Things to Do on the Bellarine Peninsula: Getaway Guide

Taking shape along Victoria's picturesque coastline, between Geelong and Port Phillip Pay, the Bellarine Peninsula is a popular destination filled with adventure and stunning scenery.

This coastal hotspot offers everything from pristine beaches and charming seaside towns to world-class wineries, gourmet eateries and cosy cafes.

If you are heading down for a relaxing family getaway or a weekend with the girls, the Bellarine region promises an enjoyable escape. Read on to explore our guide to our favourite wineries, eateries and luxury places to stay, plus all the best things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Merne at Lighthouse

The glowing reviews should speak for themselves, but if you need a sign to visit Merne at Lighthouse, this is it. 

The shared dining experience at Merne is as much about the picturesque view and the impeccable food and service as it is about the meal itself. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you will be forgiven for thinking you are dining in a faraway country paradise.

As for the food, the ever-changing menu reflects the best of the area, with incredible produce transformed into mouthwatering dishes. Think plenty of proteins and vegetables, and we recommend saving room for dessert. 

650 Andersons Road, Drysdale

Pier Street

Perched right by the water, Pier Street is the all-day eatery serving the best of what the Bellarine produces. Sourcing produce, seafood and local wines from the region, the food here is always fresh and flavourful.

Pop by in the morning for tea, coffee, juice, milkshakes and treats to go, or book in for a long, leisurely lunch. Feast on salt and pepper calamari salad and prawn linguine, or treat yourself to a plate of the famous Portarlington mussels. Yum.  

3 Pier Street, Portarlington

Moonah

The Bellarine Peninsula is abundant in award winning eateries, and yet somehow Moonah has elevated it to another dimension. Recently awarded '2 Hats' in The Age Good Food Guide, this unique experience offers a compelling connection to nature.

Named after a native coastal tea tree that grows along the dunes, Tobin Kent’s 12-seat restaurant is magic - a hidden gem at the end of a long dirt road through coastal wetlands, overlooking a natural billabong with abundant birdlife.

Here, every plate sings the song of the land that surrounds; 95% of fresh fruit and vegetables that are used are grown on Kent’s property nearby. For authentic rural Australian cuisine with a carefully considered simplicity, Moonah provides bucket-list dining. 

95 Minya Lane, Connewarre

White Hart Coffee Bar

Bringing the coastal vibe into their charming cafe, White Hart Coffee Bar is the loved local in Ocean Grove. Serving cups of Padre coffee alongside breakfast and lunch favourites, it's the perfect spot to fuel up before a day exploring the best things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula.

For food without fuss, opt for the creamy smoothie bowls, chia pudding, fresh and toasted sandwiches and healthy salads, or pick up a few fresh pastries and a smoothie for the road. 

5/73 The Terrace Trak, Ocean Grove 

Jack Rabbit

Whether you're visiting for the modern Australian cuisine at Jack Rabbit Restaurant, popping in for brunch at House of Jack Rabbit, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon of wine tastings, a visit to Jack Rabbit is one of our favourite things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Wine tastings can be tailored to you, with red, white or mixed tastings available. Served in sample glasses that look like science class test tubes, this makes for a fabulous day out - and one that you will want to capture for your next Insta upload. 

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine

Scotchmans Hill Winery

This 5-star winery has been keeping Australian and international visitors alike well-fed and hydrated with some of the best wines in the region for over 40 years.

Producing premium, cool-climate wines, wine enthusiasts are looked after with guided tastings available at the cellar door, where you can sample a range of decadent drops.

When hunger strikes, the on-site Scotchmans Restaurant has a menu bursting with contemporary dishes, including chargrilled Greek chicken, Wagyu beef carpaccio and a potato and leek terrine.

190 Scotchmans Road, Drysdale

Oakdene Vineyards 

Part of the Bellarine Taste Trail, Oakdene Vineyards is a family-run establishment offering a unique blend of cellar door, café, restaurant, premium accommodation, and winery experiences.

Operated by Bellarine locals, a visit to Oakdene provides an intimate glimpse into the charm of this wine region. The cellar door is the highlight of the venue, offering daily wine tastings tailored to your preferences.

