Theatre, Music and the Arts, Queenscliff, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Theatre, Music and the Arts

There is a lively music scene in the region, with many towns and villages hosting some of the country's favourite concerts and music festivals. Falls Festival at Lorne, the Queenscliff Music Festival, Apollo Bay Music Festival and Meredith Music Festival are all popular destinations, attracting quality performers and supportive crowds. The Blues Train, based in Queenscliff, transforms the vintage steam trains of the Bellarine Railway into a rockin' and rollin' good time. Four of Australia's best blues acts perform in the four train carriages, making it a progressive party you'll never forget.

Theatre buffs will find something of interest across the region. As well as the main performing arts centres in larger towns that host a variety of plays, shows and concerts, there are many small theatres in towns and villages where local theatre groups and travelling performers can be seen.

The Geelong Gallery houses a fantastic collection of art including well known pieces by Eugene von Guerard, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton. Entry is free. The Geelong Gallery is just one of the places to visit on the Central Geelong Arts & Culture Walking Trails map, which is available at local visitor information centres. The guide also has details and maps for public art, iconic heritage buildings, museums, galleries and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. It is also available for download by clicking here.

There are fantastic galleries and specialty museums throughout the region. Lorne hosts the annual Lorne Sculpture Exhibition each October-November where pieces are picturesquely displayed on the Lorne foreshore.

Highlights

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.

Point Lonsdale

Muse

As the name suggests Muse is an art and design studio that aims to inspire. As an established studio on the Bellarine Peninsula, the artisans work with different mediums and disciplines from traditional to contemporary. Muse have installations in private residences, interior and exterior, corporate receptions, offices, hotels, restaurant and apartments. Their range covers Trompe L'Oeil, Faux Finishes, Fresco, Fine Art and Realism. For an enlightening experience come and indulge in the artwork that the studio offers. Classes are also available for children and adults at all skill levels. Accommodation and Art Class packages are also available upon request. Please call for more information.

Queenscliff

Salt Contemporary Art

Established in 2004 in Queenscliff, Victoria, Salt Contemporary Art exhibits the works of contemporary Australian painters, sculptors and ceramicists. Housed in an historically significant former drapery store, the gallery offers two spacious levels of exhibition space. Visitors to the gallery can also enjoy a glass of something special, a nibble of local produce, the open fire and fabulous views of Swan Bay from the balcony of the newly launched wine bar 'The Lounge @ Salt'. Offering a dynamic, regularly changing exhibition schedule, and regular arts related events including lectures, exhibition openings and biannual Indigenous exhibitions co-curated by Susan McCulloch and Emily McCulloch Childs, Salt Contemporary gallery is a must see for all art enthusiasts. January is gearing up to be a huge month at Salt Contemporary. With a full program of exhibitions by many of Salt's most highly regarded and collected artists, along with the recently opened Lounge @ Salt, there's never been a better time to visit Salt. Opening on December 30th with drinks at 2.30pm, is the latest body of work by renowned Australian artist Ben Shearer. A joint exhibition of new paintings by Sue Anderson and Bridgit Thomas will open on January 13th and after a two year absence from Salt, Joanne Sisson will unveil her latest works in time for the Australia Day weekend in late January. Visitors to the recently opened Lounge @ Salt will be spoilt with two exhibitions whilst they enjoy a glass of something special and a bite of local fare. The first featuring Rod Dudley's instantly recognisable bronze and wood sculptures. The second features Torquay based artist Victoria McCaffrey's distinctive limited edition linocuts. Salt Contemporary art will be hosting drinks with exhibiting artists each Sunday from 2.30pm to 4pm throughout January. Visit the Salt website or Facebook page for more details.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

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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

Theatre, Music and the Arts

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