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Between the laneways of Melbourne and the well-known Good Ocean Freeway sits a barely secret gem on the Victoria shoreline of Australia. The Bellarine Peninsula has been an on a regular basis weekend getaway for these from the city wanting some surf, the photo voltaic, and snazzy breweries. Worldwide vacationers are starting to good as a lot as spending a few days on the Bellarine Peninsula after cruising alongside one among Aussies best coastal drives.
Although the world is correct for a boozy getaway, due to the fairly a number of Bellarine Peninsula wineries and craft beer properties, there could also be hundreds further on present. Between the surf, cute cafes, historic cities and water actions, this small space packs a punch regardless of the best way you want to spend your journey.
The Fundamentals:
get to the Bellarine Peninsula? Attending to the Bellarine Peninsula couldn’t be less complicated. With Avalon Aiport solely 20 minutes away and direct trains taking merely over an hour from Melbourne, you is perhaps on the gateway to Geelong in a short time the least bit.
In case you’re planning to combine the Bellarine Peninsula with the Good Ocean Freeway, or the reality is, merely have to have the flexibility to find merely and keep your costs down, there could also be nothing further Aussie than renting a camper to your avenue journey.
We examined out the Voyager from Britz Campervans, which has a useful office in North Melbourne a stones by means of from Tottenham station which implies you can skip the central website guests on one of the best ways out of the city. Among the many most interesting points about Britz is that they usually have some good explicit presents on, along with no one-way costs and a price match guarantee.
Our Voyager model was mannequin new and, with two double beds, equipped ample room for a complete family, to not point out merely the two of us. I’m not going to lie; the van life has certainly not happy me, nonetheless after realising merely how huge some campers are and the best way useful having all of the items with you is, it’s safe to say I’m a convert.
uncover? See above: Though there are taxis, some native buses and Uber obtainable, if you happen to want to profit from, say, the Bellarine Fashion Path, you need a car to get spherical.
The place to stay on the Bellarine Peninsula: I can solely really contact upon tenting as Massive Bertha (who doesn’t determine their camper?) was home for the weekend.
In case you want to be near Geelong then there is a shut by campsite merely a number of km’s out of the city in Barwon River the place we spent the first night to have the benefit of a number of of the craft beer breweries in Geelong – it’s pretty basic nonetheless does the job.
In case you want to be primarily based correct throughout the coronary coronary heart of the Bellarine Peninsula and have the entire amenities whereas nonetheless being in a trip park, Big4 Bellarine is an superior alternative. I legit didn’t ever suppose I’d hold at a campsite with a cinema, heated indoor pool, indoor BBQ and a health heart, nonetheless that’s merely a number of of what they’ve on present proper right here – and, in spite of everything, the needed morning barista espresso.
When is among the finest time to go to? Summer season is psychological with throngs of people descending from Melbourne for some photo voltaic and seashore time; Winter presents up a loads slower place though some points could be closed and the local weather can rule out any seashore time. Personally, I’d counsel the shoulder seasons to make the most of out of the Bellarine Peninsula.
How loads cash would you like? The beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula is it may really value as loads or as little as you need. Have to BBQ on the campsite, catch superior sunsets, surf throughout the morning and cycle bike tracks throughout the afternoon – you’ve obtained a comparatively cheap weekend. In case you want to splurge on lavish meals in Vineyards, take in Blues stay reveals on trains, hit up the Boutiques in Barwon Heads and take a look at into the correct B&B by the ocean, then pack a financial institution card – it’s a precise blended bag applicable for anyone.
It’s a #BestInTravel trip spot! Lonely Planet awarded the Bellarine Peninsula in its 2017 Most interesting In Journey as one among their good value places. All through my go to, I was sharing my journey on the Lonely Planet snap chat. In case you want to see what I obtained as a lot as sooner than finding out the entire put up then attempt the clip beneath.
A Bellarine Peninsula Weekend Freeway Journey Itinerary…
The beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula is how shut all of the items is to at least one one other on this comparatively small space. In case you occur to solely have two days to find then you can merely condense this itinerary proper right into a faster tempo. Likewise, looping once more to Melbourne or persevering with on the Good Ocean Freeway can every be achieved with ease. I hope this four-day plan supplies you some inspiration to your private Bellarine Peninsula weekend.
Day One: Melbourne to Geelong
After selecting up our camper we jumped straight on the motorway from Melbourne, heading south in route of Geelong, the gateway metropolis to the Bellarine Peninsula. Being a Brit, the very very first thing that struck me was how loads Geelong stroke a chord in my memory of home.
With its typical pier and Nineteenth-century carousel, it was very like a lot of the lovable seaside cities I had spent my college holidays as a toddler. Whereas the waterfront with its pool, pier and Bollard path marking the coastal stroll makes for a constructive answer to spend a sunny day, there is a rising foodie scene on this metropolis that was as soon as well-known for its wool exports.
