Things to See & Do
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.
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.
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.
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. Long Pants preferred, closed toe footwear a must. First aid qualified, fully accredited and licensed operator/ Vehicle.
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.
A guided tour of Fort Queenscliff with a two course lunch includes fish and salad/vegetables and chicken salad/vegetables, apple slice and tea/coffee.
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.
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.
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.
For the Love of Grape provides relaxing and memorable chauffer driven Melbourne wine tours located in the Bellarine/Geelong and Echuca Moama wine regions.
Full day tour guarantees to satisfy all lovers of wine and ensures that you experience a good selection of wineries the Geelong / Bellarine region has to offer.
The full day tour includes tasting to 4 - 5 wineries and a succulent lunch. If your preference is to include a day of a variety of attractions, a visit to one of our local Olive Groves for olive oil tasting can also be included in substitution of a winery
Sit back, relax and enjoy the comforts of Geelong & Surfcoast Limo Bus while you are chauffeur driven around the Great Ocean Road. You customise the tour to your liking by choosing wherever you want to go and which venues you want to stop at.
An example tour would be;
Start by travelling through the lush Otway forest on the way down to Lorne for a relaxing lunch with maybe an optional wine tasting stop on the way. Leaving Lorne, cruise along the renowned Great Ocean Road passing through Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and then stopping at the famous Bells Beach. It's then on to Torquay for afternoon tea and a drive through its surfing retail strip before heading for home.
Approximate times are:
10:30am - Pick-up
11:30am - Wine tasting (optional)
12:30pm - Lunch : Lorne
3:30pm - Afternoon tea : Torquay
4:30pm - Drop-off
Meals and wine tasting fees are at your own expense.
Geelong to Lorne return with Gringos Motorcycle Tours; approximately three hours, including short stopover in Lorne for the chance to look at the shops and have a coffee.
This tour includes two full days of touring with Natural Treasures Tours. Enjoy a relaxed pace in a small group (2-12 passengers) with personalised attention of an expert guide. The first day includes the scenic ocean drive, koalas, kangaroos, rainforest walk and more. Day Two visits the Shipwreck coast including the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs. The interpretive style using stories and original artefacts gives you a unique and thorough perspective to the region.
This tour comprises of two days of touring along the Great Ocean Road and a further day discovering the Grampians with Natural Treasures Tours. Small, personalised group (2-12 passengers) with expert guide.
Drive the scenic coastal drives of Surf and Shipwreck coast. Visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and more. Look for koalas, kangaroos and emus and marvel at the views from the lookouts of the Grampians National park.
Discover the rich aboriginal history of the region and visit 'Brambuk' aboriginal cultural centre in the Grampians as well as an original rock art site. Travel back to Melbourne through historic Ballarat.
Explore, experience and embrace the magic of the Great Ocean Road on the Otway Discovery Tour!
Bells Beach - See one of Australia's most famous surfing beaches, world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro. Enjoy the stunning coastal views and feel the sand between your toes at one of Australia's most impressive beaches.
See the coastal towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Visit iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse and learn about the fascinating history of the traditional aboriginal owners.
Look for koalas, kangaroos and native birds in the wild. Delicious BBQ lunch included. Rainforest experience-take in the luscious surrounds of the Otway rainforest and some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.
Step down to the beach at Gibson Steps, gateway to the 12 Apostles, where you will be dwarfed by these enormous offshore stacks to see the 12 Apostles from a different angle! Discover Loch Ard Gorge and the fascinating history of the Shipwreck Coast
This three day Otway Discovery Tour will take you on a journey of discovery along the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park with plenty of time to soak up the breathtaking scenery and natural attractions along the way. The tour includes the surfing mecca Torquay and world famous Bells Beach, the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Spot koalas in the wild, enjoy a rainforest walk in the Otway Ranges and stay overnight at the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse for a truly unique experience.
