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SPIRITED TRAVELLER

From open sea to open road, Spirit of Tasmania opens up a world of road trip possibilities from its new Victorian home in Geelong.

Sailing from Devonport to Geelong with Spirit of Tasmania, means you can load your car with everything from bikes to boogie boards. After taking in the beautiful views and fresh sea air, why not settle in with a vino and grab a bite to eat before enjoying a latest release movie. After disembarking in Geelong, enjoy the endless destinations on offer in Victoria. Here are some suggestions as to where to go, and what to do for the curious adventurer.

1. Taste the Bellarine

The Bellarine Peninsula is rich in nature’s bounty. Pick your own blueberries and strawberries at Tuckerberry Hill Farm in Drysdale, or for seafood, dive into the Little Mussel Café in Portarlington and enjoy the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. For lunch, families will love Basil’s Farm in Queenscliff and for an extra cost, the kids can even feed resident llamas. While in Queenscliff, it’s all aboard for a steam train ride on the Bellarine Railway or you can book for the special ‘Day Out with Thomas [The Tank Engine] and Friends’ rides. We recommend booking early to secure your spot. Wine buffs, settle in at Jack Rabbit for a tasty vino and cheeseboard in a magnificent setting. Plan ahead and you may even spot Spirit of Tasmania sail by.

2. A weekend on the Surf Coast

One day on the Surf Coast is not enough, so stay for two. On day one, hit the sweet spot at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery near Torquay, go for a beach stroll then enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at Ipsos in Lorne. Enjoy a super-charged experience in the treetops at Live Wire Park in the Otways and then recharge with a spa treatment at Lorne’s Mantra Hotel – an excellent place to base yourself. On day two, venture along the Great Ocean Road before an early lunch at Apollo Bay Distillery, then buckle up for an afternoon of jaw dropping vistas at places like The Grotto, the Gibson Steps, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and the legendary Twelve Apostles. This is sure to be a road trip to remember.

3. Dip your toes into Daylesford

Choosing sea over sky, and bringing your car on Spirit of Tasmania means it’s easy to travel to tranquil Daylesford with its picturesque countryside and boutique wineries. Start the day hiking the granite ridges of the You Yangs or tackle Hanging Rock Trail in Macedon Regional Park. Enjoy the scenic spoils of Lake Daylesford Gardens with a gentle stroll or a paddleboat ride. Families might prefer the rolling countryside of Anakie, home to the enchanted inhabitants of Fairy Park. Further enchantment awaits at the end of the day with inspired seasonal food and an internationally acclaimed wine list at the Lake House Restaurant. Check in for the night at nearby Hepburn Springs and awake to dip your toes into Australia’s largest concentration of health-giving mineral springs.

Take your car, boat, caravan, bikes — and even your furry friends

No luggage restrictions — pack as much as your vehicle can carry

Begin your holiday from the moment you drive on board

Enjoy scenic views and fresh sea air

4. All round fun in Geelong

This exciting city is going places with something for everyone from nature lovers to those with curious minds. Take the kids to MoPA – the Museum of Play and Art where kids can create, explore, learn, and play. Visit Mount Duneed Estate for a lovely shared lunch and exceptional wine among the vines. Then head to the Geelong Waterfront to ride the Giant Sky Wheel, the largest travelling ferris wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, for incredible panoramas over the bay. You’ll find an abundance of accommodation options but Novotel Geelong – located on the waterfront, and R Hotel, provide not only a spot to rest weary heads but easy access to a vibrant enclave of restaurants and cafes, gardens and attractions.

Spirited travellers, if you’ve heard the call for adventure, drive aboard Spirit of Tasmania. Book now at spiritoftasmania.com.au

Festival of the senses

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