Geelong & The Bellarine

Five Faves

Tasty treats: On The Bellarine Taste Trail, visit wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants and cafés to savour the flavours of the region.

Up and away: Take a serene sunrise balloon flight over countryside or a thrilling helicopter ride above the waterfront.

Mad MTB: Tackle the hardcore 4km Cressy Descent singletrack loop at You Yangs Regional Park.

Golf go-to: Don’t miss Barwon Heads, the home of three of the top 100 Australian public access golf courses.

Culture fix: Book a fascinating floortalk by an artist or curator at award-winning Geelong Gallery.

Where city charisma meets seaside allure meets country charm.

This region rolls it all into one, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Start with Geelong, Victoria’s second city where the super-walkable north-facing waterfront thrives by day and glitters by night. Public art peppers the foreshore and lush lawns sweep up to shady trees and a bustling restaurant strip. Uptown, discover secret laneways and lofty rooftop bars thriving with foodie creativity.

Don’t be sheepish – head to the National Wool Museum and dip into fascinating displays and heritage. Or ogle a medley of distinctive buildings in the architecturally forward arts and culture precinct.

Just beyond, The Bellarine beckons with beautiful beaches (bay and ocean), grand old buildings, rural vistas and a reputation for some of the finest fresh produce in the land. It’s THE place for water activities – swim with dolphins, learn to surf, SUP or scuba dive, or board a bay cruise and set off into the big blue.

Generations of holidaymakers have flocked here, and the locals know how to make them feel welcome. Find friendly tourist parks in top-notch locations by the sea, by the river and in town by the action.