Go Bellarine 2020

$12.50 LUNCH 7 DAYS

$17 THURSDAY NIGHT

MENU & MEMBERS DRAW

FRIDAY NIGHT MEAT RAFFLES

OPEN 7 DAYS 6pm - 8.30pm

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 5255 1540

FULL TAB FACILITIES KENO

TELEVISION WALL

FOX SPORTS MEALS AVAILABLE

18 THE TERRACE, OCEAN GROVE

email: enquiries@ogbc.com.au - phone: 03 5255 1540 - facebook: /ocean-grove-bowling-club

Opening hours: Sunday 11.00am - 12.00am * Monday - Thursday 10am - 12.00am *

Friday & Saturday 10.00am - 1.30am

THURSDAY NIGHT MEMBERS DRAW * FRIDAY NIGHT MEAT RAFFLES * KIDS PLAYROOM *

COURTESY BUS (Ocean Grove Only) - Thursday to Saturday from 4.30pm - Bookings essential

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

My choice to live on the Bellarine Peninsula was guided by a childhood spent holidaying in Ocean Grove. Now, having spent two decades becoming almost local, it has proven to be an outstanding area to live, work and raise a family.

Uniquely positioned to enjoy the beautiful Barwon River and its journey to the ocean beaches at Barwon Heads, we also have the rare treat of a north-facing bay on the other side of the peninsula. The Bellarine is a water-lovers paradise and for people who like to be active there is every kind of water sport available as well as scenic walks, cycle paths, birdwatching, fishing, boating, beach combing and picnic opportunities. Rich with agricultural diversity, the Bellarine lays claim to some of Australia’s best wineries,

restaurants and local produce. Scrumptious provedores, stylish cafes and casual shopping are now a feature of every one of the distinctly different Bellarine townships.

In summer, thousands of tourists come to play on the beaches, visit the amazing Adventure Park, stroll the streets and camp near the coast. Quiet winters are more peaceful; perfect for horseriding, surfing the bigger waves and enjoying the chill time.

As the 'the best holiday place to live', the Bellarine has no equal.

CR STEPHANIE ASHER Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

WELCOME TO PARADISE

Welcome to the 2020 edition of Go Bellarine. The Bellarine Peninsula is an undisputed worldclass tourist destination.

Whether it’s sampling the enormous range of locally produced food and drink, playing on top-ranked golf courses, lazing on our pristine beaches, touring the vast array of wineries or getting up close to nature, the Bellarine has it all.

From the hustle and bustle of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads to the hidden gem of St Leonards, the rejuvenated Portarlington, the historic charm of Queenscliff and the rolling farmlands near Drysdale, you won’t be bored here.

Whether you’re outdoors at the beach or hiking along the many trails or indoors at a winery, cafe or pub, the Bellarine has it, rain, hail or shine. The peninsula was once just a summer tourist destination, but not any longer. It’s a year-long attraction these days.

Ferry services to and from Portarlington, easy access by local bus from Geelong and 90 minutes from Melbourne by car or public transport make getting here easy.

For those of us who are lucky enough to live here, we invite you to come see what all the fuss is about.

JUSTIN FLYNN, EDITOR

SOMETHING FOR ALL

Situated on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove Bowling Club is one of the most modern and family friendly bowling and hospitality complexes with its wide range of areas to suit your every need.

The lounge bar boasts a TAB lounge and sports bar and continues to cater to every punter’s need.

Complete with Foxtel and over 10 screens to choose from you are sure to stay up to date with all of your favourite sporting events in a relaxed atmosphere whilst enjoying one of the eight delicious tap beers or something from the fully stocked bar.

The Members Lounge is home to the bistro dining room. With its diverse range of low cost affordable meals, operating seven days for lunch and Thursday through to Saturday for dinner, the Members Lounge continues to grow in popularity.

Customers can be sure to enjoy a fun night out with member’s draws on Thursday nights and Friday night meat raffles.

Leleans Restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner with the extensive menu catering to all tastes. Menus are updated regularly, with fresh, seasonal local produce complimented by daily specials and a diverse wine list.

Complete with its children’s play room you can be sure to experience a fun night out in a cosy relaxed atmosphere while Leleans’ courteous and attentive staff provides you with full table service.

As the weather warms the bowling greens are open and ready for business.

With two grass greens and one newly refurbished

synthetic green, Ocean Grove Bowling Club is the perfect place for your next event.

