Tours, Drysdale, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Tours

What can't you do? That would be a shorter list. There are attractions, activities, events and features throughout the region to suit all ages and interest groups. From theme parks for children to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. From gourmet food and wine experiences to bushwalking through campsites. From a simple dip in the ocean to a luxurious spa retreat. There really is something for everyone.

Highlights

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.

Queenscliff

Fort Queenscliff Museum

With over 150 years of Australia's heritage on display, Fort Queenscliff is one of Victoria's most important historic sites and one of the largest and best preserved Forts in the Country. Enjoy the rare opportunity to tour a 19th century Coastal Artillery Fort which is an operating Australian Army base. Amongst the fascinating artefacts and historical objects is the opportunity to try on uniforms from different moments in time.

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.

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.

Portarlington

For the Love of Grape

For the Love of Grape Wine Tours offers a relaxing and memorable experience to the variety of wineries on offer in the Bellarine, Geelong, Echuca and Yarra Valley areas. Their tours offer the convenience of collection and drop off to all accommodation, homes, train stations and Ferry services. Tours include half day tours that start from $65 per person (inclusion of lunch is at an additional charge) to full day tours. Their suggested full day tours include pamper and wine, full wine day tours (inc lunch) and caters for corporate functions/hen's or bucks groups. All clients have the option of selecting the wineries to visit or tailoring a day tour to suit the interests of their group. They specialise tailoring each tour to suit the needs of every group and ensure the itinerary explores many of the smaller appointment only wineries as well as visiting the more the well known. All tours are inclusive of GST and tasting fees. For all enquiries and bookings please contact your local tour operator Karen Shannon.

Ocean Grove

Gringos Motorcycle Tours

Get on board as pillion or sidecar passenger with experienced and licensed riders, licensed through the Victoria taxi directorate. Gringos Motorcycle Tours operates in the Geelong, Bellarine peninsula region. Tours cater for hen's nights, weddings, birthdays, special occasions, promotions, company functions, festivals, school fates, photography, winery tours or just for fun! Gift certificates are available. Prices include pick up and drop off. Pillion passengers must wear long pants and closed shoes. Helmet, jacket and gloves are provided. Can take up to three people with sidecar. Other bikes are available for bookings well in advance, please phone for bookings. Suggested tours: - Geelong to Lorne return; approximately three hours, including short stopover in Lorne for the chance to look at the shops and have a coffee. - Geelong to Apollo Bay return; approximately four and a half hours. - City to coast; Geelong to Torquay, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove approximately 100 minutes. - Bay Watch, Geelong to Queenscliff via Clifton Springs, Portarlington, Indented Heads, St Leonards and return through Leopold; approximately two hours. - Bellarine loop; a great sightseeing run through Clifton Springs, Portarlington, Indented Heads, St Leonards and Torquay; approximately three hours. - Shipwreck Coast; approximately 9 hours, light lunch supplied. - Geelong to Torquay; whole day tour, along the great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay on to the Twelve Apostles Warrnambool returning via Camperdown and Colac. For further information please feel free to contact Gringos Motorcycle Tours.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours

Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours offer: - Bay Fishing Charters - Scenic Sunset Tours - Biology Educational Cruises - Fishing Clinics All ages and abilities are welcome, as are individuals, families and groups. This is a family run business, specialising in Bay Fishing Trips and targeting a quality table fish catch. Species include Snapper, King George Whiting, Calamari and assorted Reef Fish. The Skipper and Deckhand will welcome you aboard and assist you in every way possible to make your trip memorable. 14 people can fish comfortably and your fish is cleaned, filleted and bagged. BYO food and drinks and fishing licence. Booking are essential for all trips and subject to weather conditions.

Queenscliff

Sea All Dolphin Swims

How many places in the world can you swim with wild dolphins and seals? The popular and award winning Sea All Dolphin Swims of Queenscliff, Victoria, is a family owned business which offers a truly unique nautical experience of Port Phillip Bay. With a clever blend of fun adventure and education the tours cater for passengers of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities. With modern wetsuits, equipment and light refreshments supplied its no wonder the tours are popular with international visitors heading down the Great Ocean Road. Learning Learn snorkelling in safe shallow conditions from patient and caring instructors. Interact with wild dolphins and seals while learning about their habits and environment. Snorkel in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and view coloured reef fish, sea stars, coloured sponges and a kelp forest. View unusual sea birds and a unique gannet rookery with fluffy white chicks. Experience the early maritime and military history. Hear expert interpretation and tales from experienced guides. Fun Interact with seals pups while imitating their playful antics. Experience the thrill of the boom net or enjoy the duckboard spa at the rear of the boat. Challenge yourself in our ritual jump from the boats' roof at the end of the cruise. Relax with a hot chocolate while sharing your experience with a new friend. Take home an experience you will remember and talk about for ages. Fabulous photos of unique wildlife and happy friends. The proud feeling of overcoming personnel challenges and conquering fears.

Queenscliff

South Bay Eco Adventures

View Port Phillip Heads from a new perspective and explore areas only accessible by boat with South Bay Eco Adventures. An exhilarating journey highlighting the unique history, wildlife and coastal landscape of southern Port Phillip Bay. Established in 2011, South Bay Eco Adventures' maiden season is founded on a long connection with the Southern Port Phillip Bay and surrounding area. The crew share years of knowledge and experience with the local waters and a passion for showcasing its wonders only accessible by boat.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Heritage Walk

Stroll the beautiful Heritage town of Queenscliff and enjoy afternoon tea at one of Queenscliff’s grand old buildings to finish. Guided walks run 2.00pm every Saturday and take approximately one and a quarter hours. Group walks available at other times by appointment. Check with the Visitor Information Centre for availability and prices. Bookings essential – Phone the Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre 5258 4843 or call in to the Centre 55 Hesse Street Queenscliff. A self guided booklet, “Queenscliff – A Living Heritage.” Is also available for sale from the Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre. This short self guided walk will take approximately 45 minutes and take you past a few of the town’s historic buildings.

Geelong

More Than A Tour

More than Tour offer their local knowledge will give you the very best opportunity of seeing a range of beautiful native animals in their natural environment. Shorts walks to the scenic attractions, lookouts, beaches and rain forests will be on well-defined tracks and board walks and requires a moderate level of fitness. Their guides will accompany you on all walks and your safety is their priority. Being a boutique tour company they will confirm your pick up point, departure and return times prior to departure. More Than A Tour also offers a Door to Door Service. More Than A Tour can tailor make tours to satisfy your groups desires, including: •Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island two day tours •Great Ocean Road and Grampians two day tours •Tailor made tours also available.

Geelong

Freedom Bay Cruises

Families, visitors and locals can enjoy a relaxing cruise around Corio Bay on board Freedom Bay Cruises. Freedom is a 14.5 metre catamaran with upper and lower decks and viewing areas on the bow and stern. There are options to be outside or under cover. The one hour cruise is a great introduction to Geelong's award winning waterfront and history. During the cruise you will see yachts under sail and ship movements in the port. Dolphins and jellyfish are a highlight for everyone and the kids can have their photo taken in the captain's chair at the helm. A commentary and slide show enhances the cruise experience. Cruises depart from Steampacket Quay, near Cunningham Pier, Geelong at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets can be purchased at the boat. Cruises operate on weekends from September to May and bookings are recommended on the day. A licensed bar and kiosk is open during the cruise to purchase drinks, chips and souvenirs. Access to the vessel is via a gangway and four steps and there is ample seating for up to 60 passengers. The cruise is suitable for all ages with room for prams and wheelie frames. Freedom also operates group cruise Monday to Friday offering morning/afternoon teas and lunches. Private parties can be booked for up to 60 passengers 7 days a week.

Geelong

Lonestar Trike Tours

Lonestar Harley Trike Tours, based in Geelong offers adventure tours/rides on a per hour Hire Basis. Starting at $25 per 15 Minutes, offering Pension/ child discounts, customers will be accommodated in a twin seat Harley Heritage Softail Custom Trike. Helmets, Safety apparel, and Commlinks are provided, on per time based hire, to various areas within the Geelong, Great Ocean Road Region including the Twelve Apostles. With over 20 years of riding experience, and Customer service, Lonestar Trike Tours will provide a unique experience filled with some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, coupled with the thrill of riding on the worlds most popular vehicles, the legendary Harley Davidson. Able to Seat two passengers. Larger groups can be accommodated with two weeks notice.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

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.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

$379 per night (Double or Twin share)

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special

15% discount per night

Tours

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Tours

Highlights

Bellarine Taste Trail

Fort Queenscliff Museum

Bellarine Railway

The Blues Train

For the Love of Grape

Gringos Motorcycle Tours

Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours

Sea All Dolphin Swims

South Bay Eco Adventures

Queenscliff Heritage Walk

More Than A Tour

Freedom Bay Cruises

Lonestar Trike Tours

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What Can I Do?

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What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special