Road trips & itineraries
Geelong & the Bellarine Getaway
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Geelong is a bayside city with an enviable lifestyle and industrial roots. Charismatic cultural precincts attract locals and visitors with galleries, boutiques and excellent places to dine and drink. Just 30 minutes from urban Geelong lies the Bellarine Peninsula and its lush vineyards. Here you'll find bay views and charming coastal villages. Slow your pace and stop off to discover delectable provedores and farm gates, world-class golf courses, seaside stores and pretty beaches. Explore the best of Geelong and the Bellarine on our four-day getaway road trip.
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Just an hour from Melbourne, it's no surprise that the city's caffeine culture has made its way to Geelong. There are countless reliable cafe options, with Coffee Cartel a standout.
Batteries charged, it's time to have some fun on the Geelong waterfront and the outdoor playground that is Eastern Beach. If it's too chilly for the seaside pool, you can watch the boats bobbing on the bay and take a turn on the historic carousel. Watch Geelong's famous bollards come to life with the augmented reality app downloaded to your smartphone.
Head towards the striking domed roof of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, in the heart of Geelong's cultural precinct and while away some time in this library with a difference. Wander through Geelong Gallery, one of Australia's leading and oldest regional art galleries, and see what's on at Geelong Arts Centre. Grab tickets for an evening show later.
Take a break for lunch at the Hot Chicken Project. It's the hottest spot in town and will prepare you for an afternoon exploring edgy Pakington Street. Make sure you check out the emerging art in the former wool mill at Boom Gallery, then sit back and watch the world go by with a glass of wine from Geelong Cellar Door on Little Malop Street. Have dinner at ALMA Restaurant, The Beach House Geelong, Wah Wah Gee at the end of Cunningham Pier, or The Continental on Little Mallop Street. And save room for a cheeky late-night cocktail at the 18th Amendment Bar.
It's time to call it a day. Collapse into bed at Anchor Geelong or Novotel Geelong on the waterfront, and get ready for a jam-packed second day.
![Eastern Beach, Geelong & the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia]( "Eastern Beach, Geelong & the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia")
Eastern BeachSwimmingDive into the art deco swimming enclosure, take a scenic stroll along the boardwalk, or hit the kids' pool in Geelong's spectacular summer playground.![]()
Geelong GalleryArt galleriesEstablished in 1896, the Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s leading and oldest regional art galleries.Since its establishment, the gallery has amassed...![Geelong Cellar Door]( "Geelong Cellar Door")
Geelong Cellar DoorBarsGeelong Cellar Door is located in the heart of Geelong’s inner CBD, conveying an ‘old world’ charm, with the intended ambience of a smart, sophisticated,...![boom]( "boom")
Boom GalleryArt galleriesBoom is a vibrant and active contemporary art and design gallery. They present the work of emerging and established artists. Launched by Ren Inei and...![Geelong Arts Centre - Ryrie St]( "Geelong Arts Centre - Ryrie St")
Geelong Arts CentrePerforming artsBig enough to attract the world's best theatre, music and performances, but small enough to stay friendly and local. Geelong Arts Centre connects regional...![ALMA Restaurant]( "ALMA Restaurant")
ALMA RestaurantRestaurantsALMA Restaurant's fancy definition is ‘contemporary Australian dining with the flavours of South America’, but basically it is the best produce they can... -
Up and at 'em and prepare for a morning of retail therapy with breakfast at King of the Castle. Nab a rare vintage find at the Mill Markets in central Geelong, or stop by Geelong Vintage Market in North Geelong.
If you're lucky with your timing, you can combine lunch with craft beer tastings at Little Creatures Brewery. Be sure to check out White Rabbit Brewery while you're there.
The afternoon is time to venture a little further afield; north-west to the Moorabool Valley and its cool-climate wineries. Look out for Lethbridge Wines, Clyde Park, Moorabool Ridge and del Rios of Mt Anakie.
If your visit coincides with the first Saturday of the month, head out of town to Golden Plains Farmers Market in Bannockburn for delicious fresh produce.
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Geelong Vintage MarketMarketsGeelong Vintage Market features 60 unique stalls selling vintage furniture, collectable, industrial items, jewellery, records and lots more.This indoor...![Ray & Maree welcome you to Lethbridge Wines]( "Ray & Maree welcome you to Lethbridge Wines")
Lethbridge WinesWineriesSit down with the winemakers to learn about styles and techniques and taste high quality pinot noir and shiraz along with Meredith farmhouse cheeses.![The Mill Markets - Geelong]( "The Mill Markets - Geelong")
The Mill Markets - GeelongMarketsThe Mill Markets - Geelong operates in three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover...![food and beverage]( "food and beverage")
White Rabbit Brewery & Barrel HallBreweriesNestled in the grounds of the Little Creatures Village in Geelong, White Rabbit Brewery is a space created for flavour exploration. As you push through...![Moorabool Ridge Vineyard & Cafe]( "Moorabool Ridge Vineyard & Cafe")
Moorabool Ridge Vineyard & CafeWineriesDeep in the Valley perched on the edge of the Moorabool River is a shepherd's cottage built in 1856. This historic building is now home to Moorabool Ridge's...![Aerial view of the estate]( "Aerial view of the estate")
del Rios WineryWineriesdel Rios is a family-owned, vineyard, winery, restaurant, and tasting room established in 1996 on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Mt Anakie.It is in... -
Follow your tastebuds for your third day on the Bellarine. Set off on the Bellarine Taste Trail, and stop off at boutique wineries, restaurants, cafes, provedores and farm gates.