The Barefoot Bowls packages will cater to your every need complete with on-green beverage and barbecue options.

Whether meeting friends for a casual catch up or celebrating something special, Ocean Grove Bowling Club surely has something for you.

Thirsty or a rumbling tummy?

Ocean Grove: The Terrace has an abundance of quaint cafes. Take a walk on both sides of the street and take your pick.

Barwon Heads: Hitchcock Avenue has cafe, restaurants and even ice cream.

Drysdale: a plethora of wineries are just a stone’s throw away.

Queenscliff: grand old pubs and cafes galore and there’s even a brewery.

Portarlington: Port’s eating scene has been boosted by a mini revival of late.

St Leonards: Nothing beats downing a beer or wine in the big grassy beer garden overlooking the water at the pub.

Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads

Picture: Rebecca Hosking

Tim Fookes, Jason Small and Tegan Drever accept Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s best regional bistro award from Community Clubs Victoria in May.

FISHIN’ TIPS 2020

FISHIN’ TIPS

The Bellarine Peninsula is rich with fishing opportunities for anglers, ranging from offshore experts to families just happy to wet a line. Following are Go Bellarine’s tips for the catch of a life time without needing a boat.

BARWON RIVER ESTUARY

Best fished around high tide, which is usually around two hours after the advertised daily high-tide time for Port Phillip Heads. Land-based anglers can expect whiting, trevally, mullet, bream and salmon, with the elusive mulloway also present. Both sides of the river fish well, with numerous jetties and small landings available on the Barwon Heads side. Pippies, prawns and squid are the preferred baits, although fresh worms and Bass yabbies work best.

OCEAN GROVE BEACH

The last third of the beach toward the mouth of the Barwon River fishes well for surf anglers on low tides, especially around the change of light. Snapper, mulloway and gummy sharks are all on the target list, with squid the preferred bait for its ability to stay on the hook during long casts.

13TH BEACH

Another surf angling location, although anglers should beware of rough surf and dangerous currents. Salmon are the main target, although gummy sharks can be taken after dark. Best fished on high tide where gutters and holes are visible, although low tide can also sometimes offer access to deeper water. Squid is the best bait for the long casts required, although anglers targeting salmon often prefer metal lures around 25g.

QUEENSCLIFF HARBOUR

Strong tidal flows mean the harbour is best fished around high tide, which is

two to three hours after the advertised daily high tide for Port Phillip Heads. Soft plastics anglers enjoy fishing from the jetties for trevally and snapper, although salmon, mullet and squid are frequently present, too.

ST LEONARDS AND PORTARLINGTON PIERS

Renowned locations for large snapper during rough weather and sometimes after dark. Whiting, squid, mullet and salmon are also frequently caught. Baits such as pippies, pilchards and squid are the most popular. Artificial and baited jigs work well on squid when fished under the lights and night.

CLIFTON SPRINGS JETTY

A great option when south-westerlies blow since the wind is at the angler’s back. Flathead, snapper, whiting, garfish, mullet and squid are regularly caught from the jetty. After dark also presents opportunities to catch gummy sharks. The same baits as used at the nearby piers work well, although pieces of whitebait fished on a small hook about a metre under a float amid a berley trail works well on the garfish.

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A Barwon River mulloway.

A trevally from the Barwon River estuary.

ALL ABOARD

Tiny train lovers can choo-choo-choose to hop on ride that’s more down to size at Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway.

A miniature train departs Point Richards Station nearly every Sunday, winding through the picturesque parkland of Portarlington’s foreshore in the ocean breeze.

During school holidays the trains operate on Wednesdays too, weatherpermitting, giving kids more chances to climb aboard.

The magic and charm of the miniature railway has brought enjoyment and fun to families since its first public running day in January 1999.

The service is Geelong’s only 7.25 and 5 inch miniature railway and Australia’s only railway located on a foreshore.

The railway has a station with an undercover platform for 70 guests, a vintagestyle signal box, a kiosk, BBQs and a children’s adventure playground.

Volunteers help keep the not-for-profit line running, according to secretary Brian Coleman.

“A big thanks to all volunteers who forgo their free time to help run the mini railway, they are priceless,” he says.

“They do it for the love of trains and serving the community.”

GET SPIRITUAL

GoE Spiritual Philosophy Centre in Ocean Grove is filled with a wonderful array of crystals, ritual candles, tarot cards, garden wind-catcher chimes, jewellery and many more knick-knacks to please the heart and soul, while waiting for a reading or spiritual healing.

