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The Ultimate Road Trip – Geelong and The Bellarine, Days 5+6

  • Geelong and the Bellarine

Days 5 + 6: Geelong & The Bellarine

Scenic ferry rides, gourmet delights, and nature escapes

This two-day, two-night itinerary continues on from the Mornington Peninsula and brings you to the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong. Think seaside villages, gourmet flavours, cultural experiences, and plenty of family-friendly stops. Do it all, or pick and choose at your own pace — either way, these days will be packed with memorable moments.

Whether you’re sipping local gin, soaring above the bay in a hot air balloon, or enjoying fish and chips by the coast, Geelong & The Bellarine offer the perfect mix of culture, coast, and cuisine, only a drive away.

Discover the itinerary below.

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Geelong & The Bellarine Map

Searoad Ferries
Queenscliffe
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Bellarine Railway

Queenscliff & The Coast

Morning

Sail into the Bellarine
Hop aboard the Searoad Ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff — a scenic highlight that makes the journey as fun as the destination. In just 40 minutes, you’ll step off into the heart of the Bellarine.

Explore Queenscliff
Take a wander through this charming historic town. Stroll past heritage streetscapes, climb to the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse for sweeping views, or ride the Bellarine Railway for a dose of nostalgia.

Ket Baker
Tarra
Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore

Lunchtime Options

  • Ket Baker – cult-status sourdough pastries

  • The Q Train – a unique restaurant aboard a heritage train

  • Bellarine Smokehouse – artisan smoked fish and deli treats

Afternoon – Local Flavours
Stop by The Whiskery, home of Bellarine Distillery, to sip on handcrafted gins or whisky in a rustic garden setting.

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Tempo

Stay in Geelong

Just 30 minutes from Queenscliff, Geelong offers a mix of stays:

  • Novotel Geelong – modern hotel comforts

  • Vue Apartments / R Hotel / Quest Geelong – self-contained, central stays

Evening – Waterfront & Dining
Stroll along Eastern Beach before settling in for dinner at the award-winning Tempo Kitchen & Bar, where local produce takes centre stage.

Liberty Balloon Flights
Geelong Botanic Gardens
Lion at Werribee zoo

City Culture & Nature Escapes

Morning

Choose Your Start

  • Adventure-seekers: Drift over the city and coast on a sunrise Liberty Balloon Flight.

  • Relaxed travellers: Sleep in, then enjoy breakfast at one of Geelong’s bustling cafés.

Late Morning
Take a leisurely walk through the Geelong Botanic Gardens or head south to the coastal town of Barwon Heads for boutique shopping and seaside charm, or for those that need to pack some more fun in, head to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. 

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Geelong Arts Centre

Afternoon Scenic Drive

Take in the sights along the coast with a scenic drive,  soaking up bay views and golden-hour light.

Evening

Round out your stay with dinner at Tutti, followed by a performance at the Geelong Arts Centre,  the cultural heart of the region.

The next day…

Wake up on day 7 and continue the adventure with days 7 & 8 of the Ultimate Victorian Road Trip down The Great Ocean Road.

13th Beach Golf Links
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Choose Your Own Adventure

Depending on your interests, swap out some of the above with these tailored adventures:

  • Golf Escape – Stay at Curlewis Golf Club and enjoy a round there or at nearby 13th Beach Golf Club.

  • Family Fun – Base yourself at Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon and spend a day at Adventure Park Geelong (From 22 Nov).

Discover More and Links to Book

Searoad Ferries offers a spectacular 40-minute crossing of Port Phillip Bay between Sorrento and Queenscliff, saving hours compared to the drive. Passengers enjoy fresh sea air, viewing decks, cafés, and lounges as they spot dolphins, admire sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and grand mansions along the way. The service operates every day, carrying cars, campervans, bikes, and foot passengers with ease. For day trippers, the terminals are just steps from charming coastal villages, shops, and walks.

