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Geelong and the Bellarine

Geelong waterfront

Quick facts

  • One hour drive from Melbourne
  • A short drive from the Great Ocean Road.

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have all the ingredients for a memorable visit – historic seaside villages, beautiful beaches, national and state parks and award-winning wineries.

Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional city, with its new-look waterfront that is packed with attractions and activities, great restaurants and sweeping bay views. The city also offers lively shopping precincts and a number of excellent galleries and museums to explore.

More seaside fun can be found along the coast with sandy bay beaches from Portarlington to Point Lonsdale. Surf’s up at Point Lonsdale back beach, 13th Beach and Ocean Grove, while Barwon Heads offers a gentle river beach.

At the historic seaside village of Queenscliff, magnificent Victorian-era architecture, lighthouses, a huge military fort and modest fisherman’s cottages reflect the colourful past. Swim with dolphins, dive the bay’s depths and experience fascinating maritime and military history. Explore the shops and galleries, many housed in old churches and other historic buildings.

At nearby wineries you can walk among the vines, taste and buy from cellar doors. Fresh food is a Bellarine Peninsula speciality - freshly harvested mussels are on sale at Portarlington, you can pick your own juicy strawberries at a Wallington farm, or sample some locally grown and bottled olive oil.

If you like a round of golf, the Bellarine Peninsula’s courses are among Australia’s best and most challenging.

Activities and attractions

  • See Waterfront Geelong’s famous bollard characters
  • Taste fine wines at various local vineyards
  • Play golf at renowned courses
  • Swim or surf at beautiful best beaches
  • See koalas in Brisbane Ranges National Park
  • Explore the many excellent galleries and museums in Geelong
  • Pick strawberries at Wallington farm
  • Swim with seals and dolphins in Port Phillip Bay
  • Ride an old steam train at Queenscliff
  • Visit the remarkable 21st century Geelong Botanic Gardens
  • Dive to discover coral, sponges and shipwrecks
  • Join locals for a spot of fishing at Barwon Heads
  • Surf from Point Lonsdale to Thirteenth Beach
  • Walk or ride the Bellarine Rail Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff and anywhere in between
  • See nineteenth century military might at Fort Queenscliff