Surfside of life

For decades, couples and families have been escaping to Ocean Grove's 2-kilometre-long stretch of golden sand and surf.

While the beach draws visitors to the area, there’s a plethora of things to see and do away from the water. Take a nature walk through the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve or head to the outskirts for incredible wine or top golf.

It’s easiest to get here by car, a 75-minute drive from Melbourne or 21 minutes from Geelong.

Family Fun

Head to nearby Wallington and spend the day at Adventure Park – Victoria’s largest water theme park with more than 20 attractions including four world-record water slides. If keeping dry is more your style, play a round or two of mini golf at Bellarine Adventure Golf.

The region boasts rolling hills, nature reserves and a 3-kilometre coastal loop so it’s worth packing the bikes and seeing the sights on two wheels.

Jump in

Ocean Grove Main Beach offers invigorating ocean breezes and just the right amount of froth. It’s an ideal setting to learn to surf with Go Ride a Wave or for a relaxed day out spread over the long stretch of unbroken sand.

A popular beach with families, its geography makes it a great spot for all types of beach activities. The main beach is suitable for swimming, but be mindful of rips and winds – lifeguards patrol over the summer period.

Eat and Drink

Burgers? Tick. Fish and chips? Tick. Whatever beachside snack you’re craving? Also tick.

The food offering is much like the town itself: relaxed and nostalgic. On the main strip, there are takeaway options to bring back to the beach or cafés that serve all-day breakfast no matter what time you roll out of bed.

If you can’t get enough of the coastline, head to The Dunes overlooking the main beach. Here, you’ll find share-style platters with Mediterranean flare, pizzas and cocktails to wash it all down.

Hidden gems

Tucked away in an industrial precinct of Ocean Grove you'll find the headquarters of where some of the region's best produce is crafted.

Love butter? Lard Ass Butter is all about bringing back the simple pleasures of good butter. Using European techniques, butter here is hand-crafted and cultured - perfect for cooking, baking or smearing over a slice of crispy sourdough.

On the sweeter end, My Bellarine Kitchen whips up everything from cookies to carefully decorated cakes that look too good to eat - but they're delicious when you do.