The lighthouse enjoys spectacular views over Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. In winter you may even be lucky enough to spot some whales off the coastline. Visit Tower Hill, an amazing wildlife haven, see kangaroos and enjoy your nature walks in the Grampians National Park. See Reed's lookout and the Balconies. Drive through the historic gold mining township of Ballarat. Return to Melbourne or connect to Adelaide.
Fish in the Bay near Point Nepean, Quarantine Bay, Portsea, Queenscliff, Swan Bay and St. Leonard's depending on weather conditions and where the fish are biting.
For those of you who prefer the security of fishing inside Port Phillip Heads, this Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours tour is the perfect boat for you. Due to speed regulations Kyena is not permitted to travel through the Heads and all of our fishing is done in locations within the Bay.
Speeding along a windy road with the occasional nervous sideways glance isn't the only way of seeing the world's most spectacular coastline. If you were impressed by the Great Ocean Road, wait until you set both feet on the Great Ocean Walk with Raw travel!
Beginning at Apollo Bay, this newly opened walk traverses through the rainforests of the Great Otway National Park to the majestic Twelve Apostles. On the way you'll see kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife, wild deserted beaches, waterfalls plunging gracefully to the Southern Ocean, a historical lighthouse and remains of several shipwrecks.
Included in the price are:
- Two nights deluxe cabin accommodation on twin sharing basis
- All meals - fresh local produce: two dinners, three lunches, two breakfasts
- All transfers and return transport from Melbourne
- Refreshment stops and snacks during the walk
- Experienced walking guide
- Fascinating talk and walk with a local Shipwreck historian
- Cape Otway lighthouse tour
- Driver and support vehicle throughout
- Walking maps and guides
- Daypacks if required
Sea All Dolphin Swims generally operate from October through until May.
The tours usually start with snorkelling at Popes Eye Marine National Park and its shallow and protected waters are teeming with coloured fish and marine life making it the ideal place to brush up on snorkelling skills.
With new found skills and a heightened sense of adventure, head off to the Seals at the Chinaman's Hat Seal platform where some 40 odd seals are waiting to share their water world with you.
Just when you think it couldn't get better set off in search for the dolphins and usually find them not to far away. Swimming with dolphins is controlled by strict codes and patient instructors will ensure that both snorkellers and dolphins benefit from the experience.
While sharing these unforgettable experiences with passengers from all over the world, you can listen to expert interpretation from friendly crew as they describe the remarkable wildlife and special features along the way.
The three and a half hour cruises are suitable for all ages, sizes, and abilities and particularly for couples, families, school groups, and social and special interest groups.
Travel with Wildlife Tours Australia to the amazing Great Ocean Road and enjoy the stunning views along one of the most scenic and rugged coastlines in the world. Highlights include Bells Beach, Anglesea, Lorne, Kennett River, Apollo Bay (lunch), Otway Rainforest, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Returns to Melbourne approximately 9pm.
Day one with Wildlife Tours Australia
Bells Beach -Watch surfers at The world famous Bells Beach
Beach Walk-Get some sand between your toes
Historic Memorial Arch
Seaside Towns - Feel the vibe of small coastal towns
Koala's -Wild Koalas, Kookaburras, Parrots and Lorikeets
Free lunch - at Iluka Restaurant in Apollo Bay
Rainforest - Guided bushwalk in the ancient Otway's Rainforest
12 apostles - View the almighty 12 Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge- Be surrounded by the towering limestone cliffs.
