Bellarine Peninsula

Travel Guide
Point Lonsdale showing general coastal views
One of Victoria’s most illustrious wine regions is also home to the state’s second-largest city, an elegant waterfront dining precinct and beautiful coastal destinations.

The seaside city of Geelong and the wider Bellarine Peninsula make up the westernmost headland of Port Philip Bay, offering a historic coastal region a short distance from Melbourne. Explore Geelong’s beautiful waterfront, sample delectable food and wine from the region’s diverse landscapes, play a round of golf on a scenic coastal course or begin your journey into the Bellarine Peninsula or the Great Ocean Road.

Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong, has swelled into an exciting urban centre with a charming seaside town at its heart. A stroll through the city centre will reward you with an eclectic mix of contemporary and Victorian-era architecture. Hit Geelong’s slick waterfront to find some of the best dining and cultural experiences this city has to offer. Take in views of Corio Bay while you dine at waterfront restaurants or stroll past distinctive public art pieces. Some of the region’s finest wines and beers can be sampled at the bars and restaurants around here. Other cultural attractions nearby include the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, the Geelong Art Gallery and several live music venues in the city.

Discover the lush landscapes and passionate makers of the Bellarine Peninsula’s wines on a tour of the winemaking region. From the Surf Coast to wide, volcanic plains, this region has been producing wines since the 1800s. The Bellarine Taste Trail offers an expansive tour of wineries, farm estates, providores and restaurants on the Bellarine Peninsula. Sample fresh seafood, tasty cheeses and berries, and discover a further selection of wineries and vineyards on this scenic coastal trail.

Geelong is a jumping-off point for beginning your adventures to some of Victoria’s most popular seaside destinations. Within a short drive, you’ll find Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington and Queenscliff. The official beginning of the Great Ocean Road, home to the famous Twelve Apostles, is located in nearby Torquay.

Geelong is approximately a 1-hour drive from Melbourne. You can also reach Geelong via the regional V/Line railway or by ferry from Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula, to Queenscliff. Get around the region via car, local buses or an excellent network of cycling trails.

Where to stay in Bellarine Peninsula

Belmont Common is one of my favourite birdwatching areas in Geelong. There is a bird hide at Jerringot Wildlife Research. You get a lot of waterbirds in the area and also the occasional bird of prey. It's well known for crakes, rails and lathams snipe. #localgem

Belmont

Get to know Belmont by checking out its shopping, spas, and river views. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Little Creatures Brewery or Kardinia Park during your time in the area.

Belmont
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Leopold

When in Leopold, you can plan a visit to Adventure Park Geelong and Curlewis Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Leopold
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Geelong West

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Geelong West and surrounding area, you can visit Rippleside Park and Geelong Golf Course.

Geelong West
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Grovedale

Travelers enjoy Grovedale for its beaches and bars. Consider checking out Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre while you're in the area.

Grovedale
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Mount Duneed

While visiting Mount Duneed, you might make a stop by sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Conewarre K47 Streamside Reserve.

Mount Duneed
Balyang Sanctuary in Geelong is a great place for families to visit. The area was converted to a haven for various waterbirds including ducks, pelicans and cormorants. It is very close to the Barwon River Trail and has many tables for picnics. 

Birdwatchers can find many interesting animals here if they explore it in depth. #localgem

Newtown

Unique features of Newtown include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by The Heights Heritage House and Garden or Balyang Sanctuary while you're exploring the area.

Newtown
Cobb & Co Lodge
Cobb & Co Lodge
2.5 out of 5
37 Learmonth St, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is P3,324 per night from 2 May to 3 May
P3,324
per night
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this beach guesthouse in Queenscliff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (178 reviews)
"It was all fine, worked well, pleasant people"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Cobb & Co Lodge
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
3 out of 5
78 Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is P4,534 per night from 30 May to 31 May
P4,534
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly holiday park in Queenscliff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free kid's club. Popular attractions Queenscliff Natural ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (331 reviews)
"We needed a room for the night. It suited our purposes"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2024

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Circa 1902 Queenscliff
Circa 1902 Queenscliff
3 out of 5
59 Hesse Street, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is P4,968 per night from 8 May to 9 May
P4,968
per night
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Queenscliff. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 meeting rooms, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (530 reviews)
"Stayed here whilst we went on the Blues Train. Easy walk from the ferry and to the train station. Shops, cafes etc on your doorstep. Lovely old building. Main door with after hours passcode needs attention, as we struggled to gain entry after many attempts, even with assistance from other returning ..."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Circa 1902 Queenscliff
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.
Ruby's Queenscliff
Ruby's Queenscliff
3.5 out of 5
2 St Andrews Street, Queenscliff, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Queenscliff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (844 reviews)
"Loved the property easy access and walking distance to shops & water"

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2024

Ruby's Queenscliff
Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach
Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach
4.5 out of 5
36 Fourteenth Road, Connewarre, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Connewarre. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions 13th Beach Golf Links and 13th Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (255 reviews)
"Property won me over on the simplicity in booking and checking in. The room looked brand new in terms of hygiene which made it very comfortable. The pool was also very clean and kept well. Overall, excellent stay with the kids. Cant fault anything at all."

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2024

Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach
Ti-Tree Village
Ti-Tree Village
3.5 out of 5
34 Orton Street, Ocean Grove, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Ocean Grove. Enjoy free parking, an arcade/game room, and a garden. Popular attractions Raffs Beach and Frank Ellis Reserve ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
"Easy check in and out , lovely staff"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Ti-Tree Village
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.

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