48 hour luxury trip: Geelong & The Bellarine
Two days can make a world of difference when it comes to the rejuvenating power of a little luxury and pampering, so let loose and treat yourself to 48 hours of decadence that will stay in your mind long after you leave.
The wind down
Start by setting the mood. Pampering is a priority and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing and stylish place to decompress than Lon Spa. Set on a hill overlooking the ocean at Point Lonsdale, and fed by natural mineral springs, Lon is seriously indulgent.
Nothing elevates the spirit like seriously good food and wine so head to one of the region’s dozens of wineries for lunch. Places like Scotchman’s Hill and Jack Rabbit have glorious sea views, while Basils Farm is set amongst extensive gardens and lawn.
If like your retail therapy, spend the afternoon wandering Hesse St in Queenscliff (you’ll find something a bit different at SUKii boutique and Frankie Says Relax) or Hitchcock Ave in Barwon Heads (Kiitos Living by Design is tres cool).
Enjoy a sundowner and dinner overlooking the yachts of Queenscliff Harbour at 360Q, and then head to your ‘home away from home’ at Sagres. Nothing says luxury like your own private house, especially when it looks stylish enough to have been pulled from the pages of a luxury lifestyle magazine. This one has epic sea views, five bedrooms and three bathrooms – guaranteed to keep a family or group of friends living the good life.
Embrace another day of indulgence
Sleeping in is always appealing but if you like a game of golf, know that three courses on the Bellarine are rated in the top 10 public golf courses in Australia. Golf aficionados describe Barwon Heads Golf Club as “Australia’s version of a Scottish gem, with an ambiance of antiquity”, but 13th Beach Golf Links and Londsdale Links also make the list.
Golf clubs are likely contenders for an excellent dining too so consider visiting Lago Restaurant at Lonsdale Links (you should see the lake views through its soaring windows) or Claribeaux (the menu has a French influence) at Curlewis Golf Club.
Seafood fans should save their stomachs for a three-hour luxury cruise with Portarlington Mussel Tours. They not only explain the art of mussel aquaculture but you also get to sip on champagne and eat the freshest mussels you’ve ever tasted.
Another fun way to mix food and sightseeing is aboard The Q Train which runs on the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Over three hours you’ll be dished up a truly amazing five-course degustation with a side of countryside and bay views.
No mini-break is complete without a take-home treat so pop into Hahndorfs Fine Chocolates on Geelong’s Pakington Street and fill your bags.
