Portarlington

It all comes back to the ocean at this seaside town. Whether it’s the juicy Australian blue mussels harvested offshore, the wineries with bay views or the maritime history, you always feel close to the water in Portarlington.

Port Phillip Ferries takes passengers straight from Docklands, Melbourne to Portarlington in 70 minutes. By car it’ll take you an hour and a half from Melbourne or a 45-minute ferry ride with Searoad Ferries will get you to Queenscliff – for both vehicles and foot passengers – which is 20 minutes from Portarlington.

Cool-climate maritime wines thrive here in the rich basalt soils over limestone base. Pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay are the stars but you’ll find many other varietals too.

Being positioned beside the sparkling bay helps create the perfect terroir for wine, and it’s one helluva backdrop to have a sip with friends.

Terindah Estate has a stunning bay outlook and a unique W Class Tram Bar. Jack Rabbit Vineyard also has panoramic views of the sparkling coastline and distant You Yangs mountain range. Both back it up with fabulous food and wine too.

Scotchmans Hill is one of the oldest wineries on The Bellarine, with an outstanding restaurant and views to Melbourne. Lethbridge Wines is among Australia’s most environmentally sustainable vineyards.

Bellarine Estate serves a traditional Texas BBQ alongside two chief wine labels (Bellarine Estate and Portarlington Ridge) as well as gin.

Exploring the wineries in this region will take more than a day, so it’s worth staying a little longer and letting a professional guide your travels.

Nothing beats homegrown and handmade with passion. You can go straight to the source, meandering through lush hills to fill your basket with delicious warm bread, olive oils, succulent berries and the day’s catch in Portarlington and surrounding areas.

Take a cruise with Portarlington Mussel Tours, where you can pluck your own from the bay, then sit back while a chef cooks them up for you on board. You can also try mussels in town at Pier St Café, Portarlington Grand Hotel and Jack Rabbit Restaurant.

The Whiskery is a great escape for adults. It offers small-batch gin and whisky and a spirited atmosphere often featuring live music—ideal for unwinding on a long, lazy afternoon.

Explore more of the produce that thrives on the peninsula with the Bellarine Taste Trail.

In January each year, the Portarlington Mussel Festival celebrates the town’s status as the mussel capital of Australia – providing more than half of the nation’s harvest. At this day-long event, you can sample the mollusc cooked in all kinds of ways and enjoy music, entertainment and market stalls. Are mussels not your thing? There’s other delicious local produce to try as well.

Taking over Portarlington during the June long weekend, the National Celtic Folk Festival celebrates Celtic culture with dancing, music, theatre, heavy games and hurling. There’s also market stalls and a great mix of paid and free activities to fill your weekend.

Expel some energy with a hit or two on the green. It’s near the beach, but it’s not a links; it has beautiful trees, but it’s not a parklands course either. Portarlington Golf Club is a great combination of challenge and fun for players of all levels and there’s a restaurant on site.

Golf not your style? Walk or ride the scenic 17km Foreshore Trail from Portarlington to St Leonards and take in the views across the bay, to the You Yangs and even glimpses of Melbourne.

For something even more leisurely, have a float, splash or sunbake at Portarlington Beach. You won't find too many waves at this beach so perfect for those who like things a bit slower.

Kids can let loose at the Portarlington Park Playground with its nature-inspired design including a flying fox, climbing structures, swings and more.