Three Days in Geelong and The Bellarine
By Bree Pagliuso|
Geelong and The Bellarine Peninsula are where the stories of land and sea come together. Whether you’re visiting or hosting guests, our three-day itinerary invites you to explore, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and discover the region’s heart—through wine tasting, coastal adventures, local produce, and unique cultural highlights.
For each day, mix and match the experiences that speak to you.
And as a region that loves its food, you can be sure there are plenty of delicious stops along the way.
Day one
Start with
Born and Bread Bakehouse , a local favourite. The pastries are baked with love, and the sourdough is a nod to tradition. Meanwhile, Fuel Coffee + Food serves a breakfast that feels like a warm embrace, in a small and cosy space ideal for a relaxed start to the day.
Wander over
To the Geelong Gallery , home to Australian and European masterpieces that reflect the region’s artistic soul. Then, head to the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre , a striking building that marries history with modernity.
Head to
Basils Farm for a slow lunch, serving fresh local produce with a vineyard backdrop. If you prefer to stay closer to the city, The Yardz Café offers seasonal fare in a cosy setting, perfect for a relaxed midday pause.
Go and explore
The natural beauty of You Yangs Regional Park , where every step on the trails brings new vistas of the landscape. If you’re intrigued by local history, the Geelong Gaol Museum offers a glimpse into the past, with exhibitions on the Eureka Stockade and a special feature on Australia’s most iconic crime TV series.
Unwind
At Yes Bar , with cocktails reflecting the Bellarine’s creative spirit. Or, for something bold and flavourful, head to The Hot Chicken Project , where Nashville-style fried chicken is served with craft beers.
Day 2
Spend the morning
With a peaceful atmosphere at The Paddock Bakery, filled with morning sunlight and a menu full of sustainable ingredients, as the light stretches through the trees.
Take your pick
Of vineyards: Jack Rabbit Vineyard , with its cool-climate wines and sweeping coastal views. For something more intimate, head to Banks Road Vineyard —a family-owned vineyard known for its small-batch wines and relaxed cellar door experience.
Or, if you're in the mood for an adventure off the beaten path, add some playful competition to your day while enjoying the outdoors at The Bellarine Adventure Golf , a fun mini-golf experience set within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Time for
Lunch at Flying Brick Cider House , where you can sip on local ciders and enjoy share plates. Each cider tells its own story, crafted from the apples of the region.
Come together
For a tasting experience at The Whiskery —relax by the fire or settle into the rustic tasting room, where a guided tasting reveals the unique botanicals and craftsmanship behind each gin and whisky, perfect for those wanting to explore the essence of the local landscape.
Keep going
To Oakdene Vineyards and enter into their quirky, upside-down house cellar door. Here, you’ll enjoy exceptional wines in a setting filled with art installations, offering a fresh take on Bellarine’s creative energy.
Find yourself
At The Bungalow Restaurant in Drysdale , for a refined restaurant experience where modern Australian cuisine takes centre stage with a focus on local seafood. If you’re after something more casual and hands-on, head to Portarlington Pier to pick up fresh mussels, harvested right where the sea meets the land—a local favourite offering seafood as fresh as it gets.
Day 3
As the day begins
Head to Annie’s Provedore in Barwon Heads, where breakfast is served with a Mediterranean twist, or explore Café Go in Geelong for hearty dishes in a bright, welcoming space.
If the ocean is calling
Make your way to Queenscliff for an unforgettable marine experience with Sea All Dolphin Swims , where you can swim alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat. Prefer a land adventure? Tuckerberry Hill offers berry-picking with a peaceful countryside backdrop.
Are you looking
For a small, family-run winery and restaurant? Nicol's Paddock blends the best of land and sea with locally inspired dishes perfectly paired with their wines. Situated on the outskirts of Geelong, it’s also the gateway to the Surf Coast. Or for an even closer coastal experience, try At The Heads in Barwon Heads a beachfront restaurant with ocean views serving fresh, coastal-inspired dishes.
Don't miss
An afternoon of adventuring! Discover the charm of the Bellarine Rail Trail , wind through coastal landscapes and quaint villages. Or follow the Bellarine Taste Trail , where you can sample honey, olive oil, and other local produce at farmers' markets and artisan stops.
For your final night
Head to Terindah Estate to enjoy sunset views and award-winning wines with a farm-to-table menu. For something more informal, Piknik Café in Swan Bay serves fresh, local ingredients in a cozy converted roadhouse—pair a glass of local wine with their locally loved lamb kofta or prawn pasta.
There’s so much waiting to be discovered in the region. Each experience encourages you to slow down and truly connect with the stunning surroundings.
We hope this guide serves as the perfect starting point for exploring everything this vibrant region has to offer.