Explore Off-Peak. On Point. award-winning experiences to visit now

Some people don’t even know they’re here.

That’s the wild part.

Right here, just a cruisy drive from Melbourne, you’ll find spots making national and international waves. While the crowds are busy lining up somewhere else, these local legends are serving award-winning excellence with a side of fresh air, space to breathe, and that low-key off-peak glow.

Here’s your highlight reel of three heavy hitters putting Geelong and The Bellarine firmly on the map. Proof that Off-Peak is On Point.

Yep, that’s right. The best spa in Australasia (Spa Wellness Awards) isn’t on some faraway island or hidden deep in the rainforest. It’s right here on The Bellarine. Lon Retreat took out top honours at the Spa & Wellness Awards, officially crowned Australasia’s Best Spa. It also claimed Most Unique Property and Best Repurposed Hotel, which is pretty impressive for a luxury, adults-only hideaway set on a seventh-generation family farm in Point Lonsdale.

With just seven guest suites and an onsite spa fed by natural mineral springs, it’s a place made for switching off. Expect earthy interiors, ocean tones, and a peacefulness that lingers long after you leave. Day visitors can also experience The Spa at Lon, complete with a mineral soaking pool, steam room, and treatments designed for pure relaxation.

This is your off-peak moment. Cool days, quiet beaches, and the perfect excuse to unwind in warm mineral waters while the winter chill rolls in outside.

And when you’re ready to explore, Point Lonsdale has plenty to offer. Wander the pier for sweeping views over The Rip, and if you’re feeling adventurous, join a lighthouse tour to take it all in from above. Hit the fairways at Lonsdale Links for a round of golf followed by a long, cosy meal at the clubhouse.

Queenscliff is just around the corner too, ideal for a winter afternoon escape. Climb to the top of 360Q for panoramic views before settling in for dinner downstairs. And if you’re after something a little different, hop aboard the iconic Blues Train for a night of live music and good company.

Off-Peak is On Point at Lon and across Point Lonsdale.

Barwon Heads has officially claimed the title of Australia’s Best Golfing Town (Australian Golf Digest), and if you’ve ever teed off here, you’ll know exactly why. It’s home to 13th Beach Golf Links, with championship-level fairways across two scenic courses, and the proud host of the Vic Open. You'll also find the iconic Barwon Heads Golf Club, a timeless course that runs alongside the dunes with ocean views and a true coastal feel.

But there’s more to Barwon Heads than a great round of golf. This beachside town has that easygoing charm where your morning can start on the green and roll into a surf check, a windswept walk along the Bluff, or a visit to the main street for something warm and delicious. Annie’s Provedore is a local favourite, perfect for a cosy brunch or picking up gourmet treats to take back to your accommodation. For a memorable dining experience, At The Heads offers modern Australian cuisine with a seafood focus, all served alongside panoramic ocean views from its unique perch on the Barwon Heads pier.

If you are planning to stay a little longer, there are plenty of ways to settle in and soak up the relaxed coastal vibe. Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach offers spacious apartments and easy access to the greens, while 13th Beach Golf Lodges are ideal if you want to wake up right by the fairways. For something a bit more laid-back, the Barwon Heads Caravan Park has cosy cabins and beach houses just steps from the sand.

Off-season is the sweet spot. You’ll have more space to play, shorter waits for a tee time, and plenty of coastal energy without the summer crowds. Cold water swimmers and surfers still show up, wrapped in steam and smiles, while the rest of us are just as happy with a coffee and a view.

Off-Peak is On Point in Barwon Heads.

Tucked into the Moorabool Valley, just outside of Geelong, Lethbridge Wines has been quietly collecting awards and admiration for years. Their spot in Halliday’s Top 100 Wineries for 2024 (James Halliday Wine Companion) is no fluke. This is wine with depth and soul, created by a team that takes its time and truly understands the craft.

The cellar door is a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy biodynamic, minimal-intervention wines, often poured by the winemakers themselves. In the off-season, the chiminea’s fire is going, the pace is slower, and it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret.

While you’re out this way, make a day of it. Get happily lost at Barrabool Maze Estate, where winding hedge mazes, sculpture gardens, and a cosy café invite you to stay a little longer. Call in to nearby cellar doors like Clyde Park and Provenance Wines, both serving up winter-warming reds, fireplaces, and menus featuring local produce.

For something sweet, stop by Moorabool Valley Chocolate or explore the historic gold rush charm of Steiglitz on a crisp afternoon walk.

It’s the kind of place you want to linger. And in the cooler months, you absolutely should.

Off-Peak is On Point at Lethbridge and across the Moorabool Valley.

This winter, the faces of Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize are heading to Geelong Gallery. Experience the Archibald Prize 2025 up close and without the crowds. Opening August 30, this is your chance to wander through some of the country’s most iconic artworks at a slower pace, with time to take it all in.

Make a full day of it and explore more of the region’s creative spaces. Visit Boom Gallery for contemporary exhibitions and local artisan pieces in a converted industrial warehouse. Stop by the National Wool Museum to discover fascinating exhibitions celebrating Australia’s rich wool heritage and innovative textile art. For live performances, check out the program at Geelong Arts Centre, where theatre, music, and comedy light up the cooler nights.

This off-peak season is all about slowing down and seeing things differently — including the art.

Off-Peak is On Point for art lovers too.

So, What’s the Hold-Up?

Three award-winners and Australia’s most prestigious art prize, all in one unbeatable region. A chance to enjoy it with a little more space and a lot less stress. Off-peak means fewer queues, fewer crowds and more time to really enjoy the good stuff.

Off-Peak is On Point, and Geelong & The Bellarine is proof.