Things to Do on the Bellarine Peninsula

Q: 3. What are the best beaches on the Bellarine Peninsula?

Ocean Grove Main Beach is popular with families and beginners learning to surf, while Thirteenth Beach attracts more experienced surfers. Point Lonsdale Back Beach is another option for confident surfers, but its strong permanent rips mean extra caution is needed. Always check conditions and swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Point Lonsdale Front Beach and Portarlington Front Beach are among the best family-friendly beaches. For fur parents, The Bellarine has dog-friendly beaches with long stretches of sand for morning or afternoon zoomies.

Things to Do on the Bellarine Peninsula

A Peninsula Packed with Personality

A heritage train ride, fresh mussels straight from the bay, a round of golf, or a glass of pinot noir at a local cellar door. The Bellarine Peninsula has plenty of places to explore and experiences to add to your itinerary.

Some of the best days here revolve around the water, while others take you inland to vineyards, country roads and little towns. With a variety of things to do, the Bellarine Peninsula makes it easy to swap the everyday for something a little more memorable.

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Find Your Next Favourite Thing to Do on The Bellarine

Experience the coast, taste your way around the region, and make time for the experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Take a peek at the 9 best things to do in Bellarine Peninsula:

1. Ride the Rails for Blues, Fine Dining, and Family Fun

On The Bellarine, a train ride can mean much more than getting from A to B. Aboard The Blues Train, you'll enjoy live blues music as you travel through the countryside from Queenscliff. Four live acts perform in separate carriages, and at each stop, passengers swap carriages so everyone gets to experience all four performances. With plenty of music, dancing and a lively atmosphere, it's a night out with a difference.

For a different kind of rail adventure, Australia's only rail restaurant, The Q Train, serves a five-course degustation celebrating Victoria's regional produce, prepared fresh onboard during a relaxed three-hour journey. For a more family-friendly experience, Bellarine Railway runs steam and diesel train rides along the historic railway, with services departing from Queenscliff. Families can also check the calendar for special events such as Day Out With Thomas and The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

Lastly, little railway fans can join the fun at Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway. Set in parkland near the foreshore, the railway takes visitors on miniature train rides with Port Phillip Bay close by.

These railway experiences are among the unique things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula. Check operating dates and booking requirements before setting off, especially for special events and seasonal services.

2. Swim Alongside Dolphins and Seals

There's a big difference between watching marine life from the shore and swimming alongside it in the water. Sea All Dolphin Swims takes you on a guided snorkelling adventure through the waters around Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, where you can swim with Australian fur seals and have the chance to encounter wild dolphins.

The tour usually begins with snorkelling at Pope's Eye before heading to Chinaman's Hat to swim with the seals. From there, you'll head out in search of dolphins, with the experienced crew guiding you along the way.

For those keen to explore a little deeper, Scubabo Dive Victoria offers scuba diving experiences for beginners through to experienced divers. With pick-up points in Queenscliff and Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula, you can join guided boat dives to explore historic shipwrecks and underwater reefs in Port Phillip Bay.

Scubabo also offers diving courses for those looking to learn or build their skills, along with snorkelling and sightseeing tours to see local Australian fur seals.

3. Get to Know Portarlington’s Famous Mussels

Portarlington is known as Australia's mussel capital, and one of the more unique things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula is head out onto Port Phillip Bay with Portarlington Mussel Tours.

Aboard a beautifully restored timber boat, you'll visit the local mussel farms, meet the farmer and learn how the mussels are grown. Along the way, enjoy cooking demonstrations and fresh seafood tastings paired with Bellarine wines.

There are several experiences to choose from, including the Classic Mussel Tour, the Native Angasi Oyster Tour and a Deluxe Seafood Tour featuring local abalone, scallops and other seafood.

If you're visiting in January, the Portarlington Mussel Festival is another reason to head to town, with freshly cooked mussels, market stalls, live music and family entertainment.

4. Step Into The Bellarine’s Military Past

Queenscliff's seaside streets tell many stories, but for history buffs looking for things to do in Bellarine Peninsula, a guided tour of Fort Queenscliff offers a closer look at the region's military past, coastal defence and the strategic importance of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.