Points to not miss in Geelong:
Make certain that to sample some craft beer from Little Creatures Brewery and White Rabbit; every sat subsequent to at least one one other merely outdoor the city itself. You’ll have the benefit of a brewery tour and uncover how these small batch brews are made or simply sit and magnificence your method by means of the alternatives with some educated commentary from certainly one of many nice beer-loving employees.
The Bollard path, which consists of over 100 bollards marking the coastal walkway all have a novel decoration and take you through gardens, earlier the pier and alongside the ocean which is a quick introduction to the city.
Little Malop Street is aiming to hold the laneway recreation from the capital to Geelong. With street paintings, keep music, boutique retailers, and packed consuming locations (Like your spicy rooster? Try the ‘Evil Hen’ at Scorching Hen Problem) this little area is slowly growing and getting a fame for itself.
The Narana Aboriginal Custom Coronary heart is correct for anyone who wants to check further regarding the historic previous of the land and the native people, solely a ten-minute drive from the city I extraordinarily useful you spend not lower than part of your time in Australia discovering it’s culturally rich and quite a few historic previous.
Day Two: The Bellarine Fashion Path
Calling all foodies, this one is for you!
The Bellarine Peninsula has developed a map devoted absolutely to the native, regional produce throughout the area. Determine up a replica of the Bellarine Fashion Path from the information centre and plan for a day of stuffing your self throughout the determine of evaluation!
Managing to go to all of the items on the map is not any simple job nonetheless whether or not or not you is perhaps into seafood or Sauvignon, cheese or craft beer – this map has you coated.
In case you want the postcard wonderful winery experience the place you can look once more at Melbourne by means of the vines sooner than settling proper right into a $5 wine tasting, then Jack rabbit vineyard is a ought to go to. For people who need their booze with apples then Flying Brick Cider Co is the go to place. Not solely can you fashion distinctive blends of cider proper right here akin to chilli and ginger, nonetheless the apparently fashioned restaurant and brewery present the prospect to see how these granny smiths get turned into delicious cider on a tour.
For people who wish to focus on the meals then swing by Drysdale cheeses to fashion some soften throughout the mouth goats cheese and meet the lovable little fellas, or head in route of Portarlington for his or her wonderful Mussel catch. You’ve obtained 40+ selections on the map alone so be able to settle proper right into a meals coma as sunset comes spherical.
Have to know far more regarding the Bellarine Fashion Path? Proper right here’s my info to the entire boozing I did down on the Bellarine Peninsula wineries.
Day Three: Exploring the Bellarine Peninsula
With nothing being larger than half-hour drive on the Bellarine Peninsula you presumably can merely do a tour of the entire small, historic cities throughout the space in sooner or later. Alternatively, choose these which curiosity you basically probably the most and assemble your itinerary throughout the actions.
Ever stayed in a trip park with a cinema room?!
The Big4 Bellarine resort is ideally located within the midst of the Bellarine Peninsula and presents camper, tent and cabin lodging. With heated pool, a health heart, zip wires and a complete host of children actions it’s a terrific base for exploring the world. E book proper right here.
Points to not miss in Portarlington:
I’ve to admit that Portarlington, usually described as a cute typical metropolis wasn’t my favourite, nonetheless the first function to go to is the working pier which is understood for modern mussels. You’ll fashion them at Little Mussel Cafe to learn from the freshest of the catch.
Port Phillip ferries moreover run from Portarlington run from proper right here which give one different connection into Melbourne if you happen to want to skip the freeway in your method once more.
Points to not miss in Queenscliff
Queenscliff has a cool vibe to it and presents a combination of earlier and new from it’s typical housing to the modern marina. Down on the Marina, you can take the ferry connection over to the Mornington Harbour or soar on a sightseeing boat to hopefully watch Dolphins having fun with throughout the Bellarine Peninsula.
There are moreover a great deal of paintings galleries, museums, and historic buildings to soak up proper right here each by your self steam or by changing into a member of a neighborhood historic previous tour of the world. Queenscliff fort, nonetheless a gift navy base, moreover presents excursions to see the lighthouse, canons and barracks.
The Queenscliff railway station is a slice of historic previous in itself, and although the street is simply not working usually now, they do have a formidable Blues observe which I was gutted to miss visiting on the inaccurate dates. Suppose dinner, wine, dancing and blues having fun with as a historic carriage takes you alongside the engaging coast of the Bellarine Peninsula.
Queenscliff Brewhouse moreover deserves level out for its on-site micro brewery, good meals, and cosy fireplace setting – a soothing spot to complete an evening.
Points to not miss in Stage Lonsdale:
My favourite stop on the Bellarine Peninsula was Stage Lonsdale. This small township is tiny, nonetheless it’s among the picturesque spots to find on the Bellarine coast.
I’ve obtained to offer a shout out to Cafe Amore which serves not solely implausible espresso and brunch however as well as had the most effective muffin I’ve ever eaten in my life – it was larger than a infants head!
This historic spot is all regarding the seashore. If the tide is in your aspect, you can stroll alongside rock swimming swimming pools and spectacular cliffs sooner than arriving on the pier and admiring the clear waters beneath. The shut by lighthouse moreover presents excursions which comprise a brief overview of the native historic previous.