London Bridge - Visit the collapsed but still amazing London Bridge
Kangaroos -Night-time Kangaroo spotting in Halls Gap
Overnight in the Grampians - Ned's Beds
Day two
Tour the Grampians National Park - Home to Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, Emus, Birds, Echidnas, 'A wildlife wonderland'
Boroka and Reed's Lookout - Breathtaking views! McKenzie Falls - The largest waterfall in the Grampians
'Jaw's of Death' - walk an Aussie bush track to experience The Balconies, the famous rock formation AKA the 'Jaw's of Death'
Halls Gap- Spend time in the heart of the Grampians
Aboriginal Culture- Learn about the history and culture of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal Tribes
Free wine tasting - guided tour of one of Australia's oldest wineries
Day 1 with Wildlife Tours
-Bells Beach
-Memorial Arch (Eastern View)
-Beach Walk
-Lorne & Anglesea
-Spot wild Koalas/Wildlife viewing at Kennett River
-Free Restaurant Lunch At Iluka (Apollo Bay)
-Otway's Rainforest (Mait's Rest)
-Twelve Apostles
-Loch Ard Gorge
-London Bridge
-Cudgee Creek Wildlife Park
-Overnight stay at Warrnambool Beach Backpackers
Day 2 - Warrnambool & The Grampians National Park
-Whale Watching (Winter only)
-Visit Tower Hill National Park
-Hamilton
-Mount Rouse
-The Pinnacle or Hollow Mountain
-Help to cook a true blue Aussie BBQ for tonight's dinner in the Grampians National Park.
-Overnight stay in Ned's Beds at Halls Gap
Day 3 - Warrnambool & The Grampians National Park
-Tour the Grampians National Park
-Reed's Lookout or Lake Bellfield
-Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre .
-McKenzie Falls, Clematis Falls or Silverband Falls
-Halls Gap
-'Jaw's of Death' or Bunjil's Cave
-Free WIne Tasting (Melbourne return only).
Day 1 Highlights:
Colac Park
Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge
Gibson steps
Otway's Rainforest (Mait's Rest)
Apollo Bay
Spot wild Koala's , Kookaburras and Parrots (Kennett River)
*Lorne
*Split Point Lighthouse
Anglesea
Tasty Aussie BBQ for dinner.
Accommodation - Spring Creek Horse Ranch
Day 2 Highlights:
Delicious Breakfast
Bells Beach
* Torquay
Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove
Ferry ride
*Sorrento Beach
Visit winery
Australian Wildlife Park
Spend the rest of the day exploring Philip Island:
* Woolamai
Grand Prix Track
Pizza Dinner
*Swan Lake
Nobbies, Seal Rocks and the Blowhole
Summerlands
Penguin Parade
The Geelong Botanic Gardens are a wonderful mix of old and new featuring traditional heritage gardens as well as the contemporary and waterwise 21st Century garden.
The gardens were established in 1851 and as such feature fabulous mature trees, including some rare and exotic. Within the 17 acre space there are rose gardens, shaded lawn areas perfect for picnics, a teahouse.
There are also regular guided walks exploring different aspects of the gardens and special interest areas.
Start your trip to Geelong with a guided walk where you will visit the key attractions, the arts precinct and our stunning Waterfront.
Get some inspiration for the remainder of your stay and even some discounts. Walks depart from the National Wool Museum, Cnr Brougham & Moorabool St.
The 2 hour walk costs $12 and includes a delicious morning or afternoon tea hosted by Four Points Sheraton Geelong on the spectacular Waterfront. Bookings are essential - 03 5244 7102.
Just South of the Geelong CBD, Kardinia Park is most famous for its AFL Champion tenants, the Geelong Cats. Simonds Stadium, the Geelong Football Club home ground, is on the Eastern side of Kardinia Park. The stadium seats 28,300 people and hosts AFL matches during winter and a range of other sporting events at other times during the year.
Kardinia Park is also home to Kardinia Swimming Pool, which operates with seasonal hours between October and April. With two Olympic sized swimming pools, several childrens’ pools, two diving boards (1m and 3m) and a waterslide.
Also within the bounds of the park are a childrens’ playground, fitness circuit, cricket and football ovals, netball courts and walking / running / riding tracks.
Explore the grand Victorian town of Queenscliff and get an insight into the fascinating history of the town with a well-versed guide on a Queenscliff Heritage Walk.
Tours depart the Visitor Information Centre at 2pm every Saturday and finish an hour and fifteen minutes later with afternoon tea at one of the stately old buildings in town.
Points of interest on the route are marked with brass discs laid in to the footpath.
Group bookings are available at other times by arrangement, and a brochure detailing a self-guided historic tour is available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful ocean views on your way to the 12 Apostles.