What to do this spring

Ok winter, you’ve been fun, but it’s time for some sun. With spring in the air and a fresh burst of energy, here’s your big list of things to do around Geelong and The Bellarine.

• Wander the Geelong Botanic Gardens as everything blooms.
• Pack a picnic for the You Yangs and hit a walking trail.
• Stroll the Geelong waterfront, grab an ice cream, ride the Giant Sky Wheel and snap a selfie with the bollards.
• Cycle the Bellarine Rail Trail with stops at farm gates and cellar doors.
• Kayak on the Barwon River with Outside Adventures or Sea Earth Adventures.
• Walk the coastal trail between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.
• Spot wildflowers in the Brisbane Ranges.
• Go birdwatching at Lake Connewarre wetlands.
• Wander Point Lonsdale Pier at sunset.

• Sip cool-climate wines at Bellarine Estate, Scotchmans Hill and Oakdene.
• Long lunch with a view at Basils Farm, Jack Rabbit, Terindah Estate or Clyde Park.
• Do a city bar crawl. Start on Little Malop Street (Geelong Cellar Door, Non Disclosure Bar, Eureka Hotel, The Arborist), then finish on the waterfront at Sailors’ Rest and Edge.
• Stock up at Bellarine Taste Trail farm gates and gather local produce,
• Try fresh Portarlington mussels at Pier Street or Portarlington Grand Hotel.
• Explore St Leonards foreshore, stop at Wildings Pantry for local produce and enjoy seaside tranquillity.
• Spend an afternoon on Pakington Street. Grab coffee at King of the Castle, see local art at Boom Gallery, browse boutiques or book a table at Tulip or Baah Lah!.
• Enjoy open-air afternoons at Flying Brick Cider House, Austins Wines or Nicol’s Paddock.

• Check out the spring program at Geelong Gallery.
• Browse contemporary art at Boom Gallery.
• Explore Geelong’s street art laneways.
• Catch a live show at Geelong Arts Centre.
• Visit Queenscliff Gallery or Salt Contemporary Art, in Queenscliff.
• Take a guided heritage tour at Fyansford Paper Mill precinct.

• Ride the historic Carousel on the Geelong Waterfront.
• Take the young kids to MoPA (Museum of Play and Art).
• Jump aboard the Bellarine Railway for a heritage ride.
• Explore Fairy Park in Anakie (keep an eye on their website for opening days).
• Play at the Eastern Beach reserve and playground in Geelong.
• Pick strawberries or blueberries at Tuckerberry Hill, (keep up to date on their socials for best picking times).
• Try a family-friendly bike ride along the Barwon River.
• Spend a day at Werribee Open Range Zoo (just up the road).
• Go mini-golfing at Bellarine Adventure Golf in Wallington.

• Take a surfing lesson in Ocean Grove with Go Ride a Wave.
• Give lawn bowls a try at Ocean Grove Bowling Club or Queenscliff Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club.
• Book a 4x4 adventure with Ragged Edge.
• Mountain bike the You Yangs trails.
• Tee off at a coastal golf course.
• Go rock climbing at The Rock Adventure Centre.
• Head out with Corio Bay Fishing Charters.

• Indulge in a spa day at Lon Retreat & Spa or Barwon Heads Resort Day Spa.
• Try Sensori Head Spa in Portarlington.
• Wander barefoot on the sand at sunrise.
• Book a massage at Bellarine Massage & Holistic Therapies or Equilibrium Bellarine.

Our full spring line-up is coming soon. In the meantime, here are a few favourites to note down.