VENUE

MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

Nestled in the seaside town of Ocean Grove, The Dunes create events that are everything you dream of and more. Architectural design paired with sensational panoramic views, The Dunes reopened in August 2019 after an extensive rebuild and is a truly spectacular venue overlooking the surf beach. With ceremony locations nearby, The Dunes offers everything you need in one location. Just 150m down the lush coastal path, lies a beautiful, open, grassy space, perfect for a ceremony. Offering 180 degree views out over the open water, it’s the ultimate backdrop for your 'I dos'. Your ceremony blends seamlessly into post-ceremony drinks and nibbles for your guests on the expansive deck, giving you the space and time you need for your photos. The space itself is versatile, with the ability to cater for 60-250 guests seated or 60-300 guests cocktail style. The food and beverage offer is focused on local, seasonal produce with an absolute emphasis on quality and service. As if these things are not enough, there are plenty of #instagrammable opportunities also. The Dunes offer several inclusive packages to take the stress out of the wedding planning, however, the bespoke option is where it’s at. This allows you to completely customise every detail of your event to truly reflect you. A dish recreated from your first date? A traditional family dessert? Perhaps the same cocktail that was served the night of your engagement? The beauty is in the detail.

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The Event Assembly

CJV Weddings

From your first encounter you will notice the genuine warmth and interest that the team at The Dunes shows. They have worked tirelessly to build a reputation for stunning events that they can be truly proud of - so you can too. When asked about your engagement, or what is important about your day, it comes from a deep-rooted inquisitive nature that is fundamental to their event delivery. This carries through the planning process until well after your event is finished. It shows when you return for a special anniversary dinner or perhaps to show off a new addition to your family - be it human or furry. The building itself has a contemporary, sophisticated style with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow an abundance of light. The beautiful facade creates a cinematic experience that is ideal for watching the waves crash in or the silhouettes of the surfers as the sun goes down.

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Ateia Photography

360q

360Q is an iconic venue on the water at picturesque Queenscliff Harbour that had been shuttered for several years until renowned chef, restaurateur and celebrity event caterer Barry Iddles reopened its doors in October 2016. Since then the two-storey venue has become a destination dining favourite for locals and visitors on the Bellarine Peninsula. Downstairs is a stunning spot for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner while the upstairs function space with million-dollar water views and a dancefloor is ideal for weddings and special occasions. The views over Queenscliff Marina are superb and guests can also get a bird’s eye view of the township, Port Phillip Bay and The Rip from the observatory tower within 360Q’s building structure. Their chefs are globally trained but take immense pride in their inclusion of the freshest seasonal produce, seafood and meats from the Bellarine region. The beverage list is an impressive who’s-who of local vineyards, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. An incredibly diverse selection of global flavours including traditional Australian fish and chips to Sri Lankan curries and a huge selection of Asian-fusion fare with inspiration from Japan, Vietnam and Korea are. For catered events, sit-down formal meals with shared grazing dishes or cocktail-style catering are presented by the friendly staff. Every menu is tailored to each client and they can accommodate all dietary requirements. 360Q is renowned as a first choice to spend special occasions thanks to its menu, first-class service and waterfront location. The team is led by Barry who has more than 45 years experience in the hospitality and events catering industry which means all guests receive the five-star treatment.

MAKE YOURS THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR

Book your perfect day at 360Q and enjoy incredible service; tailored gourmet catering for cocktail or sit-down meals; and incredible water views over Queenscliff Marina.

Contact our friendly team for a quote today. T: (03) 5257 4200

Lily & Henry Photography

LEURA PARK ESTATE

The stunning working vineyard cocooned by majestic cypress trees at Leura Park Estate is one of many features that endorses the venue’s undeniable charm. This Bellarine Peninsula gem lends itself beautifully to a relaxed couple looking for a rustic space where they can celebrate their marriage with style, elegance and minimum fuss. Leura Park Estate is bound to delight you and your guests from the moment you step foot on this unique property. As you wander the vines and magnificent surrounding gardens, you will quickly realise that this venue has it all. From a beautiful onsite ceremony to fabulous photography backdrops and a sophisticated reception venue, Leura Park Estate will accommodate all of your desires. Couples can work alongside the culinary team to create their dream wedding menu best suited to their tastes and guest list. With a superb selection of both plated and cocktail menus available, the Leura Park Estate experience is one to remember. Impeccable service and high attention to detail is what Leura Park Estate prides itself on when it comes to planning your special day. A dedicated wedding coordinator will help ease the stress of organising such an event, and will provide advice and resources to assist with the coordination on the big day.