With more than 150 years of heritage to uncover, the fort is one of Victoria's significant historic sites and among Australia's largest and best-preserved coastal artillery forts. Guided tours led by the Fort Queenscliff Heritage Association take visitors through the historic complex, sharing stories of its military past and role in protecting Port Phillip Bay. As the fort remains an active Defence site, access is by guided tour only.

5. Head Out for a Surf at Ocean Grove

If you're keen to catch some waves, Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach are two popular surfing spots on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Ocean Grove Main Beach is popular with surfers, swimmers and families, with a two-kilometre stretch of sand and plenty of space to enjoy the beach. When you're ready for a break, grab a coffee or something to eat at The Dunes restaurant or the beachside kiosk, both located right by the sand.

For more experienced surfers, Thirteenth Beach is known for its consistent surf and variety of breaks. Ranked among Victoria's top 10 surf beaches, it's a popular spot for those looking for more challenging waves. Beach patrols don't operate year-round, so be sure to check conditions and surf safety information before heading out.

6. Pedal Through the Countryside

The Bellarine Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Geelong and Queenscliff, passing farmland, vineyards and wetlands along the way. It's a shared trail for cyclists and walkers, with mostly flat sections that make it a good option for a leisurely bike ride.

You don't have to tackle the whole trail either. Pick a section to ride, stop along the way and keep an eye out for birdlife around the Swan Bay wetlands near Queenscliff.

7. Sip Your Way Through the Wine Country

The Bellarine Peninsula's cool climate and basalt-rich soils over limestone create favourable conditions for pinot noir, chardonnay, and shiraz, alongside a range of other varieties. With more than a dozen wineries scattered across the peninsula, you'll find intimate cellar doors, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Add views across Port Phillip Bay at selected cellar doors, and you've got a lovely setting for a leisurely afternoon.

Wine isn't the only thing being poured here, either. The region's distilleries, breweries, and cideries invite visitors to try something different. Follow The Spirits Trail, and you’ll find local distillers experimenting with botanicals, citrus, and creative flavour combinations.

For a broader taste of the region, follow the Bellarine Taste Trail, which connects local wineries with producers, farm gates and places to sample regional food and drink. Short on time? Focus your tasting plans around Portarlington, where several wineries sit close together. Our guide to 5 Wineries Within 5 Minutes makes it easier to plan a cellar-door outing in one part of the peninsula.

8. Make a Splash at Victoria’s Biggest Water Theme Park

If you're looking for things to do with kids on the Bellarine Peninsula, set aside a day for Adventure Park, Victoria's biggest water theme park. With 23 rides, there's plenty to keep the family busy, including high-speed slides for thrill-seekers and splash zones designed with younger visitors. Adrenaline junkies can take on Thunder Falls, Victoria's first free-fall drop water slides, or brave the park's triple-funnel tsunami ride.

Check height and age restrictions before your visit so you can plan the rides around your children's ages and confidence levels. With water attractions for different stages and energy levels, Adventure Park makes a fun-filled family day out.

Come summer, the park transforms after dark with festive light displays, Christmas-themed attractions, and seasonal entertainment at the Christmas Festival of Lights, so families can enjoy the venue beyond its water rides. It's a good option for a separate evening outing during the festive season, so check event dates and ticket details when planning your visit.

9. Tee Off at The Bellarine’s Top Golf Courses

The Bellarine has a collection of well-regarded golf courses, with links-style layouts, tree-lined fairways and challenging coastal conditions. Six of the region's leading golf courses are within a 35-minute drive of one another, leaving more time for the fairways and less time behind the wheel.

Barwon Heads is a good place to start, with two of the region's best-known golf clubs. 13th Beach Golf Links hosts one of Australia’s leading golf events, The Vic Open, and The Barwon Heads Golf Club has one of the most challenging and scenic layouts that earned its spot as one of Australia’s top golf courses.

You don't need to book a full round to get in on the action, either. At The Range @ Curlewis Golf Club, automatic tee-up technology puts the next ball in place after each shot, so you can focus on your swing.

Add a winery lunch or a stop along the coast, and a round of golf can easily become the centrepiece of a longer stay on The Bellarine.

