Bellarine Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Point Lonsdale which includes 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

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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

While there might not be top attractions in Geelong West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Rippleside Park and Geelong Golf Course.

Geelong West
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South Geelong

While visiting South Geelong, you might make a stop by sights like Little Creatures Brewery and GMHBA Stadium.

South Geelong
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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
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East Geelong

You'll enjoy the beaches and gardens in East Geelong. You might want to make time for a stop at Geelong Botanical Gardens or Eastern Beach Swimming Enclosure.

East Geelong
Riverside Ocean Grove
Riverside Ocean Grove
4 out of 5
64-78 Wallington Road, Ocean Grove, VIC
The price is ฿3,010 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿3,010
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this motel in Ocean Grove. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (374 reviews)
Great for an overnight stay
"The room is a bit dated but it has the best shower pressure, ever.."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Riverside Ocean Grove
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
3 out of 5
78 Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is ฿3,270 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
฿3,270
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly holiday park in Queenscliff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Queenscliff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (334 reviews)
"I did not like parking out the back and having to walk approximately 50m to front door"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Accommodation at Curlewis
Accommodation at Curlewis
4 out of 5
1419 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis, VIC
The price is ฿4,306 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
฿4,306
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Curlewis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"Good relaxing two-night stay in Accommodation@Curlewis. Not much to fault but where improvements can be made - 1. Instant coffee in the room, can do better. 2 coffee from Claribeaux (last monring) - possibly by a new server - way way too hot, coffee burnt and bitter. 3. road noise - very disturbing ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Accommodation at Curlewis
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (845 reviews)
"A great spot wanted to stay longer."

Reviewed on 1 May 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions 13th Beach Golf Links and 13th ...
8/10 Very Good! (254 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 5 Feb 2024

Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach
13th Beach Golf Lodges
13th Beach Golf Lodges
4 out of 5
1732 Barwon Heads Rd, Connewarre, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Connewarre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Front office staff were amazing. Property was nice and rooms clean and spacious"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

13th Beach Golf Lodges
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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Things to do

Cities near Bellarine Peninsula