BATESFORD HOTEL

A family-run venue located within the beautiful landscape of the Moorabool Valley, The Batesford Hotel is the perfect location for an outdoor, naturefilled event, with the historic bluestone Batesford Bridge dating back to 1859 arching over the serene Moorabool River in your midst. An oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of city living and enter a place of community and gathering. The Batesford Hotel will create a magical setting for your wedding.The stunning and unique venue offers a blank canvas for couples and has the flexibility to cater to your dreams. Enjoy their spacious rooms and decking, complimented by beautiful gardens, river and gumtree tracks. The three distinct spaces provide a wealth of options to suit every wedding and is the perfect setting to say ‘I do’! The Moorabool Gardens is a stunning riverside setting with ample lawn area neighbouring the historic bluestone bridge. Post ceremony everyone can relax and mingle in the picturesque gardens with a drink in hand and delicious food while you and your bridal party go for photos either down by the river, along the beautiful gum trees or across to the iconic Dog Rocks located nearby.

Cactus Bride Films

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Sweeter Than Honey Photography

The Moorabool Room is a truly unique and magnificent space. The open plan interior is complete with modern furnishings, exposed white beams and a light colour palette creating a versatile space allowing for any style of wedding. With panoramic windows and an encompassing deck, the space has a wonderful warm and inviting feeling as it overlooks the picturesque gardens. For larger sit-down reception the space can seat 150 guests or 300 stand -up. The Batesford & Sunroom is ideal for a more intimate reception seating 50 guests or 70 stand-up. The Batesford Room offers couples a more rustic space with darker tones, suspended pendant lighting and an open fire that delivers a quintessential country ambience creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere to celebrate your special day with family and friends. Together with their team of executive chefs and dedicated event manager the Batesford Hotel allows you the opportunity to tailor a package that perfectly suits your needs. Choose from a modern cocktail menu to formal dining or their family feast option. All wedding packages include venue hire, furnishings, staff and of course five hours of food and beverages. The team at the Batesford Hotel know that one size does not fit all and no two weddings are ever the same because no two couples are. They enjoy the challenge of creating a wedding that is unique and personal to you. Their approach is flexible. You have ideas and they make them happen. You may choose to keep it simple or let your imagination run wild! Every wedding is tailored to meet your expectations and budget and together with you they will bring your dream day to life with their team of professionals with you every step of the way. They have years of experience and the attention to detail is second to none, from the initial site inspection, the creation of your menu, through to floor plans and coordinating with your suppliers. Their team is there to ensure nothing is forgotten. All that is left for you to do is relax and enjoy your day and allow them the pleasure of seeing pure joy as your dream day unfolds. Bookings for the Batesford Hotel are requested at a minimum of 8-12 months in advance if possible. They can be flexible but Saturdays in peak season are usually booked out 12 months in advance.

Heart & Soul Weddings

Smitten Weddings

FLYING BRICK CIDER HOUSE

Iconic Flying Brick Cider House is the perfect wedding venue for the fun and eclectic couple. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, the imposing, charismatic open-concept restaurant and cidery embraces coastal elegance with its contemporary relaxed ambience. Complemented by an exceptional menu and dedicated service, Flying Brick has everything you would need and want for your wedding day celebration. Set on five acres, the property also has a working vineyard which offers picturesque views of the rolling Bellarine hills and doubles up as the stunning backdrop for memorable wedding photos. With exclusive access to the entire venue, Flying Brick offers both ceremony and reception locations with the flexibility of holding these celebrations on the luxurious sprawling lawns or indoors cocooned by the dynamic restaurant atmosphere. A wedding coordinator will assist couples in the planning and execution of their big day, ensuring all aspects of the wedding are on point. Food and beverage packages at Flying Brick offer great variety and room for customisation depending on the style of wedding. The venue also offers an extensive list of preferred suppliers – from accommodation through to videographers – that can assist couples with every aspect of their special day.

