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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Mount Duneed

While visiting Mount Duneed, you might make a stop by sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Conewarre K47 Streamside Reserve.

Mount Duneed
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Grovedale

Travellers enjoy Grovedale for its beaches and bars. Consider checking out Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre while you're in the area.

Grovedale
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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
Cobb & Co Lodge
Cobb & Co Lodge
2.5 out of 5
37 Learmonth St, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is NZ$127 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$127
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this beach guesthouse in Queenscliff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (178 reviews)
"It was all fine, worked well, pleasant people"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2024

Cobb & Co Lodge
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
3 out of 5
78 Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is NZ$136 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
NZ$136
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly holiday park in Queenscliff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free kid's club. Popular attractions Queenscliff Natural ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (331 reviews)
"We needed a room for the night. It suited our purposes"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2024

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Circa 1902 Queenscliff
Circa 1902 Queenscliff
3 out of 5
59 Hesse Street, Queenscliff, VIC
The price is NZ$158 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$158
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Queenscliff. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 meeting rooms, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (526 reviews)
"This is a historic property so the facilities have character but I excellently maintained. The art and design of the interior is beautiful and modern. We enjoyed our stay at Circa and will return next year!"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2024

Circa 1902 Queenscliff
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 WiFi, free parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (844 reviews)
"Loved the property easy access and walking distance to shops & water"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 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 WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions 13th Beach Golf Links and 13th Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (255 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 WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Great venue and very friendly staff and we are not even golfers"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Bellarine Peninsula