More Things to Do

There's more to The Bellarine than its coastline. Spend time on the walking trails, visit local makers and growers, or head into one of the towns for a meal, a market or a look around. There's enough variety here to keep you busy well beyond a single visit.

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Eat and Drink

Fresh local produce, buzzing pubs, and waterfront restaurants make the region a gastronomic destination. Sampling local seafood, visiting cellar doors and farm gates, or stopping at a café for a bite are just some of the things to do in Bellarine Peninsula, with a variety of regional flavours to try along the way.

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The ultimate guide to golf on The Bellarine

On The Bellarine you'll find six esteemed golf courses all within a 35 minutes of each other.

9 stays on The Bellarine

The Bellarine is packed with fantastic places to stay, from cosy beachside escapes to stunning boutique retreats. Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend or an extended getaway, these spots are a …

Pet-friendly holidays in Geelong and The Bellarine

Bringing your furry best mate along? You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly spots in Geelong and The Bellarine to eat, stay, and play together.

Stay

Why rush home? Turn a day trip into a longer getaway with stays that put you close to the region’s beaches, villages, wineries, and attractions.

Destinations

Each corner of The Bellarine has its own character, and you’re welcome to see it all at your own pace. Find the best things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula as you visit coastal towns, historic villages, and scenic inland landscapes.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads is a laid-back coastal town about 22 minutes from Geelong and 90 minutes from Melbourne. Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary has a clifftop track that offers views over Thirteenth Beach, Bass Strait, the river, and the town, while 17 hectares of reef below provide a protected habitat for marine life. Hitchcock Avenue is where you can round off the day, with boutique shops and restaurants beckoning you in for a shopping trip or a bite to eat.

Ocean Grove

While the beach draws visitors to Ocean Grove, there’s plenty to do beyond swimming and surfing. Take a stroll through the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, then venture towards nearby Wallington for a day at Adventure Park, Victoria’s largest water theme park. The surrounding countryside is also home to wineries and golf courses, offering a change of pace before you return to Ocean Grove Main Beach for a refreshing dip or a stroll along the shore. The town is around 75 minutes by car from Melbourne and 21 minutes from Geelong.

Portarlington

Known as Australia’s mussel capital and named Victoria’s top small tourism town to visit in 2026, Portarlington brings together fresh seafood and cool-climate wines. Its north-facing foreshore looks towards Melbourne and the You Yangs, while the fertile basalt soils over limestone support vineyards known for pinot noir, shiraz, and chardonnay. Getting here is easy, too. Port Phillip Ferries runs direct services from Melbourne’s Docklands in around 70 minutes, while driving from Melbourne takes about 90 minutes.

Drysdale

Surrounded by rolling farmland, vineyards, and olive groves, Drysdale offers a taste of The Bellarine’s rural side, with local growers, food producers and cosy B&Bs dotted across the countryside. The calm waters of Port Phillip Bay are never far away, so you can pair time outdoors with fresh seafood and produce from the region. For a memorable meal, board The Q Train, which departs from Drysdale’s historic Bellarine Railway station for a five-course degustation served aboard a moving heritage train.

Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale

With more than a century of holidaymaking history, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale offer two distinct ways to enjoy The Bellarine coast. Queenscliff’s grand Victorian-era hotels and heritage buildings give its streets a strong sense of history, while neighbouring Point Lonsdale draws families to its beaches, lighthouse, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. You can arrive by sea aboard Searoad Ferries, which connects Queenscliff with Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula in around 40 minutes. Bring the car or travel as a foot passenger, then spend the day visiting the towns at your own pace.

Towns and Villages

Away from the peninsula’s busier coastal towns, The Bellarine’s villages offer a quieter way to spend the day. St Leonards has a relaxed seaside feel, with a strong fishing culture and a laid-back pace. Nearby, Indented Head is home to The Ozone Shipwreck, the remains of a retired paddle steamer scuttled in 1925. For a country-town detour, Inverleigh has a historic main street lined with a welcoming pub, homely bakeries, a local-favourite café, and small shops. Further inland, Steiglitz Historic Park offers bushwalking trails and a glimpse into the area’s gold-mining past. Add them to your list of things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula, and you’ll see a side of the region that’s easy to miss when sticking to the major coastal destinations.

Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Bellarine Peninsula known for?