For a hearty yet relaxed dining experience, the bistro at Mr Grubb serves burgers, steaks, and pizzas in a laidback setting.

255 Grubb Road, Wallington

Scenic Flight Over Corio Bay

Looking to take your fun things to do on the Bellarine List list and dial it up to eleven? A scenic flight over Corio Bay should do the trick with Adventure Flight Co's Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong trip.

Spectacular coastal scenery awaits, soaring over some of Australia's most striking coastline from Sorrento to Lorne. The vibrant orange cliff lines, sparkling turquoise waters and soothing fresh air all combine to deliver an unforgettable experience. 

Departing from Barwon Heads Airport

Get Active and Explore the Great Outdoors

While the food and wine keeps us happy and content in the cooler months, the Bellarine Peninsula comes alive in summer. It's a hotspot for scenic hikes, coastal adventures and national parks, offering endless fun around the water and further inland.

Try your hand at fishing in the Port Phillip Bay Marine National Park, surf the breaks at world-renowned beaches like Bells Beach (less than an hour's drive away), or play a round at iconic golf courses such as Barwon Heads Golf Club.

For cyclists, the Bellarine Rail Trail is a dream come true— it's a flat, safe, 35km trail linking South Geelong and Queenscliff, with plenty of tourist attractions and stunning views along the way. 

Visit Geelong

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are a perfect pairing, with the vibrant city just a stone's throw away. Spend a day exploring local art galleries and their temporary exhibitions, stroll through the beautiful Geelong Botanical Gardens, and in the warmer months, enjoy a fun-filled family day at Adventure Park Geelong.

The art-deco, curved boardwalk at the waterfront sits in front of the Pavilion Geelong, but for a unique ocean view, take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Travelling with kids? They will love the 19th-century carousel that still spins today. 

Ready for a road trip? Start in Geelong and head west along the iconic Great Ocean Road, passing through Torquay and Lorne before reaching the breathtaking 12 Apostles.

Lon Retreat

Lon Retreat offers an intimate escape, with just seven luxurious suites and a mineral spa onsite, complete with a serene oceanfront setting. Perfect for a tranquil stay, the adults-only retreat hosts seasonal relaxation retreats featuring spa treatments, farm-sourced meals served in-suite, and access to a heated mineral pool.

Delight in farm-sourced breakfast and grazing platters, walk through the rural land without a map, book in for spa sessions, massages and facials, and take the time to slow down.

With its peaceful ambience, serene surroundings and luxurious amenities, Lon Retreat promises a memorable stay in the Bellarine Peninsula.

25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale 

Campbell Point House

If you keep up with the most gorgeous wedding and photoshoot locations in Victoria, there is a high chance you've come across the opulent and picture-perfect Campbell Point House.

The luxurious waterfront estate is perfect for group accommodation, private events, weddings, and photoshoots, also open for dinner and high tea on select weekends if you're looking for an elevated afternoon experience. 

The estate spans 37 acres of manicured gardens and exudes timeless elegance with modern comfort. Guests are treated to breathtaking lake views and impeccable attention to detail, making it a premier destination for weddings and exclusive getaways.

From the grandeur of the reception to the luxurious accommodations, every corner of Campbell Point House is designed to impress. 

181-199 Matthews Road, Leopold

The Nest 

When exploring all the fun things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula, one must ensure they are well-rested. For a luxurious stay where you are sure to sleep soundly, book in at The Nest.

Perched high above Point Lonsdale with panoramic views stretching from Portsea to Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, and the Great Ocean Road, this luxury accommodation is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or solo travellers wanting to unwind.

Just minutes from the beach, restaurants, cafes, and wineries, yet secluded in a gated 40-acre sanctuary, it provides the best of both worlds. 

Each nest is architect-designed to seamlessly blend the stunning outdoors of the Bellarine with sustainable living. With generous lounging decks, bird-attracting gardens, and high-quality furnishings, your stay promises a truly special experience.

2140 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale

Has our guide to the best things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula inspired your wanderlust? Explore the beauty of Victoria with our guides to the Mornington Peninsula and the Dandenong Ranges.