Top ideas for a memorable date in Geelong and The Bellarine

Planning a memorable date or picking the perfect gift that shows that special someone your true feelings can be tricky business. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re taking part in celebrating the season of love this year, we’ve rounded up a few ways for you to shake off the stress and make memories in Geelong and The Bellarine.

It’s not a myth when people say food is the way to the heart. The bonus of having a date that involves eating also means a lot less small talk. Our hatted restaurants are a good place to start, with La Cachette Bistrot, Tulip Restaurant and Bistrot Plume at One Chef’s Hat and Moonah and Igni with Two Chef’s Hats.

Check out some other special occasion dining options in Geelong and The Bellarine.

Having a late-night soiree? Share a wine or two at Geelong Cellar Door, Union Street Wine Bar or Archive Wine Bar. Each venue has a large variety of local drops and knowledgeable staff to match.

Keep it simple and have a picnic at one of the many picturesque spots in Geelong and The Bellarine. Nestle amongst granite peaks and bird calls at You Yangs Regional Park, bright blooms in the Geelong Botanic Gardens or beside the gentle lapping of The Dell in Clifton Springs.

Stop by a local winery for a bottle to share and The Food Purveyor or Wildings Pantry and Home Essentials for some locally made cheese, sweets, and delights to fill your picnic basket. And be sure to pack the mozzie spray!

Take a stroll around the Geelong waterfront and watch as the sun sets across the bay. Grab an ice cream from Gelato Gelato and see who can finish it first as you ride the Giant Sky Wheel.

If you’re there before sunset, GoBoat is a unique way to see the sights. Live the ultimate fantasy of being captain (which does mean no alcohol for you) in your very own environmentally friendly, self-drive picnic boat. You can also bring your pooch along as a third wheel to your date.

After a night cap? Caledonia Shores (above Pavilion) is an airy waterfront venue with cocktail and share plates that draw from Asian flavours.

What better gift than one you can enjoy together as a follow-up date? Book a rejuvenating and luxurious experience at Lon Spa, fly high together with a hot air balloon trip with Geelong Ballooning or Liberty Balloon Flights or test your nerve with a Twisted History tour of Geelong Gaol.

For train lovers, take your pick of a decadent 5-course degustation menu as you roll from Drysdale to Queenscliff and back on The Q Train; or opt for the journey in reverse and to party the night away aboard the one and only The Blues Train.

Unwrapping presents is a favourite past-time for many of us, no matter the occasion. Go on the hunt to find a truly one-of-a-kind gift at Geelong Vintage Market or find sustainable gifts of another kind at Natural Supply Co. Boutique stores Wish Fish Gifts and Frankie Say Relax have shelves full of options for him, her, pets, or home.

Main image via GoBoat Geelong.