for lunch from 12pm to 4 pm. Situated near the picturesque Brisbane ranges and with fabulous sweeping views to the You Yangs and Geelong, this is the ideal location for a nice lunch, catch up with friends and family and also enjoy tastings of the many award winning wines. The menu will include delicious spanish paella and tapas.

Drysdale

Drysdale Cheeses

Introducing Drysdale Cheeses, the first commercial goat cheese manufacturer on the Bellarine Peninsula. Registered in December 2005, Drysdale Cheeses concentrates on a range of hand made cheeses, manufactured from the high quality milk from its herd of Saanen goats. The goats live on the Scotchmans Road property in Bellarine, where they are milked daily. Drysdale Cheeses are a registered dairy herd and all of the animals are pure bred. Their diet comprises of pasture, tree cuttings, hay and a goat "muesli", a home recipe. They also love their daily offerings of fruit and vegetable scraps from the fruit shop in Drysdale -especially watermelon!! Extra essential minerals and vitamins are administered via seaweed meal and salt licks. Although Drysdale Cheeses is not certified organic, they follow permaculture farming principles and adopt ethical animal treatment. They do not milk animals that are heavily pregnant and newborn kids will stay with their mums for those first few days of all-important colostrum (first milk). Each doe only kids once every two years, allowing for their optimal health. The milk is then transported back to the cheese making room at Drysdale. The basic method for making cheese requires pasteurisation in this country, although a small group of speciality cheesemakers are working to allow raw milk cheese to be made legal in Australia soon. After pasteurisation, cheesemaking cultures are added to the milk for flavour ripening and then an enzyme (rennet) is added to coagulate the milk, thus producing curds and whey. These cheese making procedures use only vegetarian rennet. Different varieties of cheese will then require different temperatures and different treatments. The cheeses are made in small batches and require careful aging and draining, and so may be unavailable from time to time. Drysdale Cheeses are only available locally, from selected restaurants and providers.

Drysdale

Drysdale Community Craft Shop Inc.

Come and visit our craft shop, run by the members of our co-operative team who make and sell their quality hand made items in our lovely heritage building in the main street of Drysdale, next to the Uniting Church, on the Bellarine Peninsular through Geelong on the Portarlington Road. Our members make a range of goods including jewellery, children's clothes, baby wear, quilts, toys, dolls, wooden toys, hats, embroidered gifts, paintings, hand painted items, dried flower arrangements, tea cosies, pot holders, cushions, smocked frocks, scarves, bridal items, cards, gift knick-knacks, bags, Australian souvenirs, pottery, dolls clothes and more. Is there a new baby in the family, then see our range of beautiful baby clothes, knitted jackets, bootees, bonnet/hats, quilts, blankets, cuddle rugs, toys and the list goes on! If you cannot find what you want we have an order service, so ask and we will find a member who may be able to make the item for you. We also have a layby service for your convenience for Birthdays, Christmas and special occasions. We also make donations to local charities, our main charity being Cottage by the Sea.

Portarlington

Bellarine Estate

The historic seaside villages of the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula are a pleasant drive down the road from this small vineyard by the highway. Overlooking the vineyard and with views over Corio Bay, Bellarine Estate offers wine tastings from their Bellarine Estate range, as well as their Portarlington Ridge Label. In addition, beer tastings from the Bellarine Brewing Company's micro-brewed range are also available. This is beer with attitude, perfect for the first time beer drinker and loved by the mature palate of a seasoned connoisseur. Established: 1996 Wine Region: Geelong Owners: Liz and Peter Kenny Winemaker: Anthony Brain Open: 7 days 11am - 4pm. Lunch Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm Wines: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz. Wine Prices: $10.00-$36.00 Beers: Pale & Celtic style Ales, Lager, Bitter & Mussel Stout Beer Prices: Bottle $5, 6pack $24.90, case $79.20 Food: Casual Cellar Door lunch menu weekends only Functions: Up to 100 people. Weddings: Up to 100 people.

Wallington

Bellarine Horse Riding Centre

The riding school has been run by the Lamperd family for the past 40 years. Robin Lamperd began the school in Wallington as part of Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre in 1974 up until 2010. Robin's son, Murray Lamperd, took over the running of the riding school in 2005. Murray's vision for the riding school and equestrian team meant there was a growing need for updated facilities and a more specific training environment. Because of this, the riding school made the move to the new location at the end of Barry's Lane, just behind the old property, in November of 2010. This move has seen new life into the school horses with better grazing and an excellent surface for riding. It has also created a more inclusive and encouraging environment for the riders entering the competition world, and enabled Murray to focus more intensively on preparing his horses and students for the competition season.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Railway

The Bellarine Railway traverses Victoria's beautiful Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, between the historic coastal town of Queenscliff and the hinterland village of Drysdale. The railway hugs the water around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale. Australia's unique railway experience.

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Packages & Offers

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

Includes self-contained two bedroom Apartment, kids eat free at Latitude-38 restaurant, 20% discount off day spa.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package including 2 nights, sparkline wine, fine handmade chocolates and flowers.

Geelong & The Bellarine

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Geelong & the Bellarine

Highlights

Packages & Offers

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620