12 must-visit outdoor dining spots on The Bellarine

Ah, summer. When the days are longer and any opportunity to soak up the sunshine is welcomed with open arms.

For those days where you need to refuel post-beach swim or simply want to dine outdoors under blue skies and sunshine, hit up this list for some al fresco dining options on The Bellarine.

Outdoor dining: The Bellarine

360Q, Queenscliff

Absolute waterfront frontage in Queenscliff with outdoor dining overlooking the boats in the harbour. Their offering is diverse from a signature big breaky to flash fried baby snapper with rice, Asian salad and nuoc cham.

Annie’s Provedore, Barwon Heads

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Visual feasting for the eyes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner surrounded by a colourful and curated pantry. You’ll find gourmet staples on the shelves but new foods to try and think about as well.

The best seats in the house are those under the vines al fresco style. Let the sun warm your face as you watch the buzz on Hitchcock Avenue.

Basils Farm, Swan Bay

With sweeping views over Sway Bay to Queenscliff much of the delicious food served in the restaurant is grown in the sweet kitchen garden.

Outdoor dining is a fantastic option with children, they can play in the sandpit while you swill. You can even bring your pooch while seated outside (just give the heads up when booking).

Bellarine Estate, Bellarine

Overlooks Corio Bay with two chief wine labels – Bellarine Estate and Portarlington Ridge. They have a gin distillery on the property – Thirty Acres Distillery – as well as a cellar door and Texas BBQ restaurant.

Picnic tables let the dining stretch outdoors on those sunny days. And you can even glamp on site.

FarmDog Brewing, Wallington

FarmDog Brewing has the trifecta: they brew craft beer, distil gin and grow and make wine. They’ll also throw a pizza, burger or FarmDog platter your way and they’ve got ample outdoor dining options to sample it all.

Try the beer paddle or deconstructed gin and tonic board while you’re there. You won’t regret it.

Flying Brick Cider House, Wallington

Easy to access and with ample space to roam, Flying Brick Cider House has lush green lawns dotted with bean bags and tables for the perfect sunny day out.

Flying Brick ciders are made from gathering, pressing and fermenting Victorian apples and Packham pears – no added sugars, colours or concentrates. Taste a few and figure out your favourite – there’s original, draught or pear plus some creative limited releases.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Bellarine

Jack Rabbit looks out over the sparkling bay and You Yangs with a fine dining restaurant as well as a café. Wine tastings are delivered a little differently – drop in to discover a ‘z blade’.

Find a table outdoors and take in the iconic views and equally impressive wine and food.

Leura Park Estate, Curlewis

Known for their Sunday sessions and live music. You can dine in the ‘Opera House-esque’ pod or on the outdoor terrace and the menu is diverse – from charcuterie to an eye fillet steak sandwich.

Mr Grubb @ Oakdene, Wallington

A quirky and creative venue that’s five star rated by James Halliday. Enjoy the upside down cellar door and Mr Grubb restaurant set in a forest of birch trees.

At Mr Grubb @ Oakdene you’ll find a family-friendly bistro menu with all the favourites of burgers, pizza, pasta and more.

Queenscliff General Store and Cafe, Queenscliff

Sophisticated food in a heritage building. The catering offered by the general store is gourmet and oh so pretty. For breaky the granola pot or brekkie burger are winners.

Grab one of the tables outdoors, bring your pooch and settle in for a delicious feed. Paired with a coffee too, of course!

Scotchmans Hill, Drysdale

James Halliday has given Scotchmans Hill five stars for two decades and also ranks it among the top 100 wineries in the country. And that’s not the only thing they excel in.

The views across the bay and the old homestead are striking and so are the carefully considered meals at the restaurant. There are ample spots for outdoor dining and over summer options expand further with the Wine Terrace.

Terindah Estate, Bellarine

You’re spoilt for choice at Terindah Estate with several indoor and outdoor spaces with most providing uninterrupted views of Corio Bay.

The à la carte offering includes delicacies such as braised short rib, truffle pomme purée, buttered mushrooms and Zinfandel jus.

Then hop aboard ‘Peter’s Odyssey’ Tram Bar or order a bottle and lounge on the deck at the cellar door.

For more dining options head to the eat and drink page.