The Bellarine Peninsula is famous for its historic coastal towns, lively food and drink scene, and scenic coastline. Here, you’ll find surf beaches, coastal walking and cycling trails, seaside villages, and a community of local makers and growers.

2. How many days do you need on the Bellarine Peninsula?

One day is enough for a taste of The Bellarine, but two or three days allow you more time to experience a variety of things without rushing. We’ve put together a range of itineraries to help you make the most of your time, so you can plan your time around the places and experiences that interest you.

3. What are the best beaches on the Bellarine Peninsula?

Ocean Grove Main Beach is popular with families and beginners learning to surf, while Thirteenth Beach attracts more experienced surfers. Point Lonsdale Back Beach is another option for confident surfers, but its strong permanent rips mean extra caution is needed. Always check conditions and swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.

Point Lonsdale Front Beach and Portarlington Front Beach are among the best family-friendly beaches. For fur parents, The Bellarine has dog-friendly beaches with long stretches of sand for morning or afternoon zoomies.

4. Is the Bellarine Peninsula dog-friendly?

Yes, The Bellarine has several dog-friendly places to visit, although leash rules and seasonal restrictions vary. Year-round off-leash areas include designated sections of Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach, while Clifton Springs and Narrows Beach in Queenscliff also have dog-friendly stretches. Always check current signage and local restrictions before heading onto the beach.

5. Is the Bellarine Peninsula good for a day trip?

Yes. The Bellarine is easily accessible from Melbourne and can be reached by car, ferry or public transport. Spend the day around Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, combine Portarlington’s waterfront with food and wine around Drysdale, or focus on the heritage streets and coastal scenery of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.

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Things to Do on the Bellarine Peninsula

Find Your Next Favourite Thing to Do on The Bellarine

1. Ride the Rails for Blues, Fine Dining, and Family Fun

2. Swim Alongside Dolphins and Seals

3. Get to Know Portarlington’s Famous Mussels

4. Step Into The Bellarine’s Military Past

5. Head Out for a Surf at Ocean Grove

6. Pedal Through the Countryside

7. Sip Your Way Through the Wine Country

8. Make a Splash at Victoria’s Biggest Water Theme Park

9. Tee Off at The Bellarine’s Top Golf Courses

More Things to Do

Hazy Tales Studio

Ket Baker

13th Beach Golf Links

Scotchmans Hill

Lard Ass Butter

Quiddity Place

Equilibrium Bellarine Massage Therapy

Great Private Tours - Bellarine

Harvest Experience Cooking School

Portarlington Mussel Tours

Oakdene Wines

City Maps Illustrated

BellaMoora VIP Touring Experiences

Pop's Wine Bar

Ocean Grove Bowling Club

Flying Brick Cider House

Adventure Flight Co

My Bellarine Kitchen

Circulus Wine

Yes Bar

Portarlington Grand Hotel

Epic Taste Experiences

Leura Park Estate

Adventure Park

Oneday Estate Winery and Function Centre

Bellarine Provedore

Portarlington Golf Club

Curlewis Golf Club & The Range at Curlewis The Bellarine

Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm

Bellarine Adventure Golf

The Q Train

Jack Rabbit Vineyard

Annie's Provedore & Produce Store Barwon Heads

Eat and Drink

Oakdene Wines

The Dunes Ocean Grove

Pier Street

Portarlington Grand Hotel

Ket Baker

Bellarine Estate

My Bellarine Kitchen

Oneday Estate Winery and Function Centre

Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm

Quiddity Place

Arlo

Annie's Provedore & Produce Store Barwon Heads

Jack Rabbit Vineyard

The Q Train

Scotchmans Hill

Pop's Wine Bar

Yes Bar

Leura Park Estate

FarmDog Brewing

Bellarine Provedore

Flying Brick Cider House

Circulus Wine

At The Heads

Lard Ass Butter

Tommy Gunns Barwon Heads

Harvest Experience Cooking School

The Whiskery at the Bellarine Distillery

Terindah Estate

The ultimate guide to golf on The Bellarine

9 stays on The Bellarine

Pet-friendly holidays in Geelong and The Bellarine

Stay

13th Beach Golf Lodges

Arlingtons Holiday Accommodation