Make a Splash

When the weather turns balmy, the best way to cool off is by taking time out near the water.

The Beach House

Polperro Dolphin Swims

Smooth Swimming

If you’re not comfortable swimming in the open ocean, make your way to Geelong’s Eastern Beach, where there’s an incredible set-up originally created in the 1930s. A shallow kids’ pool, with a fountain at its centre, sits on the edge of the promenade. Behind it is a huge, enclosed sea bath that’s surrounded by a boardwalk – it even has a diving platform. When you’ve swum up a storm, head to the old bathing pavilion, which has been transformed into a chic eatery called The Beach House. +thebeachhousegeelong.com.au

Hang Ten Time

If you’ve always dreamed about riding a wave, now is the time to learn to surf. There are a number of options along the coastline, so adding some lessons to your road-trip itinerary isn’t difficult. Whether you’re six or 60, the legends at Torquay Surf will have you riding a board in a region famous for its epic breaks. During school holidays, their Grom Squad serves up lessons for young ’uns in the morning then lets them practice in the afternoon. If you’re heading to Phillip Island, check out the offering at Island Surfboards. +torquaysurf.com.au +islandsurfboards.com.au

Fun with Flipper

Imagine this… you slip into the water, mask and snorkel in place, kick out from the boat and, suddenly, there are dolphins all around you. That’s what you’ll get on a day tour with Polperro Dolphin Swims, which operates from the pier at Sorrento. During the two hours you’re on board, you’ll cruise the magnificent Mornington Peninsula shoreline then pull on a wetsuit to watch bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals frolic beneath the surface. +polperro.com.au

Life on a Lake

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is known for its rocky mountain ranges, but the region is also home to a number of spectacular lakes, where fishing, canoeing, sailing and waterskiing are popular. If you’re keen to explore one of them, Absolute Outdoors offers half-day stand-up paddle boarding tours. Your guide will point out interesting landmarks and local wildlife – you’ll likely spot the resident osprey soaring overhead – and, if it gets a little hot on the board, you can jump in for a swim. +absoluteoutdoors.com.au

Surfing, Jan Juc Beach Belinda VanZanen

Seaside

Sophistication

After a swim and a walk on the sand, add a little culture to your visit to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Summer trips don’t have to be all about the beach – well, not all of the time. Head to Victoria’s second largest city and the nearby peninsula to surround yourself in artistic beauty.

Face Off

A hundred years of portraits will be celebrated when Geelong Gallery hosts Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize (until 20 February), featuring a selection of works from the prize’s history. If you’re visiting from Melbourne, check out Port Phillip Ferries’ deals that include a cruise and tickets to the exhibition. Keen for contemporary pieces? Boom Gallery shows and sells emerging and established artists working in a range of mediums. +geelonggallery.org.au +portphillipferries.com.au +boomgallery.com.au

Music Matters

Photography is on offer at Focal Point, not just a gallery but, with darkroom and studio, also a resource for local artists. This summer its major exhibition is See the Music (2 December – 30 January), featuring amazing pieces by music photographers who’ve captured the essence of live performance.

Geelong Gallery

+focalpointdarkroomgallery.

com.au

On the Peninsula

In Queenscliff, Salt Contemporary Gallery represents painters, sculptors and ceramicists from across the country. To see pieces by Bellarine artists, many of them depicting the local landscape, visit Fat Fox Art Gallery. +salt-art.com.au +fatfoxartgallery.com.au

It’s Ferry Nice

Port Phillip Ferries

Getting to Geelong has never been easier or more scenic.

It takes just 90 minutes to get from Docklands to Geelong with Port Phillip Ferries. But it’s not just about convenience, says marketing manager Brad Wright: “Once out on the bay, you can enjoy the outside decks to get your dose of fresh sea air – and if you’re lucky you may even spot a dolphin or two along the way.” Here are his tips for making the most of your trip to Geelong.

How can you make your Port Phillip Ferries trip even more stress free?

If you don’t want to drive before your ferry adventure, accessing the Docklands ferry terminal is easy, as it’s only a short walk from Southern Cross train station or the free city tram loop is right out the front.

You’ve got Archie 100 packages over summer. Any others?

This summer there’s some great value on offer, with a number of packages available that include transfers and ferry tickets, like the amazing wine & dine package at Provenance Winery in Geelong, lunch at the famous Little Mussel Cafe in Portarlington or the long lunch at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.

What else should we do in Geelong?

If you like to plan ahead we have a free guest compass for your phone (download it at ppf.guestcompass. com.au). It’s your one-stop shop, with everything from the latest specials and offers from our partners to a range of must-see attractions in the regions we travel to. +portphillipferries.com.au

Port Phillip Ferries

Escape the city and take a cruise to the coastal towns of Portarlington or Geelong. Enjoy wineries, seafood and the charm of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula, or the vibrant cultural city and attractive waterfront of Geelong. The experience is beyond just a ferry service. Think onboard licensed cafe, free Wi-Fi, free bike racks, charging stations, friendly staff and endless scenic views. And there’s always a chance to spot a dolphin, seal or penguin. Tram: Route 35, 70 or 75 to stop D3 Train: To Southern Cross Station Schedule: Visit portphillipferries.com.au for the most up-to-date schedule. 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands t 03 9514 8959 w portphillipferries.com.au Find us on:

Anther Distillery

Visit Anther Distillery, the cocktail and local spirit gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road. Glimpse the makers of Australia’s champion gin at work, and be guided through the wonders of native fl avours while you sip on cocktails or discover your favourite gin and tonic. Train: 15 minutes’ walk from North Geelong Station Open: Wed–Thurs, 12pm to 5pm; Fri, 12pm to 8pm; Sat & Sun 12pm to 6pm PH3 Federal Mills, 33 Mackey St, North Geelong Under the big chimney. Free parking t 0424 781 543 w anther.com.au Find us on:

ANTHER

DISTILLED AUSTRALIAN GIN