With two modern ships connecting the Mornington Peninsula to the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road, Searoad Ferries makes travelling Victoria’s coast fast, fun, and scenic.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon combines family-friendly fun with modern comfort on the Bellarine Peninsula. Accommodation ranges from luxury villas and apartments to self-contained cabins, caravan sites, and pet-friendly camping. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, adventure playground, jumping pad, fitness centre, and free activities for kids during holidays. Guests can also enjoy camp kitchens, Wi-Fi, and a giant indoor playroom. Located just minutes from the beaches of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, it’s a great base for exploring local attractions like Adventure Park and Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Whether camping or staying in style, Queenscliff Beacon offers relaxation, fun, and convenience.

Novotel Geelong is the city’s premier waterfront hotel, perfectly positioned overlooking Corio Bay. With 109 modern guest rooms featuring private balconies, it’s a favourite for both leisure and business travellers. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, steam room, fitness centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers six flexible event spaces, ideal for weddings, conferences, or meetings. Just 20 minutes from Avalon Airport and an hour from Melbourne, Novotel is steps from shops, dining, and attractions.

Whether you’re hosting an event or enjoying a coastal getaway, Novotel Geelong combines convenience, comfort, and stunning views in the heart of the city.

The Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre is the perfect first stop for exploring Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Located in the Wirrng Wirrng Hub on Hesse Street, friendly staff provide expert local advice, tailored itineraries, heritage tours, and accommodation referrals. Visitors can book guided walks of historic Queenscliff, purchase souvenirs, and access free Wi-Fi. The region offers stunning lookouts, birdlife, beaches, heritage buildings, museums, and Fort Queenscliff. Shops, cafés, and the marina add to its charm.

As the gateway to the Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and the Great Ocean Road via Searoad Ferries, Queenscliff is both a destination and a starting point.

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse stands sentinel at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, offering panoramic views over the Rip, Ocean Grove, and Cape Schanck. Guided tours, run by Queenscliffe Maritime Museum volunteers, share stories of the treacherous waters, heroic sea pilots, shipwrecks, and the region’s maritime history. Tours are held Sunday mornings or by appointment, with a maximum of eight people per group. Safety conditions apply, and children must be over five years old and 95cm tall.

A visit to the lighthouse combines breathtaking coastal scenery with fascinating history, making it an iconic stop on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Bellarine Railway

The Bellarine Railway offers nostalgic journeys aboard heritage steam and diesel trains between Queenscliff and Drysdale. Run by volunteers, the railway hosts regular scenic trips along Swan Bay, plus special family events like Day Out with Thomas, The Polar Express™, and Easter specials. Visitors can also book private carriage hire, group charters, or celebrate aboard themed trains like The Blues Train and The Q Train.

With a unique collection of locomotives from across Australia, the Bellarine Railway blends history with fun. Operating most Sundays, holidays, and school breaks, it’s a memorable experience for families, train enthusiasts, and groups alike.

Tarra

TARRA Queenscliff offers beachfront dining in an iconic coastal setting. Open for breakfast and lunch, its menu blends familiar favourites with creative, seasonal dishes, crafted from scratch using local produce. With the motto “simple things done extraordinarily well,” TARRA delivers quality meals in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. The restaurant’s location provides stunning views across the beach, where lucky diners may even spot dolphins while enjoying their meal.

More than just a café, TARRA is an experience that combines fresh flavours, ocean air, and casual coastal elegance, making it a must-stop dining destination on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Ket Baker

Ket Baker is a beloved artisan bakery tucked away in a rustic shed on the Bellarine Peninsula. Known for its five-day sourdough croissants, small-batch pastries, and breads, Ket Baker creates unique flavours shaped by local ingredients and natural processes. Croissants are handcrafted with Belgian chocolate, local goat’s cheese, or seasonal fruit, while loaves are baked to be both delicious and nourishing. The bakery also stocks granola, preserves, and pressed juices from fellow local producers.

Visitors are drawn to the warm community spirit and dedication to craft, making Ket Baker a true Bellarine treasure where every bite tells a story.

Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore

Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore is a vibrant new space celebrating artisan produce and smoked seafood. The shop showcases premium smoked fish from Bellarine Smokehouse alongside shelves of carefully sourced gourmet foods, homewares, and gifts. Upstairs, the venue doubles as an event and cooking space called Upstairs Bellarine, hosting exhibitions, demonstrations, and celebrations of local talent. Visitors can fill their baskets with the best of regional and international products, enjoy tastings, and meet the passionate team behind the smokehouse.

Combining shopping, food, and creativity, it’s a destination for food lovers eager to discover the flavours and stories of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Tempo

Tempo is Geelong’s newest kitchen and bar, located on the vibrant waterfront. Its menu celebrates Victorian produce with a focus on seafood and grill, transforming the freshest local ingredients into contemporary dishes. Guests can enjoy casual lunches, romantic dinners, or family feasts, paired with regional wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails. Tempo’s lively atmosphere features DJs, live music, and a private dining space for special occasions.

With daily specials, bottomless Saturdays, and all-day snacks at the bar, it’s fast becoming Geelong’s social hub. Stylish, welcoming, and locally inspired, Tempo is a destination where food, drink, and entertainment come together.

Geelong Arts Centre

The Geelong Arts Centre has reopened after a $140 million redevelopment, establishing itself as Victoria’s newest cultural landmark. The state-of-the-art Little Malop Street precinct now hosts world-class performances across theatre, music, dance, and comedy, while also supporting local talent and creativity. With bold architecture and world-class facilities, the centre connects regional Victoria with international productions.

From blockbuster shows to intimate performances, there’s something for every arts lover year-round. Big enough to attract global talent yet small enough to feel welcoming, the Geelong Arts Centre is a must-visit for anyone seeking a vibrant cultural experience on the Bellarine.

Liberty Balloon Flights

Liberty Balloon Flights offers unforgettable sunrise journeys over Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. With calmer morning winds, flights showcase sweeping views of the Barrabool Hills, Port Phillip Bay, and the southern coastline. Led by expert pilots with over 25 years of experience, the adventure is both peaceful and thrilling, providing a bird’s-eye view of farmland, ocean, and city. After landing, guests can celebrate with refreshments, completing a memorable start to the day. A unique way to experience the region’s landscapes, Liberty Balloon Flights is perfect for couples, families, and groups seeking a magical, once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Geelong.

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Established in 1851, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is a 200-acre oasis blending heritage landscapes with innovative design. Visitors can explore themed sections including the 21st Century Garden, lawns, sculptures, and the city’s iconic bollards. Entry is free, with level walking paths, ample parking, and family-friendly facilities throughout. Dogs are welcome on leads, making it a great outing for locals and travellers alike. Open daily, the gardens offer seasonal blooms, tranquil spaces, and plenty of inspiration for nature lovers. With its mix of history, art, and greenery, Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of the region’s most loved public spaces.

Lion at Werribee zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo takes visitors on an African safari just 30 minutes from Melbourne. Guests can join guided tours across expansive savannahs, spotting rhinos, zebras, and giraffes, or explore walking trails to see lions, gorillas, hippos, and monkeys up close. The new elephant habitat is a highlight, alongside immersive encounters with meerkats, giraffes, and hippos. Families can also book overnight Slumber Safaris or Australian wildlife experiences. With cafés, play areas, and world-class facilities, the zoo offers both fun and education. A must-visit for families, Werribee brings the magic of Africa and Australia together in one unforgettable experience.

13th Beach Golf Links

13th Beach Golf Links is a premier golf destination in Barwon Heads, featuring 45 holes across three acclaimed courses. The Beach Course, consistently ranked among Australia’s best, stretches along two kilometres of surf beach. The Creek Course offers a contrasting sandbelt style, while the Short Course provides a family-friendly par-3 challenge. Home to the Vic Open since 2013, the club also offers a clubhouse restaurant and luxury lodges for stay-and-play packages. Visitors are welcome year-round to enjoy championship golf and coastal views. With options for all skill levels, 13th Beach Golf Links is the Bellarine’s ultimate golfing experience.

Next Destination: the Great Ocean Road

The Ultimate Victorian Road Trip

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