Nestled on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, the peaceful Bellarine Peninsula is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from Melbourne. With a mix of old-fashioned charm and modern flair, it boasts long beaches, cozy villages with trendy cafes, and historic buildings.
Geelong, the lively city that serves as the gateway to the peninsula, offers plenty to explore. It’s also a popular starting point for travelers embarking on the scenic Great Ocean Road journey. Don’t miss the quaint village of Queenscliff, the beautiful beaches of Barwon Heads, or the serene town of Point Lonsdale, offering stunning views of Port Phillip Heads.
Families can enjoy wildlife parks or splash around at Adventure Park Geelong, while food lovers can savor the region’s delights at local food producers and farms. Plan your trip with our guide to the top attractions and activities in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
1. Explore Barwon Heads
Relaxed and picturesque, Barwon Heads holds its own charm as a beloved seaside town, notably featured in the iconic Aussie TV series, Sea Change. Today, it continues to embody the essence of coastal living.
The Barwon River winds through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, offering a serene setting for riverside picnics. 13th Beach beckons surf enthusiasts with its renowned waves, while the Barwon Heads Golf Club promises a memorable round amidst scenic sand dunes.
For breathtaking coastal views, head to the Bluff Lookout at Point Flinders, where hiking trails meander along the rugged coastline. Families can delight in the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary, offering intimate encounters with native Aussie animals in a tranquil setting.
Explore Hitchcock Avenue’s boutique shops and cozy cafes, or opt for an adrenaline-pumping skydiving experience. Birdwatchers and anglers will find solace at Lake Connewarre and its surrounding wetlands, just north of Barwon Heads.
Across the river lies the equally enticing Ocean Grove, boasting one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s finest beaches, as depicted on the region’s map.
Google Maps directions to Barwon River
2. Bike the Bellarine Rail Trail
Riding the Bellarine Rail Trail is a fun way to stay active and see the sights. This 35-kilometer trail follows the old train route from South Geelong to Queenscliff Railway Station.
The trail is mostly flat and easy to ride, with paved paths from South Geelong to Drysdale and gravel paths from Drysdale to Queenscliff. Enjoy scenic views of the countryside and coast, and stop at historic train stations along the way. If you get hungry, there are cafes and restaurants to grab a bite.
If biking the whole way sounds too tiring, you can take a break and ride the steam train for part of the journey. You can find a map of access points on the website. It’s a great activity for families or anyone who enjoys being active outdoors.
Google Maps directions to Bellarine Rail Trail
3. Hop aboard the Bellarine Railway
All aboard The Bellarine Railway for train enthusiasts! Steam and diesel trains run from Queenscliff station on weekends, offering special themed rides for the whole family.
Kids adore A Day out with Thomas, while Heritage Rides delight everyone. Music fans shouldn’t miss the Blues Train, featuring live bands and dancing.
You can even try driving a locomotive! Foodies can indulge in a seasonal degustation dining experience on The Q Train. Explore the station’s collection of trains and enjoy a unique day out!
Address: 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC 3225
Phone: (03) 5258 2069
Google Maps directions to Bellarine Railway
4. Stroll along Eastern Beach Reserve & See the Baywalk Bollards, Geelong
When you arrive in Geelong, don’t miss the chance to take a leisurely stroll through Eastern Beach Reserve along the waterfront. It’s a great spot for the whole family, offering a flat, smooth path alongside Corio Bay with charming picnic areas boasting stunning bay views.
On warm days, enjoy lounging on the soft sand or taking a refreshing swim in the Art Deco swimming pool, which is protected from sharks. Kids can splash around in the children’s pool or have fun at the nearby playground. Further down the beach, you’ll find a historic carousel and Ferris wheel for additional family enjoyment.
For other enjoyable activities, try your hand at fishing from Cunningham Pieror relax with a cup of coffee while admiring the bay views. Between Cunningham Pier and Eastern Beach, you’ll discover SteamPacket Gardens, an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic. Numerous cafes and restaurants are also dotted around the area.
Along your stroll, keep an eye out for Geelong’s iconic Baywalk Bollards, whimsical sculptures depicting local history, crafted by artist Jan Mitchell. From lifesavers rescuing swimmers to military bands playing tunes, these colorful characters bring joy to visitors of all ages.
If you’re seeking a romantic experience in Geelong, don’t miss the chance to walk hand in hand along the beautiful promenade at sunset. It’s a wonderful and cost-free activity, offering one of the finest experiences on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Google Maps directions to Eastern Beach Reserve
5. You Yangs Regional Park
The You Yangs are big rocks that rise up from the flat land around them. Even though they’re not very tall, they stand out a lot. When you go into the You Yangs Regional Park, you’ll see lots of trees and bushes. There are also many different kinds of birds to watch, so it’s a great place for birdwatchers.
