4 fun ways to mix ‘fast + furious’ with ‘slow + luxurious’
There’s no better way to fully appreciate a little indulgence and pampering than to feel like you’ve ‘earned it’ with some thrills and heart-racing action first. The combinations are endless but here are a few ideas to get you started.
SEAL SWIMS + GOURMET TRAIN
There are few activities more energetic than trying to keep up with a somersaulting seal. Sea All Dolphin Swims visit the protected waters of Popes Eye and Chinaman’s Hat where up to 100 Australian Fur Seals await for a play. Dolphins and gannets (Australia’s largest diving sea bird) are on the agenda too. Afterwards, hop aboard The Q Train for a fine dining degustation served with a side of picturesque coastal countryside. Both leave from Queenscliff.
SURFING + PICNIC CRUISE
Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads are The Bellarine’s ‘surfers paradise’ – 13th Beach is great for the experienced, while Ocean Grove is fantastic for learning, being slightly protected by a headland. Skilled instructors at Go Ride a Wave, Great Ocean Road Surf Tours or SeaEarth Adventures can get beginners standing up in no time. Keep the water theme going by hiring an electric GoBoat afterwards to cruise Geelong’s coastline. These boats are made for picnicking – they don’t go fast, anyone can drive one (even kids) and there’s a sunshade and picnic table onboard. Pack some tasty goodies and cruise like a boss.
BIKE + WINERY LUNCH
Get on your bike for the 35km Bellarine Rail Trail between Geelong and Queenscliff, or soak up glorious bay views on the Portarlington to St Leonards Foreshore Trail. If you don’t have your own wheels, rent from Bella E-Bike Hire in Portarlington. Hang onto the bike if you want because it’s only 7km from there to Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Nothing goes better with great food and award-winning wine than the epic views that reach across the vines and sparkling bay all the way to the You Yangs and Melbourne.
YOU YANGS ACTION + MASSAGE
The granite slabs, boulders and forests of the You Yangs make the perfect outdoor playground for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Explore 50km of purpose-built MTB tracks, 20km of walking trails (the views from the top of Flinders Peak stretch all the way to Melbourne!) or hang out on the rocks. Your body will really have earned some attention at Queenscliff Day Spa afterwards. Pick a treatment or two off their long list: a massage, body scrub or pedicure, perhaps?
