Top Things to Do in Geelong and The Bellarine

Swim with dolphins and seals

Head out with Sea All Dolphin Swims  to get up close with seals and dolphins of Port Phillip. On the boat tour you’ll visit the protected waters of Popes Eye, a circular structure originally intended to be the foundations of an island fort but now teeming with marine life. At Chinaman’s Hat, up to 100 Australian Fur Seals await for a play, and you can swim with wild dolphins too.

Dine on Australia’s premier rail restaurant

Australia’s premier rail restaurant, The Q Train , offers you the chance to indulge in the best produce from Geelong, Bellarine and the Otways, while sitting back and enjoying the best views of the region. As you enjoy a degustation five course meal on board the heritage train, you’ll pass iconic Bellarine scenery of the countryside, olive groves and the protected Swan Bay wetlands which are abundant with birdlife.

Sample The Bellarine’s finest makers and growers

The Bellarine Taste Trail brings together dozens of unique food and drink experiences across the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. It’s a delicious way to tour a stunning region.

There are farmgate producers growing and making the produce that’s served at the best eateries near and far – from mussels and honey to fruit and vegetables. And even a 100% sourdough bakery, Ket Baker .

More than 30 vineyards take advantage of their geography to produce award-winning wine in stunning locations, but wine isn’t the only expertly crafted drink on the trail. On The Bellarine you can sample cider, gin, craft beer and even whisky. The Whiskery produces award-winning gins and a single malt whisky distilled and served at the rustic restored farm shed in the heart of The Bellarine.

Wineries with bay views or rolling countryside

Greater Geelong and The Bellarine is one of Australia’s leading wine-making regions with its rich basalt soils over limestone base. Cool climate wines such as pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay thrive but you’ll find other varietals too. And of course, wine tastes best when paired with a view so choose between a backdrop of captivating blue water on The Bellarine or the rolling green hills of the Moorabool Valley.

The Bellarine: Scotchmans Hill is one of the oldest and highly rated wineries on The Bellarine with an outstanding restaurant and views to Melbourne. Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Terindah Estate both offer stunning views across the vines to the bay.

At Terindah Estate, grab a grazing platter and laze in comfortable lounges on their sun-soaked deck, sit down for a meal in The Shed restaurant or try their quirky Peter’s Odyssey Tram Bar, set in and around a fully refurbished W Class tram.

Moorabool Valley: At Clyde Park Vineyard the vista across Bannockburn’s green valleys is magical. Try a guided tasting and wood-fired pizza in the ample space indoors or outside.

Take a boutique bay cruise and taste Portarlington mussels fresh from the sea

Portarlington Mussel Tours ’ boutique and intimate bay tour, gives you a front row seat to the mussel farming process from the comfort of a lovingly restored and very comfortable 40-year-old Huon pine vessel.

Get to know the mussel farmer in an intimate setting and see how the popular Portarlington blue mussels are expertly cultivated. Experience cooking demonstrations and tastings, complemented by Bellarine wines and other local produce.

If you're lucky on the day, you might even spy dolphins on the tour and get to try the local Angasi oysters.

Walk the bollard art trail

The trail of bollards along Geelong's spectacular waterfront are an iconic attraction to the region that represent the rich history of the town.

With over 100 of them scattered between Rippleside and Limeburners Point each one depicts a different person from the past who added to the making of Geelong.

From English explorer Mathew Flinders who sighted Corio Bay from the You Yangs in 1802, to The Koori family which shows the local hunter and gatherer culture and many more.

Artist, Jan Mitchell was commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong to transform old timbers and piles from a city pier, into incredible works of art in the 1980s.

Learn about Geelong’s wool making history

Visit the National Wool Museum to hear about the timeless Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles, watch a sheep shearing demonstration and discover why fleece from Australia’s sheep was at the heart of the economy for nearly 200 years.

In 1988 the National Wool Museum was opening by Queen Elizabeth II and established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. With its recently renovated galleries you will experience a renewed Australian Story.

Relax at Lon Retreat and Spa

Lon Retreat is an adult exclusive five-star luxury retreat, with seven suites spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each individually designed with its own unique character and connection to the ocean, lakes and surrounding farmland. Each suite is a personal sanctuary, inspired by its natural surroundings combining earthy tones with contemporary luxury.

Facilities include a mineral spa, heated indoor pool, private beach access, surrounding gardens and farmland. High on the hill and inspired by the farm and coastal surroundings, Lon Spa is a simple yet luxurious spa experience. Water therapy is sourced from natural mineral springs running beneath the farm.

Explore the coast

The Bellarine enjoys the best of both worlds, hugging the sheltered sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay and facing Bass Strait’s surf beaches and salty breezes. It’s sprinkled with little towns that are laid-back in the summer months, perfect for lazy days barefoot with a beach towel over your shoulder or gazing at the water with a bundle of fish and chips in your lap.

During the warmer months, swimming beaches can be found at Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. At Barwon Heads the wide, sheltered estuary flanked by sand flats sees the Barwon River flow out to sea forming a playground just made for stand-up paddle boarding, rockpool rambling or building sandcastles.

Turn up the dial and follow the roar of the surf to Ocean Grove with its 10km of beach (Main Beach is patrolled in summer). With beautiful clean water protected by a headland, this is one of the best places to learn to surf in Australia. Instructors at Go Ride a Wave, SeaEarth Adventures or Great Ocean Road Surf Tours can get beginners standing up in no time.

If your skills are already sound, the swell is at its strongest at Point Lonsdale back beach and Thirteenth Beach, an exposed break near Barwon Heads.

Queenscliff has a fascinating maritime history steeped with gripping tales of shipwrecks, rescues and lighthouse emergencies. About 30 ships have met their fate at ‘The Rip’ - the treacherous entrance into Port Phillip Bay from Bass Strait which vessels must pass through enroute to Melbourne. It’s considered among the most dangerous waters in the world.

Fun for Everyone: Werribee and Surrounds

Werribee is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Explore the grand Werribee Mansion, wander through lush gardens, and step back in time. Just nearby, the Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a safari-like adventure where you can see rhinos, giraffes, and zebras up close. Perfect for a day of family fun and excitement, Werribee blends history, nature, and adventure in one unforgettable destination.

Where to stay:

Novotel Geelong – Prime location with views across Geelong’s stunning waterfront. Includes a newly opened bar and restaurant downstairs, Tempo Kitchen and Bar.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon – Wide range of accommodation options from cabins to camping, suitable for families or couples. Located at the entrance to the popular coastal town of Queenscliff.

Sagres Queenscliff – A luxury home perched alongside the beach in Queenscliff. Sleeps up to 10 in five rooms and across three levels. Includes private beach access, pool, fireplace with exquisite interior styling.

Portarlington Grand Hotel – The historic and newly refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel offers a boutique experience on the main street in town. Atrium bar and bistro pub are located on the ground floor.

Transport:

Searoad Ferries – Australia's favourite car and passenger ferry service, transporting passengers between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Regular trips are made daily, taking approximately 45 minutes to cross Port Phillip.

Port Phillip Ferries - Port Phillip Ferries is a ferry service offering open air boat cruises and rides across Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. It connects Portarlington and Geelong to Docklands, Melbourne.