If you climb to the top of the You Yangs, you’ll get an amazing view. You can see far away, and everything looks really pretty. People who like hiking can walk on the trails in the park, and some people like to climb the rocks. There are also paths for riding bikes.
If you want to relax, there are places to have picnics and sit in the shade. And when the sun starts to go down, the view from the top of the You Yangs is really beautiful with all the colors in the sky. It’s a great place to enjoy nature!
Google Maps directions to You Yangs Regional Park
6. Linger at Point Lonsdale
Just a short drive from Queenscliff, you’ll find the peaceful town of Point Lonsdale. It’s a calm place with a great view of the wild sea. The lighthouse is the best spot to watch ships go through the Rip, a narrow part of the water near Port Phillip Bay Heads.
If you want to go to the beach, you can swim in the calm bay or surf at the back beach where the waves are bigger. Take a walk on the old pier to enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially in the morning when the sun is rising. It’s a favorite spot for photographers!
Google Maps directions to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Beach
7. Swim with Seals and Dolphins
Have you ever dreamed of swimming with friendly seals or dolphins in the ocean? Now’s your chance! From October to May, you can join a fun 3.5-hour Sea All Dolphin Swim adventure.
These tours start in the seaside town of Queenscliff and take you to the Port Phillip Bay Marine National Park. There, you’ll learn how to snorkel and explore the colorful reefs full of fish. Then, you’ll get to swim alongside Australian fur seals and maybe even playful dolphins if you’re lucky. You might also spot rays gliding on the sandy seabed.
Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer – the experienced guides will help you out, and they always make sure to respect the animals. They’ll provide all the gear you need, like snorkels and wetsuits, so you can focus on having fun!
Address: Shop 3. Building 6, Queenscliff Boat Harbour, Queenscliff VIC 3225
Phone: (03) 5258 3889
Google Maps directions to Sea All Dolphin Swims Queenscliff
8. Experience Art at Geelong Gallery
Art lovers will be amazed by the art collections at this famous gallery. It opened in 1896 and is one of Australia’s oldest regional art galleries – and it’s really good!
There are over 6,000 artworks here, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, portraits, and fancy objects. The gallery has lots of colonial paintings, metal objects, English pottery, and modern Australian art.
Some of the special artworks include Russell Drysdale’s Hill End (1948) and Frederick McCubbin’s A bush burial (1890). There are also paintings showing what Geelong looked like long ago.
This gallery isn’t just something to do on a rainy day; it’s a great place to visit any time. Plus, it’s free, so it’s one of the best things to do in Geelong without spending money.
Address: 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5229 3645
Google Maps directions to Geelong Art Gallery
9. Sightsee in Queenscliff
In the pretty town of Queenscliff, you’ll find grand old hotels that remind you of the past. The town sits by the beautiful blue bay, though it’s not as famous as Sorrento, its neighbor across the bay. But don’t underestimate it – Queenscliff has lots to offer, with fancy art galleries, nice restaurants, and unique shops.
A good way to start your visit is at Queenscliff Harbour, where you can see amazing views of the bay from the tall observation tower. If you like history, you can visit Queenscliff Fort, which was built in 1860 to protect the coast. Now it’s a cool museum and one of the best-kept forts in Australia. The lighthouse there is special because it’s one of the few black ones in the world.
There’s also Buckley’s Cave nearby, where an escaped convict named William Buckley lived for a long time with the local Indigenous people. That’s where the saying “you have Buckley’s chance” comes from.
In Queenscliff, you can also go on tours to swim with seals and dolphins or take a ride on the old Bellarine Railway, which has a lot of history behind it.
You can also take a round trip to Sorrento Mornington Peninsula and catch ferry with you vehicle and reach Queenscliff. Or catch princess freeway from Melbourne to Queenscliff directly.
Google Maps directions to Queenscliff
10. Visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center to Learn About World’s Oldest Living Culture
At Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center, you can discover the oldest living culture in the world through fun activities. You can try throwing a boomerang, taste traditional bush food, hear stories from the Dreamtime, and see colorful Indigenous art.
The center is surrounded by native gardens and is perfect for families who want to learn while having fun. Kids will enjoy meeting the wallabies and emus that live there.
When you’re done exploring, you can eat at Cafe Narana, where they make food with Indigenous ingredients. And don’t forget to check out the gift shop for boomerangs, didgeridoos, or bush herbs to take home with you.
Address: 410 Surf Coast Hwy, Grovedale VIC 3216
Phone: (03) 5241 5700
Google Maps directions to Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center
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