GoE has built and honoured its dedication to the path of helping others through its many classes, certificate courses, therapies of different modalities of spiritual healing, massage, tarot and clairvoyant readings and retail goods.

Creator Michelle Boughen has been involved within the New Age field all her life.

Michelle is both teacher and practitioner with extensive knowledge within the spiritual field including spirit guide drawings, yoga, massage, reiki, auric and spiritual healing, meditation and more.

GoE Spiritual Philosophy Centre always has its door open to help others ‘heal and help themselves reconnect to their soul journey’.

Miniature Train Rides

Kids and parents enjoy a train ride at Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway.

PLAYGROUNDS ABOUND

If you’re looking for free, family-friendly fun during your stay on the Bellarine, a visit to a local playground is the perfect option.

The recently redeveloped Kingston Park playground in Ocean Grove is one not to miss.

Nestled in a beautiful natural bushland setting, the playground features a sixmetre high central tower with two slides as its spectacular centrepiece. There are areas for both passive and active play, as well as inclusive elements for children of all abilities.

The playground’s design and landscaping celebrates the surrounding native vegetation such as the rare Bellarine Yellow Gum, with story posts positioned amongst the play equipment. And if you’re planning to settle in for the day, there are BBQs, seating, public toilet facilities and a rotunda as well.

THE BIG WHEELS KEEP ON TURNING

Bellarine Railway’s historic trains might run on tracks but volunteers are the power behind the locomotives chugging along with carriages chocfull of passengers into centuries past.

For 40 years Geelong Steam Preservation Society has kept the trains running on time, resurrecting the railway as a tourist destination three years after its closure.

Bellarine Peninsula Railway opened in 1879 connecting Queenscliff to South Geelong.

Today the railway operates a heritage service between Queenscliff and Drysdale on Sundays and most Monday public holidays, along with school-holiday programs, driver experiences and wedding charters.

All train drivers and helpers are volunteers. Anyone can become a volunteer driver after passing a training course.

WINNER 2019

HIA Western Victoria Display Home

$300,001 – $400,000

Geelong Steam Preservation Society's Chris Hibble with a locomotive that he is restoring.

Picture: Justin Flynn

Bellarine Peninsula playgrounds like Kingston Park's latest addition offer plenty of free fun for kids.

2020 PHARMACY ESSENTIALS

Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove has all your pharmacy needs.

The friendly team keeps a broad range of products at very competitive prices. Their motto is: “Live healthier! Live longer!”

Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove, at Marketplace shopping centre, has been open 15 years.

“I want to take the time to thank all of the staff who work here for their hard work and willingness to help other people,” owner and manager Matt Pittwood says.

“We have three staff members who have been working here since opening in 2004 and have clocked up 15 years’ service.

“Carole Garra, Bernie Peterson and Ann Rantall, it is particularly amazing to see how many people they know and connect with in the local area.

“Having staff who have been performing their roles in such a fantastic way for such a long period of time and still continue to do so has been a fantastic asset and resource for the business and I am sure that customers will continue to see their friendly faces and benefit from their knowledge for many more years to come.”

Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove offers a wide variety of products and services for all health, prescription medicines and beauty needs, at a fraction of the usual prices.

Matt also owns St Leonards pharmacy and is a consultant pharmacist, so outside of the pharmacy, he does home medication reviews and volunteers to do cardiac medication talks for Bellarine Community Health's Cardiac rehabilitation course.

Matt lives locally in Wallington with wife Jo and three sons Will, Sam and George.

The Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Grill is an iconic Ocean Grove spot that provides great food and live music.

The focus at Piping Hot is on quality with award-winning locally roasted Roastcraft coffee, free-range Wes eggs, La Ionica chemical free chicken, 100% Australian prime beef and certified free-range pork. Homemade condiments, soups and deserts compliment the high standard of food served at Piping Hot.

More than just delicious hot chicken, you can also enjoy local and international live music events at this must-visit venue on The Terrace in Ocean Grove.

You can even hire the venue for your own private function with live music and a tailored menu to suit finger food through to the delicious burgers Piping Hot is famous for. Call them on 5255 1566, email pipinghotchicken@gmail.com or call in at 63 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

CLIMBERS ARE ROCKING ON 2020

From 12 metre-high walls to a huge bouldering cave, Geelong’s only in-door rock climbing centre provides a unique activity for the kids.