Jake Hogan Photography Little Chief Photography

DEL RIOS

del Rios is a family-owned vineyard, winery, restaurant, and cellar door established in 1996 on the slopes of extinct volcano Mt Anakie. Driven by the family’s passion for great food and wine, Gus and Esther del Rio, together with their three sons Andres, Joshua and Marcus purchased the property in 1994 and the first vines were planted in 1996. There is a focus on craftsmanship and controlling the process from start to finish to create the best possible product. On the estate theere is 45 acres of vines that are hand-pruned and hand-picked. The wine is made on-site in their winery where they also process the fruit, ferment, mature, bottle and label. In similar vein they also raise free-range, pasture-fed Black Angus Beef and Texel Friesian Cross Lambs. Beyond what they can do themselves they partner with family-owned local producers and bring the freshest produce to their venue. In the restaurant, the family’s philosophy of great wine, food and friends comes together in a wonderful setting. The new building was redesigned to capitalise on the breathtaking views from the estate and it finished construction in 2019. Using local and estate grown produce that, similarly to the wine, offers a blend of traditional Spanish and contemporary cuisine is what del Rios offers. They also have the ability to host different function options at their Winery & Restaurant, whether it be a small and casual celebration or a special occasion. They are happy to customise all function packages based on the wishes of their guests with the belief that every occasion is different and they want to know you on a more personal level so they can adjust and create the perfect event.

LONSDALE LINKS

The newly-designed Lonsdale Links is home to a brand new clubhouse designed by award-winning architects Wood Marsh Architecture and completed in December 2020. Perched atop the highest point on the golf course it offers spectacular sunset views extending over Lake Victoria and is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. From your ceremony on the lush greens to your reception, the experienced team at Lonsdale Links will take care of the pre-planning and execution on the day and offer great food and service in either a sit down or cocktail setting. Pre-dinner drinks and canapes, a 2 or 3 course meal, an oyster bar, grazing tables, a dessert bar and a 5 hour beverage package are just some of the options available to couples on the day. Lonsdale Links invite you to enjoy the exclusive use of the clubhouse but have limited dates available so get in quick to ensure your wedding is celebrated in one of our region's newest and spectacular venues.

Duet Photography

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

For more than ten years, Jack Rabbit Vineyard has been creating exquisite and memorable weddings on the Bellarine Peninsula. Nestled on a high hill with unrivalled views of the bay, this remarkable wedding venue is a breathtaking treasure of the region. Say ‘I do’ with the vineyard in your midst, and usher your guests to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés while you take in the multiple sublime photo opportunities dotted around the property, creating your first memories as newlyweds. Continue celebrations at either of the venue’s two distinctive reception locations, the Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant and the House of Jack Rabbit, where you will feast and dance the night away. The venues can host up to 120 guests seated or 200 for a cocktail style wedding. Recognised for its multi award-winning cool climate wines, Jack Rabbit Vineyard offers a truly enjoyable culinary experience. Incredible local and seasonal produce shines in the sophisticated contemporary menus created by the culinary team. Known as a gastronomic showcase of the Bellarine, the chefs at Jack Rabbit Vineyard will tailor individual menus for plated, grazing or cocktail-style receptions. Entrust the team of highly experienced and welcoming staff at Jack Rabbit Vineyard with creating an unforgettable experience you and your guests will reminisce over for years to come.

Elk And Willow Photography

Lecinda Ward photographer

Nic Stephens

SCOTCHMANS HILL

Established in 1982, Scotchmans Hill is the Bellarine Peninsula’s oldest and largest winery. A producer of premium cool maritime climate wines, Scotchmans Hill has been a leading local winery for more than thirty years and is rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries. Scotchmans Hill offers a unique and magical wedding experience amongst its vineyards with some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s best views across Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula, Swan Bay, Queenscliff and the Heads out to Bass Strait. The French provincial-inspired homestead offers a picturesque backdrop to your wedding as you enjoy a fully catered experience with their premium award winning wines to make your special day even more memorable. They offer a two course or three course sit down menu with canapés as well as grazing menu options and is able to cater for small and large weddings. Scotchmans Hill also has a dedicated bridal suite onsite and partnership with a neighbouring B&B so your wedding experience can not only be magical, but seamless as well. Scotchmans Hill offer wine and food packages suitable for all wedding occasions from small intimate gatherings to large celebrations.

