With the colder, winter weather really kicking in, it can be hard to want to leave the comfort of your warm home and comfy couch, and find the motivation to get out and about. However…..don’t let those winter blues set in just yet as we have found the perfect inspiration for you!
The Bellarine Peninsula is a wonderful place to explore, whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids over the holidays, wanting to unwind with friends, or even venture out solo. So, be sure to take your time and check out a few of these wonderful places, located in some of the most beautiful spots along the coast.
Why not make your first stop, the picturesque Portarlington? A quiet, beautiful coastal town with lots of shopping, cafes and even a large children’s playground and skatepark, making it perfect for a great day out. On your way into town, you will pass by many stunning wineries and restaurants and Scotchmans Hill is certainly among the best. Spanning 320 acres of lush grounds and magnificent panoramic views, if you don’t have the kids with you, a visit to their cellar door is a must for any wine lover. Open 7 days a week, enjoy a sampling of some delicious, award-winning wines, and maybe even purchase yourself a bottle or two to enjoy at home. When you venture into town, we definitely recommend visiting the Portarlington Grand Hotel. With their restaurant and bistro overlooking the bay, it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat. In busy periods though, it’s always a great idea to book ahead. They also offer luxurious, modern accommodation, so you may even decide to stay an extra day or two!
Or, If you love to have a hit of golf and are wanting to play a round, the Portarlington Golf Club offers an immaculate, world-class course and a fully licensed bistro to enjoy lunch or dinner. It even has a fun, undercover playground for the kids, making it a great way to finish off your day, with or without the golf!
A little further around the bay, you will find the stunning town of Queenscliff, another lovely place to spend the day, browsing shops and cafes and finding adventures for the whole family. While you are there, there are some absolute must visits. Vintage On Hesse is a fantastic vintage and memorabilia store you will simply get lost in, as you browse through the wonderful collectable pieces on offer. Not too far down the road you can enjoy some shopping at The Happy Shoe Shop and pick yourself up some fashionable and comfortable shoes, with styles that you won’t find in any department stores.
While you’re in town, stroll to the top end of the main street and check out the incredible exhibitions at Seaview Gallery, with many rooms to wander through and stunning artwork to be captivated by. We also highly recommend that you take the kids, and the grown ups, to explore the fascinating history at Fort Queenscliff, a place that will both intrigue and delight. You will learn about its rich history, but have so much fun as well. Over the school holidays the kids can even dress up and really feel the part!
Perhaps you’d like to explore even further and head across the bay, taking a ride over to Sorrento with Searoad Ferries, a journey that the whole family will love. Unwind and have a coffee on board, take in the views and sail the seas to the Mornington Peninsula for the day, before heading back in comfort, without the hustle and bustle of traffic.
If you are heading to Ocean Grove for the holidays, be sure to take a drive through Wallington and check out some of the fun and delicious things that await! Ket Baker is one of the region’s most popular bakeries, with delicious sourdough and yummy pastries that will keep those tummies happy. Just a hop, skip and a jump down the road you’ll find Bellarine Adventure Golf, which will provide hours of fun for the whole family, with 2 great mini-golf courses, and gorgeous gardens to relax in and enjoy a delicious barista made coffee, while the kids play.
As you can see, the Bellarine is a treasure trove of fun and excitement for all ages, and this is just a small sampling of what is on offer. Whatever you are planning this winter, make sure you add these fantastic places to your list!
