What’s New around Geelong and The Bellarine

Or maybe just shake things up on your next visit? There’s been a lot happening across Geelong and The Bellarine lately. New places to eat, drink, stay and explore have popped up in all the right spots. Some are relaxed and low-key, others feel like they’ve landed straight from the pages of your favourite food mag.

Here’s what’s new, fresh, and already getting a bit of local buzz.

Aysha Hansen has opened Geelong’s first parfum atelier (perfume workshop) after perfecting her craft at exclusive perfume houses in London, Grasse and Paris. During the workshop she shares her knowledge and helps guests compose a scent, to keep, that is unique to them. It's the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your girlfriends, family or yourself!

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Woolstore is the go-to spot in the heart of Newtown’s river-end precinct. It’s the work of Hamo Hospitality - the creators of 1915 Restaurant and The Paddock Bakery at Federal Mills. Set in a century-old woolstore, the space is a masterclass in sympathetic restorations. The venue has 7-metre-high industrial glass windows and the original tallowwood flooring – including old lanolin markings – has been preserved. Head chef is Eli Grubb (Regional Chef of the Year 2024 Golden Plate Awards) and executive chef is Cory Hyde. Centred around a Parilla Grill, the menu is modern Australian share plates. This is one to add to the list.

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Another new offering from Hamo Hospitality, The Retreat is a small French restaurant located in an historic post office. Head chef Eli Grubb has curated a French à la carte menu, a Menu Du Jour, and a relaxed cheese and wine hour. The Retreat joins an expanding portfolio for Hamo Hospitality that includes Woolstore Restaurant + Bar; 1915 Restaurant; and The Paddock Bakery. Oui, s'il vous plaît.

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The Birch is an Asian fusion-inspired café where classic favourites meet signature dishes such as the breakfast banh mi; chicken katsu roti tacos; and honey gochujang southern fried chicken tater tot waffles. Designed as a cosy, nature-inspired space, it’s both family and pet friendly, with respective menus for both, along with a kids’ playground. Remote workers are welcome with plenty of power outlets available. Head Chef Joel Jenkins (formerly of Eddy & Wills) curates the creative menu.

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Popular Bellarine bakery Ket Baker has opened a second location in Belmont, bringing its cult-favourite sourdough, flaky pastries with house-made fillings, and quality coffee to Geelong. Known for slow-fermented loaves (up to 72 hours) and pastries which take five days to make, Ket Baker’s commitment to craft has earned it a loyal following.

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Circulus Wine is the latest cellar door to open on The Bellarine. By appointment, the owner and winemaker John White, guides guests on a walk through the vines, tasting cool climate drops as they meander. The wine is small-batch with minimal-intervention. This off-grid vineyard is solar-powered and certified sustainable, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible winemaking.

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The Bellarine’s much-loved artisan butter maker has opened a tasting room and shop. Try fresh, handcrafted, slow-churned butters in creative flavours such as chilli peppers with lime, sweet vanilla or smoky pomodoro. The cream comes from grass-fed western Victorian cows. Meet the butter-making team and watch the process through the viewing window. Tasting room and shop for this delicious experience.

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Meredith Dairy, internationally renowned for its goat cheese, has opened its first farm store and café. It’s a celebration of local farming, offering all Meredith Dairy products and a range of fresh produce as well as meals, pastries and coffee. You can enjoy dishes featuring Meredith goat meat which is lauded by top Australian chefs – you’ll find it pride of place on menus at Florentino, MoVida, Otto, Pilu at Freshwater, Farmer’s Daughters, and Morena.

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Two new waterfront beach houses have opened at Barwon Heads Caravan Park. Affordable and accessible, they’re built on the idea that holiday accommodation with prime water views should be available to everyone.

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Having perfected its gin game, Anther Geelong Distillery has branched into vodka. Craft spirits are created by a scientist in a charming distillery at Geelong’s historic Federal Mills precinct. The vodka has been named Queen Maeve after a fierce Celtic warrior queen. It’s made for the smoothest dry martini or the crispest vodka soda.

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Port Phillip Ferries has launched a ferry spa day package in partnership with Lon Retreat and Spa (Australasia’s Best Spa 24/25). Cruise from Melbourne to Portarlington, enjoy a private transfer to Lon, then unwind with mineral bathing and a massage or facial. Feast on a seasonal grazing platter and sparkling wine before cruising back to Melbourne.

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Explore the escape room that has opened at the museum providing a fun, interactive activity. The experience is based on the local legend of Pirate Benito who buried his treasure in Swan Bay, Queenscliff. Players work together to locate the treasure chest and escape. At the museum itself, see the 100-year-old Lifeboat Queenscliffe, used in the search for Prime Minister Harold Holt; antique diving equipment and shipwreck artefacts; and learn about adventurer Paul Caffyn’s circumnavigation of Australia by kayak.

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The Royal Queenscliff has reopened following a major renovation, bringing new life to one of the town’s grandest historic buildings. The refreshed space includes a stylish wine bar, bistro and boutique rooms upstairs. It’s a mix of old-school charm and modern detail, right in the heart of Queenscliff.

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Pop’s Wine Bar is the new kid on the block in Portarlington, offering a rotating list of Bellarine and Victorian wines and cocktails. It’s a relaxed spot for drinks and small bites, with a focus on quality and community.

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Blame Mabel has now opened its cellar door to the public, nestled among sweeping vineyards and rolling countryside just 30 minutes from Geelong. You’ll find exquisite small‑batch wines alongside artisan goodies in a charming, country‑style cellar door and farm‑shop space. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of room to linger, maybe over a glass of wine, a board game or a chat with Mabel the dog. Though the accommodation’s been around for a while, this new cellar door is a fresh way to explore the site’s standout wines and characterful personality. Once you're there, you wont want to leave, so best just to book a stay in one of their cosy (honestly cosy) cabins.

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Set inside the reimagined Silo Bar at The Whiskery, this new wine tasting experience from BAIE Wines is as local as it gets. Hosted by Nadine Kuc, 'SILO SALUTE' is a 45-minute guided tasting of six wines from the BAIE and LUME ranges, paired with stories of community, craft and care. Each tasting includes a curated selection of six canapés, designed by The Whiskery's Head Chef to match the wines perfectly. It's $65 per person, with $40 redeemable on a four-bottle purchase after the session. A fresh, flavour-packed way to experience Bellarine wine.

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