Monika Berry Photography

Monika Berry Photography

CURLEWIS GOLF CLUB

Looking for the complete package? Fall in love with every aspect here – stunning locations, spectacular venues and stylish accommodation. At Curlewis Golf Club, options abound for fabulous locales to say “I do”, it’s just a case of finding your perfect spot. With a golf course, contemporary clubhouse, driving range and entertainment complex, a Curlewis Golf Club function is unique and oozes individuality. Couples can take advantage of the lush green golf course with its spectacular views of the bay for photo opportunities. The driving range and mini golf course on site also offer a fun backdrop for capturing a couple’s first moments as newlyweds. Celebrations of all kinds are accommodated for, with the opportunity to craft a casual cocktail wedding or more formal and lavish occasion. A dedicated functions manager will help tailor a celebration with the right amount of ambience, style and formality to suit couple’s individual desires. Receptions can be held at the spectacular new Curlewis Clubhouse (to be completed November 2021) or The Range @ Curlewis, offering seated a la carte menus, shared dining concepts or fabulous canapes for contemporary cocktail-style occasions.

PROVENANCE WINES

Provenance Wines, located at the heritage-listed Paper Mill perched on the banks of the Barwon River at Fyansford opened its doors in 2018 after an extensive renovation. Their unique grand Barrel Hall, where events are held, has sweeping cathedral-like high ceilings twinkling with fairy lights and whitewashed bluestone walls lined with wine barrels. Ceremony locations include outside the rustic winery barn doors which includes artificial grass, chairs, umbrellas, white picket fencing and barrels. This area is just in front of the Provenance bluestone building with a pretty garden to one side. The second option is inside their on-site winery, which is filled with natural light, wooden cross beams on the ceiling with ample space for guests to relax and enjoy the ceremony. They offer all-inclusive packages with everything already there for you including award-winning wine and delicious food. Available is a range of wine/drink and food options based on a five-hour package with different rates to suit your budget, depending on which day of the week you would like to get married and whether it falls in a peak or off-peak period. They also have an impressive list of inclusions and optional upgrades to help you create your dream wedding. This year awarded ‘Best Tasting Experience & Best Food’ in Geelong by Gourmet Traveller Wine, Provenance offers flexible packages for sit-down banquet, alternate drop or stand-up cocktail-style menus with the option of including extra canapes or cheese platters to finish the evening. Their canapes offer Smoked Portarlington Mussels, Pork Belly Chicharon and Black Garlic Prawn Skewers and the banquet and alternate drop menus include delicious Slow Cooked Lamb, Cured Kingfish and Confit Duck. An array of choices to suit varied tastes including vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements is also available. Provenance understand that each couple they meet is different and the team thrives in excelling client expectations. From the very first meeting they enter

into the couple’s world, learning about how long they have been engaged, why they are considering this venue and what their vision is for the wedding. In addition to the initial consultation and site visit, they offer two further planning meetings to ensure all details of the day are covered including a food and wine tasting. With a friendly, professional and organised team they believe couples feel this instantly, trusting them with their special day. This gives couples confidence to know they are in good hands so they can relax and enjoy their wonderful day and create beautiful memories for years to come. With a venue as grand and versatile as Provenance, couples decide the layout they think will work best for their guests. They can bring the space in and make it feel cosy around the fire with smaller numbers or barrels can be removed to create a larger area for 180 guests seated featuring up to three long tables. There is plenty of room for a large dancefloor as well as great area around the bar for pre-dinner drinks and canapes. Due to disruption by the pandemic, bookings for 2021/22 are filling fast . After the wedding consultation and site visit, Provenance is happy to hold a preferred date for up to seven days at no-obligation to ensure couples are 100 per cent happy when they book.

Barwon Edge Boathouse

From pink lily ponds and lush green lawns to swaying treetops and a flowing river, the romantic landscape at Barwon Edge Boathouse reads like the love story itself. And just like your story, a wedding here is utterly unique. Just 10 minutes from central Geelong, the environment here is quintessentially Australian and all yours for one very special day. Enter via the country driveway to greet manicured gardens and vast outdoor decks enveloping glassy ponds. Indoors, the elevated reception rooms lure you to a fragrant canopy of eucalypts, abundant along the Barwon River below. From a cosy reception in the Balyang Room to reserving the entire venue, it’s all about flexibility; in location, in set-up, in timing, in the contemporary menu and in your choice of boutique beverages. Add to this the Boathouse Bar, wrapped in river scenery. Here, guests relax between ceremony and reception while your photo shoot might lead you to the striking one-lane bridge; an alluring bush setting and landmark on the riverbend.