With more than 150 climbs across 25 walls, The Rock Adventure Centre allows kids of all ages to test their physical limits, owner Richard Lodge explains.

“We have given so many kids the opportunity over the years to experience some adventure and try something new,” he says.

“Afterwards they often realise they can achieve much more then what they first anticipated.”

Thousands of kids have joined the centre’s school holiday activities since it opened in 2001.

The two-hour-long school holiday sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays include climbing games, techniques and challenges with the centre’s experienced staff.

The supervised program is a perfect way for kids to make their first attempt in the vertical world, Richard explains.

“It’s always great to see how the kids can progress from being nervous to pushing themselves to find some new limits,” he says.

“Often kids who come early during the holidays will come back towards the end because they had that much fun.”

Located at 403 Pakington St, Newtown, The Rock Adventure Centre is a year-round destination for your kids. See rockadventures.com.au for more information.

WHAT THE LOCALS ARE READING

The Ocean Grove Voice and its sister publications have locals and visitors covered when it comes to news and information about the Bellarine Peninsula.

In print and online, each publication has a sharp focus on the people, issues, activities and events that shape this wonderful part of the world. The beloved Voice, which produces Go Bellarine, is published fortnightly with a circulation of 11,000 and a massive digital reach at oceangrovevoice. com.au.

Home-delivered in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads and available to pick up free at dozens of locations in other towns on the peninsula, the Voice is the region’s favourite community newspaper. News, feature stories and lots of sport coverage draw a huge readership in print and online. Regular Facebook posts alert followers to breaking local news and other content in the Voice.

Visitors and locals alike make use of the Voice’s free online subscription service, which sends emails with links to read an E-paper version of each edition.

Sister publication Geelong Coast (GC) magazine covers the wider greater Geelong area, including the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast. Published seasonally, GC is a glossy local lifestyle magazine available for sale at newsagents. Complementary copies are available to read at hundreds of venues around the Bellarine Peninsula.

Like the Voice, GC also maintains a popular website and social media accounts for readers and followers to keep up with all the latest online.

The glossy Geelong Coast Kids (GCK) magazine is also seasonal, with an emphasis on stories, advice and information for young families. Readers can find copies of GCK to pick up for free at hundreds of locations around the peninsula, while a website and an E-magazine version are also available.

Also, around 10,000 local mums and dads follow GCK on Facebook for regular updates and ideas on parenting.

Finally, anyone thinking about making the move to the Bellarine Peninsula should seek out a copy of Geelong Coast New Homes & Land magazine. Another glossy to pick up free at hundreds of local venues, it’s full of ideas about local builders and land for sale to build dream homes.

St. Leonards Markets

7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th January

4th, 11th, 18th & 25th January

Labour Day Weekend

Labour Day Weekend

Saturday 11th March

Saturday 7th March

Easter Saturday Saturday 15th April

Saturday 11th April (easter)

Nate Woods tests his skills at The Rock Adventure Centre.

Picture: Rebecca Hosking

The Bellarine Peninsula's favourite local paper.

2020

GAOL’S TERRIFYING PAST

Geelong Gaol opened way back in 1853 and houses a treasure trove of history.

The gaol closed in 1991 but nowadays the museum, which opened in June 2019, preserves the intricate history of this once terrifying place. Today’s prisons are luxurious compared to Geelong Gaol, says local historian Deb Robinson.

“Even when the gaol closed in 1991 and they went to Barwon Prison, it would have been like going to a five-star resort,” she says.

The Geelong Gaol Museum showcases the history of the gaol, which has overlooked the township of Geelong for over 170 years, and the men, women and children who spent time behind the walls.

You can tour the gaol, which is the most intact 19th century prison in Victoria. Tours are generally 90 minutes long and are led by a costumed guide while the gaol can be explored at night by joining the team at Twisted History for a ghost tour or a paranormal investigation.

The gaol can also be hired for private functions and filming.

Go to geelonggaol.com.au to find out more.

GET THE SALTAIR STYLE

When you visit Salt Air on the Terrace you will be greeted by beautiful fragrances, friendly service and a wide choice of lifestyle, homewares, gifts and clothing. This locally owned shop has something for everyone; from simple and affordable to the more luxurious and quirky.

