Barwon Heads: What to do

Barwon heads is the perfect place for a coastal getaway during any season. Rain, hail or shine this list is set to keep everyone occupied during your trip down the coast.

We’ve done the hard work for you; all you have to do now is choose your dates and head on down for the day trip or weekend getaway of your dreams.

What to Do

Barwon Heads combines the best of both worlds when it comes to things to do, whether it’s a solo relaxing weekend away or a holiday spent with family, Barwon Heads is sure to have something for everyone.

The Barwon River

The perfect place for a swim or a stroll, the Barwon river is quintessentially Barwon Heads. Whether it’s a river walk you fancy, a quick dip or a sunbake in the sun the river is the perfect place.

If you’re a hunter-gatherer at heart the bridge is always full of locals and tourists alike trying their luck at fishing, and if you’re accompanied by kids there’s a riverfront playground sure to keep the little ones entertained all arvo.

The calm waters make it an ideal spot for paddle boarding, surfing (for beginners) and rowing too. What’s more, it’s also the ideal place for a picturesque picnic meaning you can turn your afternoon trip down the river into a full day affair accompanied by all things snacks and sandwiches.

Run, walk, boat, kayak, play or sunbathe, Barwon Heads river has something for every traveller.

The Bluff

There’s nothing more scenic than a walk from the river up the bluff. The walk to the peak of the Bluff is a fairly easy walk in terms of nature walks, but the views are nothing short of incredible.

Take the winding track from the base of the Bluff and make your way all the way to the top and across to 13th beach. With views spanning from the Barwon River, Ocean Grove main beach and of course the ever-iconic 13th Beach, the Bluff walk is any ocean lover’s dream.

Take it all in, from the ocean views to the various local critters you might be lucky enough to snap a picture of along the way. Going at sunset or sunrise is an added element that is guaranteed to impress whoever is lucky enough to accompany you.

Skydiving

If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to add some thrill to your Barwon Heads getaway, Skydive Great Ocean Road is here to provide your thrill-seeking fix.

With two different sky dives available, a 12,000 ft or a 15,000ft option if you’re after something even more thrilling (if that’s even possible).

Whether to you’re a newcomer to Barwon Heads or a local looking to spend some time getting to know your own backyard, you’ll be able to see everything Barwon Heads, Geelong and the bass strait has to offer from thousands of feet in the air.

Rustle up your bravery and be sure to take part in an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

Skydive Great Ocean Road is located at 1421 Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre.

Adventure Flight Co

Adventure Flight Co. is a Great Ocean Road and Melbourne based flight company offering a range of individual, couples and group flight experiences.

There’s a range of experiences on offer, including the opportunity to be a fighter pilot for a day in a pretty cool ex-military Warbird fighter plane. For an unforgettable 10 minutes, you’ll be flown in all directions, the experience full of advanced manoeuvres and weightlessness that you can’t experience on an A380.

Alternatively, there is the scenic Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road views from the biplane open cockpit Grumman Agcat. This one seats two passengers who dress up like the aces of yesteryear, complete with goggles, scarf and flying jacket.

Flying at sunset is truly romantic so this one’s great for a date night; or opt for the comfort of a scenic flight to the 12 Apostles. Depart from Barwon Head’s airport and fly the whole Grear Ocean Road in 90 minutes return. The new aircraft seats eight passengers with oversized windows and air conditioning. Seeing this natural beauty from the air is magnificent.

13th Beach Golf Links

Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, 13th Beach Golf Links is famously known for its two award-winning courses, with first-class conditioning all year round. With a modern Clubhouse and great facilities, whether you’re a golfer, or simply want to admire the views, visiting 13th Beach is a must during your Barwon Heads getaway.

First, there’s the Beach Course. The first of the two courses, The Beach Course was opened in December 2001 and designed by Tony Cashmore. The challenging and natural links-style course has received many high accolades. In 2021, it was ranked by Golf Australia as No. 7 of Public Access Courses in Australia & No. 3 for the mainland.

Then there’s the Creek Course, designed by Cashmore in conjunction with 6-time major championship winner Sir Nick Faldo. The Creek Course was ranked #26 of Public Access Courses in Australia, #22 for mainland Australia and is regularly compared to some of Melbourne’s best Sandbelt courses.

On top of these courses, there’s also the newly opened Short Course which is available for visitor play. Designed by Tony Cashmore, this 9 hole, par 3 course is a great way to fit in a quick round or to fine-tune your short game skills. Family-friendly and accessible for all levels of golfer.

It’s impossible to deny, this place is your complete golfing destination on the Bellarine Peninsula – plus it’s really, really pretty! Bookings are available.

Shop along Hitchcock Avenue

If you are keen to take it down a notch, make a beeline for the shops on Hitchcock Avenue, where you’ll find boutiques, food stores, eateries, homewares, fashion and beach gear, plus a bunch of places to stock up on staples.

With some of the best little boutiques around, one of our favourites is Kiitos Living by Design. Owned by a true local, this little gem houses some of the world’s most appealing and desired contemporary homeware from the most loved design houses.

Derived from the Finnish word for thank you, Kiitos houses such labels as marimekko and ittala along with other local and international brands as Fink & Co, Muuto, Alessi, and Design House Stockholm, amongst others.

Another favourite is Rasta Surf Co. Owned by locals passionate about the beach lifestyle and surfing, here you’ll find non-mainstream surfing apparel, lifestyle and coastal accoutrements, handcrafted surfboards, plus the daily surf report with a 5-day surf forecast seven days a week for the avid surfer.

There are a whole lot of cute little spots along the main strip which are great to browse as you walk from the cafe to the beach, allowing you to take a little slice of Barwon Heads home with you when you go.

Browse the shop at 5-7 Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads

NOW YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO, FIND OUT WHERE TO EAT AND WHERE TO SLEEP.

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