Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Matt Dunne Photo

Guide to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Aboriginal name: Djilang

Welcome
Getting here
When to Visit
Accessibility

A magnet for makers of wine, art and regional cuisine, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula just might surprise you.

An easy drive from Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have it all: a colourful art and culture scene, surf beaches that rival the country’s best and mountainous national parks primed for hikes. Don’t miss Bellarine’s picturesque wine region, peppered with 40 cellar doors pouring cool-climate wines.

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are located southwest of Melbourne, an easy one-hour drive or 1.5-hour ferry via Port Phillip Ferries from the city centre.

Avalon Airport (AVV) is 22km (14mi) from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and services international and domestic arrivals.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is 85km (53mi) from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and services international and domestic arrivals.
Car hire and Sky Bus shuttle services are available at both airports.

Once you’re in the region, public transport services including buses and trains are available. To discover the best of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, you’ll need a car.

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are year-round destinations. Summer’s warm temperatures invite you to enjoy the region’s sandy beaches, while winter’s cool days are perfect for hiking or cellar-door hopping. During spring, don’t miss Brisbane Ranges National Park’s wildflowers bursting into bloom; the state’s largest wildflower habitat.

High season: Summer and autumn (November to April)
Low Season: Winter and spring (May to October)

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula cater to all travellers, with an array of accessible-friendly accommodation, experiences and activities available across the region.

Arrival: Disability assistance is available at both airports, including hidden disability support at Melbourne Airport.
Getting around: You’ll find accessible public transport information on the Public Transport Victoria website. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked on the City of Greater Geelong website. When travelling to and from Melbourne, Port Phillip Ferries offers assistance and day travel companions in partnership with Travellers Aid.
Accessible experience highlights: A growing number of venues offer accessible facilities in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, including museums, art centres and Geelong’s Kardinia Sports Stadium.
Helpful resources: Visit the City of Greater Geelong’s accessibility map to discover the city’s accessible facilities.

Top things to do in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong Gallery, Geelong, Victoria © Tourism Australia

Explore Geelong’s art and history

Recognised as Australia’s first City of Design and the world's wool capital, Geelong is a longstanding creative hub. From vibrant street murals to nationally celebrated art gallery collections, you’ll find art and culture galore around Geelong.

Sea All Dolphin Swim, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Tourism Australia

Swim with seals and dolphins

Port Phillip Bay beckons travellers with its sparkling shores, 30-plus shipwrecks and epic marine parks. Join Sea All Dolphin Swims to snorkel with resident dolphins and seals in the beautiful Port Phillip Bay Marine National Park.

Brisbane Ranges National Park, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Discover nature’s playground

Nature puts on a show around Geelong. Surf perfect waves at Thirteenth Beach, discover the state's richest wildflower habitat and marvel at giant granite peaks across the You Yangs. These nature experiences are world-class.

Austin's Wines, Geelong, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Wine and dine

Melbourne’s world-class foodie scene extends into Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Sip wines around the state’s largest grape-growing region or visit trendy laneway eateries, sunkissed beachfront cafés and lively breweries in the heart of Geelong.

The 18th Amendment Bar, Geelong, Victoria © Geelong and the Bellarine

Uncover Little Malop Street’s secrets

You might have to work a little harder to find one of Geelong's best laneways, but we promise it's worth the search. Tucked away from the city’s tree-lined waterfront, Little Malop Street is a buzzing laneway precinct and a mecca for culture and cuisine.

Lon Spa, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Lon Retreat / @nicoleramsay

Unwind at Lon Retreat & Spa

Natural mineral springs, home-style meals and sandstone suites inspired by the peninsula’s coastal beauty – that sounds like a pretty good place to spend the night. Stay at the adults-only Lon Retreat & Spa Hotel and allow yourself to completely relax.

Portarlington Mussel Tours, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Geelong and the Bellarine

Follow the Bellarine Taste Trail

The Bellarine Peninsula’s coastal climate and rich volcanic soil are the perfect recipe for artisan produce, harvested from both the land and sea. Meet the makers and taste your way around the region’s finest produce on the Bellarine Taste Trail.

Adventure Park Geelong, Geelong, Victoria © Geelong and the Bellarine

Chase family thrills

Nothing screams family fun quite like a water theme park, and Geelong happens to be home to the largest in Victoria. Zip down wild water slides, splash in spray canons and plunge into the rapids. Adventure Park is brimming with family adventures.