PICTURESQUE RIVERSIDE WEDDING LOCATION

Empire Grill

Established in the 1980s, Empire Grill is the longest continuously running restaurant in Geelong and has delivered consistently high quality food and service throughout the years. The venue has a warm ambience with a cosy open fire in the lounge and beautiful high-backed antique chairs. With the capacity for large events in the upstairs private function room Empire Grill can still operate their restaurant downstairs at the same time. For more intimate gatherings there is also a smaller private dining room. They also have the ability to cater for offsite events anytime, anywhere. They are happy to assist you in arranging a most memorable occasion to suit your style and are pleased to offer menus using the finest quality local ingredients. Having always been known as the special occasion place, Empire Grill is perfect for any celebration.

With its glorious country charm and sweeping views of the hills beyond, Barrabool Maze Estate is the ideal venue for laid-back couples. Set on 28 acres and located only 15 minutes from Geelong’s CBD, the venue boasts extensive gardens, an iconic hedge maze and rustic reception area. Owners Teresa and Wayne have crafted an all-inclusive venue for couples and their guests to celebrate their special day. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by sculptured gardens, in front of antique red church doors, by the lake or on the vast lawn area. Receptions for up to 150 guests at a cocktail capacity or 100 seated, are held in the idyllic function space lined with stable ceilings as well as an indoor and outdoor fireplace to create the perfect country ambience. Kari Teagan Photography

Red Gum Run Arena

Having recently received council approval, Red Gum Run Arena is one of the newest wed-ding and event venues in our region. Located in the idyllic Freshwater Creek, RGR Arena is a very unique venue housed in an equestrian centre. A blank canvas it can be adapted for anything from seating up to 150 guests or stand-up cocktail parties. Being an open space indoors and outdoors, it can be dressed with any themed décor that is in your dreams. Because RGR Arena is an animal-friendly space and believe pets are part of the family, they invite you to have your fur babies in attendance at your celebration. Why not make your way down the aisle on your ponies or have your dogs or cats carry the rings? If this is in your dream plans, theweddingsitter. pet can arrange any animal involvement absolutely stress free. On site is a large separate kitchen with the facilities to accommodate any catering company. Red Gum Run Arena has a great working relationship with Annie’s Kitchen in Barwon Heads and highly recommend them to meet the culinary requirements for your event however they are open to all caterers of choice.

A blank canvas to create your dream wedding or event. Affordable, Adaptable, Unique and Picturesque.

www.rgrarena.com.au | 0447 247 544 | inge@rgrarena.com.au

Almyra

Almyra is the ideal beachside wedding venue for your special day. Newly renovated to the highest possible standard, the stylish restaurant is located right on Lorne’s spectacular beach with panoramic views of Louttit Bay and the Otway Ranges. Almyra offers a destination wed-ding experience minus the hassle and with plenty of luxury accommodation in Lorne, you and your guests can escape the city and enjoy a wedding weekend to remember. Exclusive use of the iconic waterfront restaurant is available for up to 150 guests and catering for smaller groups is an option if you are planning a more intimate celebration. Why not exchange vows on the sand before your photographer captures your joy against Lorne’s magnificent backdrop of sea, forest and waterfalls. While you are exploring the natural surrounds, Almyra will welcome your guests with a signature cocktail and generous canapes in your private courtyard. On return your wedding reception will kick off inside with a sumptuous array of food and wine served by the attentive team. From the moment you arrive until the moment you’re sent off with a cheer, Almyra will ensure every detail reflects your vision for your special day. With decades of experience in hospitality, the events team will stop at nothing to deliver your dream wedding. Say ‘I do’ to a spectacular waterfront wedding!

SAY “I DO” TO A SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT WEDDING!

ALMYRA IS THE IDEAL BEACHSIDE WEDDING VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

LOCATED JUST METRES FROM THE WATER’S EDGE ON LORNE’S PRISTINE BEACH

BRETT SCAPIN PHOTOGRAPHY

YOUR DREAM BEACH WEDDING AWAITS AT ALMYRA

81 Mountjoy Parade & Corner Grove Road, Lorne (03) 5216 7716 www.almyra.com.au