Well, another hot and hectic summer is officially over. Christmas is done, the kids are back at school, and it’s time for some well-earned autumn downtime.

Autumn in the region brings that sweet spot of travel with clear skies, ocean breezes, and the vineyards preparing for harvest. It is still warm enough for a dip in the sea but cool enough to get cosy in a boutique stay with a glass of local wine in hand. If you are in need of a break, here is how to plan the ultimate laid back getaway.

Where to Stay

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation around the region, but here are some of our favourite spots for autumn.

Lon Retreat & Spa

Seven 5-star luxury suites, 200 acres of secluded farmland, one very special getaway. If you haven’t heard of Lon, it’s arguably the peninsula’s most exclusive retreat. Set on private land just outside Point Lonsdale, this property has been in the same family for over 150 years. These days it’s a stunning, adults-only hotel, complete with mineral spa, heated indoor pool, and private beach access.

Barwon Heads Resort @ 13th Beach

Combine some much-needed relaxation with a round of golf at one of Australia’s best links courses (and home of the annual Victorian Open). Barwon Heads Resort is located just outside the town proper, with 38 self-contained suites, not to mention a Day Spa, gym, tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and communal barbecue area. There’s even a walking track through the golf course to 13th Beach itself.

The Nest

Just 35 minutes from Avalon Airport, and on the last hill outside the seaside town of Point Lonsdale, you’ll find The Nest: a purpose-built luxury couples retreat. Each of The Nest’s Sky View Pods features an outdoor deck spa – perfect for those cool autumn evenings – plus ambient light dimmers, a full ensuite, coffee machine, smart TV and peaceful isolation in spades. Keep an eye out for the complimentary gourmet breakfast hamper, too.

Portarlington Grand Hotel

First built in 1888, the historical Portarlington Grand Hotel underwent a stunning $10m refurb in 2021. Now it’s one of the peninsula’s best luxury hotels. We’re talking exclusive suites with private balconies and bay views, multiple dining options downstairs (not to mention one of the best parmis in the region), plus the best location in town – right on Portarlington’s main strip, directly across from the beach. It makes a fantastic base of operations, if you’re looking to explore The Bellarine.

Where to explore

Geelong and The Bellarine are surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy it. Head north to the You Yangs or Brisbane Ranges for bushland walks and scenic lookouts, or go east to The Rip for fresh sea air and stunning coastal views.

Here are a few of our favourite natural spots.

You Yangs Regional Park

You can’t miss the granite peaks of the You Yangs as you drive down to Geelong from Melbourne. They’re the only bit that isn’t dead flat. The You Yangs are one of the region’s best spots for hiking and mountain biking, and the views from Flinders Peak aren’t too shabby, either.

The Rip

‘The Rip’ (also known as ‘The Heads’) is what Victorians call the treacherous stretch of water between Point Nepean, on one side of the bay, and Point Lonsdale, on the other side. Because this narrow channel effectively drains the whole bay, the currents can be rather strong. Still, it’s a great spot for wall diving or fishing.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, or 44 minutes from Geelong, you’ll find one of Victoria’s most spectacular wildflower habitats: the beautiful Brisbane Ranges. Autumn, with its cooler afternoons, is a great time to visit the National Park. Check out the Ted Errey nature circuit, or the Anakie Gorge Walk, and keep an eye out for Twisted Beard heath, Common Heath and flowering Autumn Bird Orchids.

Where to eat

Autumn is harvest time for the region’s vineyards, so there’s plenty of good food and drink going around. You can check out our full list of cafes, restaurants and bars over here, but try not to miss these hotspots...

Barwon Edge

A crisp autumn morning at Barwon Edge in Geelong is hard to beat, especially with live tunes and a bacon and egg roll in hand. By evening, it is just as inviting for a romantic dinner. With warm lighting, seasonal dishes, and a glass of local wine by the river, it is the perfect place to unwind together.

Emerge

For a romantic evening, we recommend Emerge on Ryrie Street. It’s one of the city’s best steak restaurants, established in 2019 by husband and wife duo Leigh and Leah Gill.

Felix

Tucked away on Downes lane (just off little Malop Street), Felix is modern French at its best. Start with some Provence oysters and red wine mignonette, then move onto Pork belly with apple chutney and a zesty fennel slaw.

What’s On

Autumn on the Bellarine usually means markets, produce and harvest time. Put it this way: you won’t run out of things to do.

Harvest Experience Cooking School

Get hands-on with the best of Bellarine produce at Harvest Experience Cooking School in Drysdale. We recommend their Original Harvest Experience, which involves a full garden-to-plate experience, complete with fruit and veggie picking in their kitchen garden and orchard.

Ceres Distilling Co Spirit Lab and Masterclass

Unwind with a hands-on gin-making experience at Ceres Distilling Co. Guided by expert distillers, you will craft your own unique blend in a relaxed setting. Sessions run twice a month, making it a perfect way to slow down and enjoy something different.

Elizabeth Bell Ceramics

Unwind with a hands-on pottery experience at Elizabeth Bell Ceramics in Fyansford. Browse handcrafted stoneware or join a class to learn the art of wheel-thrown ceramics in a peaceful riverside studio.