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 three-day getaway road trip.

  • Day one

    Just an hour from Melbourne, it's no surprise that the city's caffeine culture has made its way to Geelong. Get your coffee and pastry fix at top spots like Paddock Bakery and Waterfront Pantry before heading to Eastern Beach for some waterfront fun. Stroll along the foreshore and see Geelong's famous bollards come to life with the augmented reality app downloaded to your smartphone.

    Tuck into fresh seafood during lunch at Fishermen's Pier then head towards the striking domed roof of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, in the heart of Geelong's cultural precinct. Wander through Geelong Gallery and see what's on at Geelong Arts Centre before spending the afternoon vintage shopping at The Amazing Mill Markets.

    It's time to call it a day. Collapse into bed at Rydges Geelong or Novotel Geelong on the waterfront, and get ready for a jam-packed second day.

    Paddock Geelong - main entrance

    Paddock Bakery Geelong

    Cafes & bakeries
    Originating in Burleigh Heads QLD, the Paddock Bakery is famous for its wood-fired sourdough, creme brulee donuts and mouth-watering pastries. Recently...
    Four a la carte lunch dishes and a selection of coffees arranged on a four top dining table

    Waterfront Pantry

    Cafes & bakeries
    Waterfront Pantry is a provincial style café, caterer and event space in Geelong, overlooking the Geelong waterfront on Corio Bay.Visit the Pantry for...
    Eastern Beach, Geelong & the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

    Eastern Beach

    Swimming
    Dive into the art deco swimming enclosure, take a scenic stroll along the boardwalk, or hit the kids' pool in Geelong's spectacular summer playground.
    Close up of Geelong Gallery façade

    Geelong Gallery

    Art galleries
    Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and leading art galleries. Located in Geelong’s thriving Cultural precinct, looking out onto the picturesque...
    An exterior shot of the Little Malop Street Redevelopment exterior view from Johnstone Park

    Geelong Arts Centre

    Performing arts
    The brand-new Geelong Arts Centre is now open!Following four years of design and construction, the highly anticipated opening of the $140 million Little...
    Fishermen's Pier

    Fishermen's Pier

    Restaurants
    Fishermen's Pier is an Award Winning Seafood Restaurant located on the Geelong Waterfront for over 40 years, providing exceptional caring service.The extensive...
    Rydges Geelong Lobby

    Rydges Geelong

    Hotels
    Conveniently located, Rydges Geelong offers stylish and affordable accommodation for business and leisure travellers alike. With sweeping views of the...

  • Day two

    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.

    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 or Basils Farm.

    Spoil yourself with an indulgent stay and soothing spa treatment at Lon Retreat & Spa. Or spend the night in a Beach Pod at Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park in Portarlington and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean lapping the shoreline.

    Bellarine Taste Trail, Geelong and Ballarine,Victoria, Australia

    Bellarine Taste Trail

    Eat & drink
    Treat your tastebuds to the best of the Bellarine Peninsula. Savour the local flavours at wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants, cafes and more.
    Jack Rabbit Vinedyard

    Jack Rabbit Vineyard

    Wineries
    Hop to it for sophisticated cool-climate wines, an award-winning restaurant, cellar door, tasting room, bistro-style cafe and stunning coastal views.
    Deal
    Leura Park Estate

    Leura Park Estate

    Wineries
    Leura Park Estate is recognised as a dynamic force on The Bellarine. Founded in 1995, the 150 acre property comprises 40 acres under vine and continues...
    Flying Brick Cider Co

    Flying Brick Cider House

    Cideries
    Open 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...
    Basils Farm - Bellarine Peninsula

    Basils Farm

    Wineries
    Located on Swan Bay with spectacular views across the water to the historical town of Queenscliff. The delightful settlers style Cottage, spacious Pavilion,...
    Deal
    Lon Retreat Foyer & Fireplace

    Lon Retreat & Spa

    Retreats & lodges
    Escape the busyness of life on over 200 acres of rural and conservation land, hidden away on a hill by the ocean. Lon is an adult exclusive five-star luxury...
    Portarlington camp site

    Bellarine Bayside Holiday Parks

    Caravan & holiday parks
    Bellarine Bayside operates absolute beachfront holiday parks in Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards and is the ideal location to base yourself...

  • Day three

    Grab a bite to eat at your accommodation or head to Queenscliff General Store, a historic café serving up the region's best produce.

    Visit the antique shops of Queenscliff or wander through the charming coastal haven of Point Lonsdale, then cross to Hitchcock Avenue in Barwon Heads to browse Annie's Provedore and the iconic Rasta Surf Co.

    If you're feeling a bit more energetic, jump aboard a sightseeing boat tour to get up close to Port Phillip Bay's resident dolphins, seals, penguins and sea birds.

    For lunch, head to Bellarine Distillery and sample their award-winning gin and whisky. Fuel up on tasty pizzas and spend the afternoon relaxing in the gardens before heading to your accommodation. Nearby options include the newly renovated Portarlington Grand Hotel and the ultra-luxe Sagres Queenscliff holiday house.

    Distillery door for Bellarine Distillery

    Bellarine Distillery / The Whiskery

    Distilleries
    The Whiskery is the distillery door for Bellarine Distillery, and is set on seven acres in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. The immediate surroundings...
    Dolphin Swim

    Sea All Dolphin Swims

    Tour operator
    Snorkel with wild dolphins; spot seals and sea birds; and swim with loads of colourful reef fish in Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park.
    Huon Pine vessel

    Portarlington Mussel Tours

    Tour operator
    Set on the Bellarine Peninsula, just a short ferry ride away from Melbourne to Portarlington. A curated Bellarine foodie experience, celebrating Portarlington...
    Sagres

    Sagres Queenscliff

    Holiday houses
    This house has been newly renovated in 2022. The driveway is spacious and the entrance is landscaped with Australian coastal plants. The downstairs level...
    Bed with hat and scarf

    Portarlington Grand Hotel

    Hotels
    There’s so much to take in on the Bellarine, that sometimes a day trip alone will not do it justice. Why not make it a proper escape and stay in one of...

Destinations

At The Heads,Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

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 waterfront, Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

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 Lighthouse, Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Point Lonsdale

Destinations
While away sunny days in ocean surf or along the calm bay foreshore at Point Lonsdale, a hamlet at the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula.
Queenscliff, Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

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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Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Art and culture

See & do
Wander through galleries and artist studios, check out public artworks, and delve into the local history at villages up and down the peninsula.
Thirteenth Beach, Geelong and the Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Beaches and coastlines

Nature & wildlife
Ride the waves, take a walk along the sands, or cool off during the summer months at bayside and ocean beaches in Geelong and the Bellarine.
Bellarine Taste Trail, Geelong and Ballarine,Victoria, Australia

Bellarine Taste Trail

Eat & drink
Treat your tastebuds to the best of the Bellarine Peninsula. Savour the local flavours at wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants, cafes and more.
Brae at Birregurra

Eat and drink

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.