Keep your eye out for McGlashan's Wallington Estate, Oakdene Vineyards, Little Mussel Café, Wildings Pantry Essentials, Lighthouse Olive Mill Shop, Curlewis Winery, Lonsdale Tomato Farm and Basils Farm.
Pause for lunch with breathtaking views at Jack Rabbit Vineyard or get the lay of the land on a segway tour at Leura Park Estate and tuck into lunch at Flying Brick Cider House.
Spoil yourself with a spa treatment at Mud Day Spa or Queenscliff Day Spa before calling it a night at Starhaven Retreat.
Or head straight for the Lon Retreat & Spa to check in and relax.
![Exterior facade of Starhaven Retreat]( "Exterior facade of Starhaven Retreat")
Starhaven RetreatBed & breakfastsStarhaven Retreat offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation on the Bellarine Peninsula. Highly ranked on TripAdvisor, this internationally acclaimed...Offer![Lon Retreat Foyer & Fireplace]( "Lon Retreat Foyer & Fireplace")
Lon Retreat & SpaRetreats & lodgesEscape the busyness of life on over 200 acres of rural and conservation land, hidden away on a hill by the ocean. Lon Retreat features seven luxurious...![Flying Brick Cider House Exterior]( "Flying Brick Cider House Exterior")
Flying Brick Cider HouseCideriesOpen seven days a week, the Flying Brick Cider House is a retro-inspired landmark venue. Think innovative space, a tasting paddle of ciders, amazing food...![Bellarine Taste Trail, Geelong and Ballarine,Victoria, Australia]( "Bellarine Taste Trail, Geelong and Ballarine,Victoria, Australia")
Bellarine Taste TrailFood & wineTreat your tastebuds to the best of the Bellarine Peninsula. Savour the local flavours at wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants, cafes and more.![McGlashans Wallington Estate]( "McGlashans Wallington Estate")
McGlashans Wallington EstateWineriesEnjoy award-winning chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and shiraz with gourmet grazing platters. Stick around to explore the classic car exhibitions.![Mussels]( "Mussels")
The Little Mussel CafeCafesThe Little Mussel Cafe is loving its new location in the main street of Portarlington overlooking the water watching the boats come in. We are still selling... -
Grab a bite to eat at your accommodation or head to PIKNIK, the converted roadhouse serving up the region's best produce.
Wander through charming Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale at your leisure, then cross to Hitchcock Avenue in Barwon Heads to browse Annie's Provedore, Barwon Heads Winestore and Kiitos Living by Design.
If you're feeling a bit more energetic, jump aboard a sightseeing boat tour to spot Port Phillip Bay's resident dolphins, seals, whales, penguins and sea birds.
For lunch it's hard to choose between Mr Grubb @ Oakdene or Jack Rabbit Restaurant. You won't be disappointed. Summon the last of your energy to stop off at beautiful Merne at Lighthouse to feast one more time upon the flavours of the Bellarine and the stunning scenery.
![Piknik]( "Piknik")
PiknikRestaurantsPiknik is a unique café and store in a converted roadhouse in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula.Piknik is dedicated to providing high quality breakfast...![Mr Grubb Deck & Silver Birch Trees]( "Mr Grubb Deck & Silver Birch Trees")
Mr Grubb @ OakdeneCafesThe Mr Grubb @ Oakdene bistro is located at the magnificent Oakdene Vineyards property on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Geelong. Mr Grubb...![Jack Rabbit Vineyard]( "Jack Rabbit Vineyard")
Jack Rabbit VineyardWineriesHop to it for sophisticated cool-climate wines, an award-winning restaurant, cellar door, tasting room, bistro-style cafe and stunning coastal views.![Terindah Estate]( "Terindah Estate")
Terindah EstateWineriesSample award-winning wine and French-inspired fine food before spectacular vineyard and bay views at this boutique Bellarine Peninsula winery.![Annie's Provedore Barwon Heads]( "Annie's Provedore Barwon Heads")
Annie's Provedore Barwon HeadsCafesAnnie's Provedore and Produce Store is located in the heart of charming Barwon Heads. The cafe is filled with the aromas of home cooked meals during the...![Barwon Heads Winestore]( "Barwon Heads Winestore")
Barwon Heads WinestoreShoppingThe Barwon Heads Wine Store is an independent wine merchant, offering a vast selection of product and bringing the finest wines, spirits and beer to the...
Destinations
Barwon Heads
Destinations
Relax at this popular summer holiday destination at the mouth of the Barwon River with quiet river beaches, friendly cafes and excellent golf courses.
Geelong
Destinations
Explore Victoria's second largest city, Geelong, the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road with a diverse range of activities.
Point Lonsdale
Destinations
Witness ocean and bay waters collide at the notorious entrance to Port Phillip Bay, then enjoy more peaceful pursuits along the foreshore.
Queenscliff
Destinations
Be charmed by the historic seaside village of Queenscliff with its elegant Victorian-era buildings, art galleries, shops and great places to dine.
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Art and culture
Things to do
Wander through galleries and artist studios, check out public artworks, and delve into the local history at villages up and down the peninsula.
Beaches and coastlines
Nature & wildlife
Ride the waves, take a walk along the white sand, or cool off during the summer months at bayside and ocean beaches in Geelong and the Bellarine.
Bellarine Taste Trail
Food & wine
Treat your tastebuds to the best of the Bellarine Peninsula. Savour the local flavours at wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants, cafes and more.
Food and wine
Geelong & the Bellarine
Stop in at fine restaurants and relaxed cafes, coastal wineries and delightful provedores while touring your way around Geelong and the Bellarine.