Cosy winter stays in Geelong and The Bellarine

There’s something about winter that makes a little escape feel extra special. The chill in the air. The slower pace. The quiet comforts of a beautiful place to stay. Geelong and The Bellarine deliver on all fronts, with cosy corners, heritage charm and boutique experiences that make you want to hit pause, rug up and stay a little longer.

Here’s where to base yourself when the temperature drops and you’re craving a winter getaway that feels just right.

For those chasing stillness and space, Barbie Mays is a dream. Set in the sleepy hamlet of Inverleigh, this rustic hideaway feels like stepping into another time, but with all the comforts you’d hope for in a winter stay. Vintage furniture and soft, layered textures fill each room. Timber finishes and country-style décor add a quiet charm that warms the soul. Outside, fog rolls through the gum trees and the garden hums with birdsong. Inside, there’s time for tea by the window, reading near the fire and not much else, in the best way.

The Royal Queenscliff brings a sense of occasion to your stay. This adults-only boutique hotel mixes old-world style with modern elegance, with beautifully restored interiors, plush furnishings and shared verandahs that look out over Queenscliff’s leafy streets.

Each room feels considered, with high ceilings, antique details and the kind of comfort that makes you want to slow down. The Cocktail Lounge downstairs is a standout. Rich velvet seating, dim lighting and a menu full of classic and contemporary cocktails make it the perfect place to settle in after a day out.

There’s no need to rush anywhere. Sip slowly, wander the art-filled hallways, and let the quiet charm of this grand old building do the rest. The Royal isn’t just a place to stay. It’s an experience in itself.

Another Queenscliff beauty, Benambra brings boutique style to a historic setting. Built in the 1880s, this guesthouse wears its age well. The interiors feel curated and comforting. Velvet textures. Vintage artwork. Soft lighting that glows golden as the sun goes down. There’s a genuine sense of hospitality here. It’s easy to feel looked after without fuss. Spend the day discovering Queenscliff’s beauty or travel from Mornington on the Ferry for some extra adventure. Either way, Benambra is where you’ll want to return, draw the curtains and relax into the rhythm of winter.

For a cosy city break, Myers Street Manor is a standout. This restored 1880s home sits right in Geelong’s CBD, offering elegant suites with antique touches, lofty ceilings and shared lounge spaces perfect for winding down after a day out. Little Malop Street and Geelong waterfront are great for local dining are all an easy walk away. Regional Escapes also lists boutique homes across The Bellarine, so whether you’re after a weekend in the city or a beachside stay, you’ll find something with warmth and character to match the season.

Winter also suits a slower pace by the coast, and Arlingtons Holiday Accommodation in Portarlington and Point Lonsdale Guest House deliver just that. From heritage charm to family-friendly comfort, they’re ideal for board game nights, red wine by the fire and morning walks along windswept beaches. And we can’t talk about cosy without mentioning Grand Hotel Portarlington and Lon Retreat & Spa. Both are known for warmth, comfort and that little something extra that turns a winter weekend into something special.

Geelong and The Bellarine feels different in winter. The air is crisp. The mood softens. It’s the perfect season to check in somewhere cosy and lean into the comfort of a slower pace. These stays are more than just a warm place to sleep. They’re part of the experience.

Pack your knitwear. Load up on local wine and baked goods on The Bellarine Taste Trail. And settle into a season made for quiet getaways.