Barwon Heads

Travel Guide

Geelong - Bellarine Peninsula featuring general coastal views and a bridge as well as an individual male
Barwon Heads which includes a bridge and general coastal views
Barwon Heads featuring a beach and a bridge
Barwon Heads showing general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Barwon Heads

Spend a holiday in this seaside town, playing golf in picturesque coastal landscapes, sampling upmarket gourmet dining and experiencing the wildlife of the Barwon River Estuary.

Aquatic activities and wildlife experiences abound in Barwon heads, a holiday destination nestled between lagoons, farmlands and the mouth of the Barwon River. The town started in the 19th century as a small fishing settlement, but quickly attracted wealthy Melbourne holiday-makers with its stunning natural beauty.

Get your bearings at Barwon Head's commercial centre, along Hitchcock Avenue. Join a population of around 3,500 permanent residents mingling around this collection of shops, cafés and restaurants.

After breakfast, spend the heat of the day by the water. The Barwon River shoreline has the best swimming, with calm, cool waters lapping against its sandy banks. Alternatively, tackle the waves at beaches along the Bass Strait coastline. Sign up to a local surf school and learn how to ride the waves.

Walk to the Bluff Lookout on Point Flinders for a panoramic view of the township and the Bass Strait. Otherwise, enjoy the view from the Barwon Heads Golf Course, located along the foreshore reserve.

For a foodie experience, take a winery tour of the surrounding vineyards. Local grapes are paired and complemented with cheese platters. See stretches of farmland from above with an adventure flight in a supercharged military fighter plane. Hold your stomach these pilots love to pull some heart-pumping aerobatic manoeuvres.

Shift gear with a relaxing tour of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, which hosts a thriving diversity of water plants and fish. See one of Australia's iconic native animals being nurtured at the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spend a day enjoying the marshy vistas of Lake Connewarre, just outside town. Go boating, fish for bream and mulloway or camp by the water. This area is also perfect for birdwatching, with ibis and spoonbill amongst the most regular winged visitors.

Barwon Heads is located on the south coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, 90-minutes’ drive southwest from MelbourneOpens in a new window. Visit in March to see the Festival of the Sea, an annual celebration of the town's history, environment and culture.

Rydges Geelong

Rydges Geelong

4 out of 5
Cnr Gheringhap & Myers St, Geelong, VIC
The price is P6,139 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,139
P6,753 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Well maintained good and convenient place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Rydges Geelong
Admiralty Inn

Admiralty Inn

3 out of 5
66 Mckillop Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is P3,987 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P3,987
P4,385 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very comfortable and well priced"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Admiralty Inn
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG

4 out of 5
40 Ryrie Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is P5,798 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P5,798
P6,378 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (294 reviews)
"Good clean property, fairly central. Would be happy to return."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Seahaven Village

Seahaven Village

4 out of 5
3 Geelong Road, Barwon Heads, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Barwon Heads. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Frank Ellis Reserve Beach and Raffs Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (155 reviews)
"This cute apartment was just what we needed for a short break."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Seahaven Village
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,445 reviews)
"Perfect location; friendly staff; many choice of restaurants;"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
Quest Geelong Central

Quest Geelong Central

4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at Quest Geelong. Its close proximity to Kardinia park made it an easy walk to the footy. It’s also close to the shopping area. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Unfortunately we left an item in our room which wasn’t recovered by staff or cleaners."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Quest Geelong Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit