Things to do
BEACHES
From secret sheltered coves to wild, windblown stretches, whatever your preference, the Bellarine Peninsula has a beach for you. Seek golden sands and azure shallows for long, lazy afternoons at Barwon Heads. Chase the drama at Point Lonsdale, where the Southern Ocean surges through the notorious Rip. Paddleboard in the bay-facing calm of St Leonards. Or time travel around Queenscliff, walking the historic pier or exploring the clifftop fort.
FOOD & DRINK
If the sea air has whipped up your appetite, you’ll be exceptionally well catered for on the Bellarine Peninsula. Here food and drink is a way of connecting to the land, the sea and the people who shape them. Cool climate wines thrive along the salt-sprinkled coastline, so indulge in elegant Chardonnays, peppery Shiraz and delicate Pinot Noirs. The sea is just as generous. Don’t leave without trying freshly shucked oysters, or mussels plucked straight from the bay and grilled with local olive oil and herbs. The abundant farmers’ markets will keep you well supplied for your day trips and adventures.
CULTURE
Beneath the peninsula’s coastal calm runs a current of creativity — a community of makers, artists and visionaries drawn to the area’s wild beauty and natural rhythms. Here, heritage shopfronts become artist studios, farm sheds hide kilns, and weekend markets feel more like curated galleries than craft fairs. Wander through art galleries housed in beautifully restored churches, marvel at hand-thrown pottery demonstrations and explore a treasure trove of local handicrafts that are sure to win their way into your suitcase, home and heart.
