Barwon Heads
Nestled at the mouth of the Barwon River, Barwon Heads found fame in the popular Australian television series SeaChange. In many ways it lives up to this reputation with quiet river beaches on its doorstep, one main shopping street and a large hotel to provide for locals and the summer influx of visitors.

The wide and picturesque river estuary is used for many water-based activities year-round including swimming and fishing. There is also lively surf action over the Bluff at Thirteenth Beach.

13th Beach Golf Resort
Bridget battles it out with Billy Brownless at 13th Beach Golf Links, home to two world-class golf courses, situated only one hour south of Melbourne at Barwon Heads on 550 acres. The course is dry all year round, cutting through the abundant sand dunes and winding around Murtnagurt Lagoon with a three kilometre ocean frontage.

The Beach Course opened in December 2001 and with challenging natural links, the course has already received high accolades, being voted in the country's top 25 golf courses.

The Creek Course by Nick Faldo opened in February 2004 giving people an alternative. With big long sloping fairways there is a course to suit everyone.

Stay N Play
13th Beach Golf Resort is a 4.5 star brand new resort located on the spectacular 13th Beach Golf Links, just a chip away from the green and a stroll to the beach. A few minutes' drive up the road is pretty Barwon Heads.

Barwon Heads Road
Barwon Heads
Ph 03 5254 2922
www.13thbeach.net

Portarlington
Glen tries to catch his own meal at Portarlington on the local pier and marina that provides shelter to fishing and sailing vessels.

Portarlington has been a holiday resort for more than 100 years, with thousands of Melburnian holidaymakers taking the one hour trip to discover the local history, relax on the beautiful foreshore and enjoy fishing, boating and swimming.

Aussie Blue Mussels
Lawrence tests his sea legs on a mussel trawler to catch some blue mussels, a species found in waters off the south coast of Australia. Blue mussels inhabit a diverse range of habitats such as rocks, jetties and piers.

In a day, the boys from Aussie Blue Mussels harvest around 1000 kilograms of these wonderful mussels.

42 Geelong Road
Portarlington
Ph 03 5259 3088

The Ol' Duke
Lauren samples the fare at Ol' Duke on the Bellarine Peninsula, a region which supplies some of the best local produce in the state. The Ol' Duke chefs take full advantage of the abundant locally caught seafood, freshly picked fruits, berries and vegetables.

Enjoy the perfect meal and sunset in the al fresco dining area, or in the cooler months, warm yourself by the open fires. Meals are served on tables made using recycled timber saved from the renovation. With a regular menu change they will keep your taste-buds tantalised.

40 Newcombe Street
Portarlington
Ph 03 5259 1250
www.theolduke.com.au

Bellarine Estate
Glen stops off at Bellarine Estate to try the local drop. The 100-acre property occupies the northern slopes of the hills between Drysdale and Portarlington overlooking Corio Bay.

The vineyard is located in a valley sheltered from harsh winds, yet perfectly positioned to capture the sun. This creates a perfect climate which ensures a long, slow ripening season and fruit of exceptional quality. Rich black basalt soils overlying a limestone base further accentuate the fruit flavours.

The Restaurant
The Restaurant at Bellarine Estate offers one of the best culinary experiences on the peninsula, combining gourmet food, fine wine and a bright welcoming venue which has sweeping views of the vineyard and out across Corio Bay.

Serving modern Australian, using local seafood and produce, each dish on the comprehensive menu comes with a suggested wine from the Bellarine Estate range to add to the experience.

2270 Portarlington Road
Bellarine
Ph 03 5259 3310
www.bellarineestate.com.au

Lighthouse Olive Oil
Lauren discovers how olive oil is made at Lighthouse Olive Oil. A multi-award winning olive oil producer, their premium quality oils are grown and cold pressed on the Bellarine Peninsula.

The classic cool climate gives the olives a distinct Victorian coastal character, creating versatile oils that vary in their degrees of fruitiness. The oils deliciously enhance salads, pasta, antipasto, bruschetta and game meat. It's also perfect as dipping oil.

600 Andersons Road
Drysdale
Ph 03 5253 2133
www.lighthouseoliveoil.com.au

The National Celtic Festival
Bridget and Glen dance up a storm at The National Celtic Festival, held in the township of Portarlington over the long weekend in June.

From Friday night to Monday afternoon enjoy Celtic music ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. Enjoy the music in large concert venues, in a wine bar, intimate acoustic venues and the Celtic Club.

The festival features a range of workshops for adults and children run by accomplished national and international artists. So if you want to play an instrument, listen to poetry, read dramatic verse, sing or dance, simply join in and see where it takes you.

Ph 03 5241 2499
www.nationalcelticfestival.com

Whats On

Slow Sundays at NewQuay
Head down to NewQuay at Docklands and combine your lazy Sunday with the best food and wine Melbourne has to offer. Enjoy specially created gourmet tasting plates and a glass of wine for only $15 per restaurant.
Where: NewQuay at Docklands
When: July 9, 2–6pm
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au

Melbourne Central Shot Tower Museum
Situated within the base of Coops Shot Tower, the Shot Tower Museum takes a look at the Melbourne Central site over the years and the city itself from the time it was first founded. Where: Corner Swanston and LaTrobe streets
When: Open daily
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au

National Design Centre at Federation Square
Australia's first major public design centre, it provides information on design attractions and includes a gallery space, a retail outlet for Australian designed products, and is the home of the annual Melbourne Design Festival.
Where: Corner Swanston and Flinders streets
When: Open daily
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au