Tourists and Melburnians alike love their day-trips and weekend trips to the Peninsula. Everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday is right there and better yet, it’s only an hour’s drive away!

Wineries galore, beautiful beaches, exquisite scenery, and a true culinary experience awaits you at the Bellarine Peninsula. While the Mornington Peninsula is the more well-known and touristy destination, Bellarine offers the same great amenities without the hustle and bustle of an overrun tourist destination. The Bellarine Peninsula offers a more quaint and unique getaway experience without compromising while still providing a plethora of activities and accommodations.

The Bellarine Peninsula is a truly breathtaking destination with amazing scenery of the sea, farmlands, vineyards, and the Australian countryside. Here are six reasons everyone should plan on visiting The Bellarine Peninsula very soon!.

Untapped Wineries & Breweries

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Peninsula without visiting a few Wineries while you’re there. There’s even a great selection of local craft breweries for those who don’t fancy a glass of red. Trying out the local wines, ciders, and beers is possibly the best way to experience the Peninsula region.

You’ll have a hard time deciding which wineries to visit on the Bellarine Taste Trail. What makes Bellarine so great is the local business owners. Most Wineries are family owned and run, providing a more intimate experience for visitors. Some wineries offer magnificent bay views, while others possess a quirky charm that will keep you on your toes.

Check out the expert’s winery guide with Bellarine Food & Wine Taste Trail Map. Let us know how many you can check off the list on your next weekend getaway to the Bellarine Peninsula!

A Village for Each Day

The unique villages within Bellarine truly make it a special and dynamic place for a romantic or family holiday. Each village carries a different personality and offers its own unique charm. The one thing in common among all of the villages is the lack of over-development and highrises. Yet another reason to choose Bellarine over Mornington Peninsula. Within easy reach of each other, the towns are easy to get to and from, so you can explore as many as you like!

Queenscliff is a historic town reminiscent of a British seaside resort. It’s considered one of the most beautiful towns in Victoria and a popular choice amongst visitors. The once-fishing village of Queenscliff offers an abundance of quaint guesthouses, 19th-century cottages, and luxurious hotels.

Point Lonsdale is the sister town of Queenscliff and is famous for overlooking the ‘Rip’, one of the most dangerous strips of water in the world. This town is popular with adventurous day-trippers and families. There are some beautiful landmarks and sights in Point Lonsdale including the famous Point Londsdale Lighthouse, a popular spot for wedding or professional photography.

Ocean Grove has a coastal town feel to it complete with an ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the coast. It’s been a family favorite for years due to the variety of activities to choose from. Ocean Grove offers everything from golf courses and pristine beaches to wineries and scenic views.

Destination Dining

Melbourne’s outstanding culinary scene and cafe culture has made a big impact on the Peninsula. Wherever you decide to visit in the Bellarine, you will never be far from a cozy coffee shop or delectable restaurant ready to serve you the best of what Bellarine has to offer.

Many restaurants practice regional Australian cooking, and emphasis fresh, farm to table produce and meat. Much like the local wineries, the restaurants in the Bellarine region value locally sourced fresh ingredients that elevate their cuisine. You can even visit one of the many local farmsteads and pick your own fruits or vegetables. A local favorite is picking blueberries and strawberries at Tuckerberry Hill Farm. It’s a great activity for the whole family, and you can even buy their produce and handmade products at their shop onsite.

Bellarine is famous for its amazing winery restaurants including Jack Rabbit Restaurant, Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant, The Shed Restaurant at Terindah Estate, and the Vue Grand Hotel.

If you’re a seasoned foodie or even if you just love food, grab a copy of the Bellarine Food & Wine Taste Trail Map and start exploring the Bellarine Peninsula through your tastebuds!

Fun at Every Age!

While the Bellarine Peninsula provides an unforgettable and romantic getaway for couples, it’s also well known for it’s a wide array of family-friendly activities and hotspots. Get the family together and for an endless day or weekend of fun, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

The beach is an obvious go-to for many families where you can partake in boogie boarding, surfing, and paddleboarding as a family. If you’re sick of the beach you can have good old fashion fun at A Maze ‘N Games with a giant maze and miniature golf! The adrenaline junkies will be well looked after at the Adventure Park, Victoria’s biggest (and best) theme park- complete with really cool waterslides!

If your goal is to experience nature and maybe even learn something new, head to the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary. You can get up close and personal with rescued koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, and other unique Australian animals. This sanctuary is a great option for kids and animal lovers everywhere! And who knows...you might even get to hold a baby koala or joey!

If nature and culture interests you, your next stop should definitely be the Aboriginal Culture Center in Grovedale. Nestled amongst sprawling gardens, tall trees, and beautiful gardens you’ll have access to an Aboriginal cultural display, Art Gallery, Cafe Narana, and retail outlet. You may also run into the center’s residents...emus and wallabies! You can even learn how to throw a boomerang from an expert!

There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer the beach and water sports, or miniature gold and giant mazes. It is impossible to not have fun surrounded by so many unique things to do!

A Water Lover’s Paradise

A big part of Bellarine Peninsulas’ appeal is based on water sports and activities. Whether your a watersport junkie or a bit timid around open waters, there’s an option perfect for you!

Cruise between the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula aboard Searoad Ferries and enjoy an amazing lunch on the other side. This is a great group activity that accommodates all ages.

If diving is your thing, gear up and get diving with one of the many reputable dive companies around victoria and explore the ex HMAS Canberra, Victoria’s first artificial reef created just for divers like you! Satisfy your curiosity by signing up for a scuba diving adventure even if you’re a beginner. You’ll have access to old shipwrecks, reefs buzzing with marine life like seahorses, stingrays, colorful coral and more! We promise you’ll end up seeing the bay in a whole new light after your underwater adventure.

Spend the morning or late afternoon walking along the Geelong Esplanade at the foreshore and see the famous bollards. There’s fun for all ages along Esplanade including the scenic waterfront, Geelong Carousel, Adventure Park and holiday and caravan parks providing a vintage, no-frills family atmosphere.

Not sure what you want to do? Stressed out about traveling with a crowd or small children? No problem! Let the experts help you plan your exciting adventure at the Bellarine Peninsula

Breathtaking Beaches

The Bellarine Peninsula is a hotspot all Summer long for beachgoers everywhere! Surfers flock to popular surf spots along the coast such as the 13th Beach or Raffs Beach in Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads also offers some of the most spectacular sights in all of the Peninsula. Make sure to take in the views at the Bluff Lookout while in Barwon Heads.

Beginners interested in learning to surf should head to Ocean Grove to enjoy a solo or family surfing lesson. Ocean Grove’s main beach is a popular family destination due to the gentle waves and pristine sand. If paddleboarding is more your speed, check out the Barwon River in Barwon Heads. Its shallow water makes it a perfect place to paddleboard for the first time!

If the ocean is too much for you and your little ones, head to the rock pools at Point Lonsdale in Portarlington, it’s fun and family-friendly! While you’re there, check out the entrance to Port Phillip Bay at Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. Glimpse into the past, and learn the history of Point Lonsdale.

Can’t decide what to do in Melbourne? The Bellarine Peninsula is the answer that checks all of your boxes, making it the best place to visit from Melbourne.

Plan your Bellarine getaway with Bellarine Peninsula Sightseeing Tours for a stress-free and all-inclusive experience. Let the experts guide you on your next day-trip from Melbourne!