5255-3114

Whether it’s a Christmas or birthday gift or you're just wanting to spoil yourself, Salt Air carries a huge range of quality brands such as Noosa Amsterdam, MYWALIT, Hedgren and a stylish range of clothing from Italy and Greece.

Salt Air is all about supporting local as well, with a gold coin donation for

gift wrapping going straight to local a local wildlife carer.

They are also supporting Fair Trade items from communities in developing countries.

For a shopping experience that's a real treat to the senses, come in and visit Salt Air on the Terrace.

Erin Campbell at Geelong Gaol.

CELEBRATIONS BREWING

It is hard to believe it’s almost a year ago Ocean Grove welcomed its first brewery.

Summer means warmer days and enjoying the outdoors and BrewiColo Brewing Co plans to celebrate.

They have spent the past few months gearing up for the celebrations and the summer season ahead.

With their core range now looking wicked in cans and a funky new on-site food truck, Brewi Bites, serving up fun food, owners Chilla Tuicolo and Kay Godfrey are looking forward to the busy time ahead.

To celebrate their first birthday BrewiColo will be throwing a party and everyone is invited.

Lock in Saturday 28 December as the date to celebrate.

There will be a new Brewi available at their taproom in Marine Parade along with music, food and other celebrations for all ages.

There will be live music and other events throughout the summer period, too, so be sure to check out BrewiColo’s social media pages for updates. Chilla

YOUR BLISSFUL WHOLEFOODS VENUE

Bliss+co Wholefoods is a boutique, low-package lifestyle and healthy living store on The Terrace in Ocean Grove.

Bliss+co supplies bulk, fill-your-own-container style shopping for nuts, seeds, grains, flours, herbs, spices, legumes, dried fruit and mueslis.

On-tap products include apple-cider vinegar, local olive oil, honey, tamari, tahini, maple syrup and more. For those wanting to indulge, they have a range of chocolate-covered goodies as well as great raw vegan treats.

Refrigerated stock includes krauts, glass-bottled organic milk, local cultured butters, as well as dairy and vegan cheeses.

They also stock a large range of household cleaning products for you to fill your containers or use theirs.

Unique to Bliss+co is ‘The Natural Companion’, a new Wholefoods nutrition pet section.

They keep a range of human-grade raw foods for pets and natural treatments selected by the

in-house vet who is often available should you need some advice.

Pay Bliss+co a visit - open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Also, species appropriate biologically active raw foods for pets

Tuicolo and Kay Godfrey

2020 WHERE THE LOCALS EAT

For over six years The Driftwood Cafe has been serving wonderful home cooked food with a friendly smile to locals and tourists alike and has become an Ocean Grove institution. Serving great coffee, generous, fresh food in a relaxed atmosphere, The Driftwood is the place to come with friends, family or to enjoy your next function.

The Driftwood not only serves up delicious all day breakfasts, lunches and dinners (Friday and Saturday nights) but also caters for functions, big and small.

There are three distinct spaces within the cafe to choose from or the entire venue for larger groups, or if you want the Driftwood experience in your space, they are happy to come to you.

In recent years, The Driftwood has catered for many outside events from intimate sit-down dinners or canape parties to larg e-scale weddings and even a birthday bash in the middle of a field, complete with mobile espresso machine.

Using only the best of local and seasonal produce The Driftwood Cafe will create a menu and take care of all details according to your needs.

The Driftwood philosophy has always embraced environmental concerns and they are constantly striving to do better, they even ensure all waste from outside catering is recycled or composted.

If you are planning an event for Christmas, a birthday or your dream wedding, drop by The Driftwood.

They would be happy to talk over your needs and help to make your event one to remember.

IN THE GROOVE

Groove Cafe is a popular place and it doesn't need to be sunny or warm for it to be extremely busy.

The popular Wallington Road cafe had a facelift in 2019 and customers have been enjoying the renovated outdoor area, which boasts new fencing, plants and umbrellas and there’s a fresh new look inside too.

But the same old good food and service remains.

It’s the same fun and friendly welcome you receive when you walk into Tony and Ivy’s family-owned eatery.

You only need to have one of the award-winning pies, famous sausage rolls or dumplings or great coffees to understand why people become regulars.

Tony and Ivy treat all their customers like family.

Choose between several variations of burgers from the Groove, the Big Groove, Spicy Red, Veggie, Spicy Chicken, Groove Kitchen or Kids burgers.

Groove also offers a large range of curries, soups, lasagne, risotto and pies to take all the fuss out of your weeknight meal.

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