Points to not miss in Barwon Heads & Ocean Grove:
In case you’re into Golf, you then may need two packages to pick out from throughout the native area. For people who need their actions on the water, make use of Paddle Lifes hire providers to exit Kayaking or for some SUP.
Feeling just a bit further adventurous and like splashing the cash? Barwon Heads Airport presents scenic flights over the Peninsula and even onto the 12 Apostles. Have to soar out of a airplane? Moreover potential!
With Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary and Barwon Heads Marine life Sanctuary primarily based proper right here, you even have ample different to learn from the wildlife that Australia is so well-known for whereas having enjoyable along with your Bellarine Peninsula weekend.
In case you occur to easily want to take it simple, then every Barwon Heads small extreme street and Ocean Grove is filled with little boutiques and engaging cafes to whereas away the day.
Day 4: Actions and onward
In case you occur to haven’t managed to get your train fill in, then start day 4 by taking in certainly one of many dolphin cruises, cycle tracks or heading out on a Kayak journey as listed above – in case you might be capable of put your foot down and proceed the journey you may need two selections.
What’s the most effective methods to find Australia? Get on a roadie!
I’m an enormous convert to the ‘van life’ after dwelling in my superior Britz Voyager, affectionately named Massive Bertha. In case you occur to’re looking for the best camper-van top quality in Australia, these guys are a sure fireside guess!GET A CAMPER QUOTE
On to the Good Ocean Freeway
The well-known Good Ocean Freeway begins merely previous the Bellarine Peninsula and Torquay, with the 12 Apostles and Cape Otway Nationwide Park being doable as a day journey from the Bellarine you may resolve to not proceed to Adelaide, nonetheless while you do then that’s the correct starting off stage.
…or once more to Melbourne
If the situations come to go once more to metropolis life, you then is perhaps no more than a 90-minute drive once more to the city. Though, you may as successfully get on that Good Ocean avenue, correct?
…or further stops on the Bellarine Fashion Path
White Rabbit Brewery
Kick off the weekend in Geelong, the central metropolis of the world and gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula wineries. Melbourne is understood for its craft beer scene and this metropolis merely over an hour south holds its private.
The White Rabbit Brewery is solely outdoor the city centre and with its small retailer, and cosy fireplace is an excellent ease into your Bellarine go to. The precept attraction though (other than the ingesting) is finding out the proper option to make craft beer. Inside this earlier wool mill, one different issue the space is understood for producing, sits an uber cool microbrewery. Whenever you’ve seen it in movement, uncover a home on the bar and work your method by means of the completely completely different beers on faucet.
Little Creatures Brewery
Even when the Bellarine Peninsula wineries are normally not your issue (you crazy fool) you is perhaps in luck, merely subsequent door to White Rabbit is the Instagram-worthy and trendy Little Creatures brewery.
Originating in Western Australia and listed throughout the new Lonely Planet world beer info, this newer microbrewery presents excursions of its small, nonetheless fully pouring brewery. It doesn’t merely look good though; it tastes even larger. With a bar stocking its fixed fluctuate along with the breweries seasonal pours, you can settle into the lantern lit open home, or the colourful beer yard and magnificence your method by means of the eight to 10 completely completely different beers on faucet.
Scorching rooster mission
In case you occur to move to Little Malop Street in Geelong, you’ll uncover a inventive new hub throughout the metropolis. These laneways with their street paintings, funky bars, and on-trend consuming locations are fast being redeveloped to get a slice of the slick Melbourne booze and meals scene.
Among the well-known and well-known joints in town is Scorching Hen Problem which serves up rooster in any variety, American basket kind, and with 5 completely completely different shades of hotness. The ‘Evil Hen’ presents basically probably the most mouth burning alternative, although be warned it takes a few bites sooner than you acknowledge what you is perhaps in for. Whereas the Bellarine Peninsula wineries are among the well-known exports of the world, Geelong appears keen to keep up creating itself proper right into a foodie hub.
What’s the most effective methods to find Australia? Get on a roadie!
I’m an enormous convert to the ‘van life’ after dwelling in my superior Britz Voyager, affectionately named Massive Bertha. In case you occur to’re looking for the best camper-van top quality in Australia these guys are a sure fireside guess!
Bellarine Peninsula Wineries ought to go to: Jack Rabbit Vineyard
With spectacular views all through the bay to Melbourne and surrounded by nature and vines, Jack Rabbit Vineyard is probably going one of many many Bellarine Peninsula wineries you can go to. What makes this one so explicit though, is the inserting construction of the developing in opposition to the attractive backdrop of the space.
After taking a stroll by means of the vines and admiring the views, head once more to the bar to sample the wines on present. A tasting proper right here solely costs $5, and it’s possible you’ll determine which wines you want to try. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are two of basically probably the most well-known produced throughout the Bellarine Peninsula wineries, nonetheless the flippantly glowing crimson and distinctive, semi-dessert wine like Audacia present one factor a bit completely completely different. After working your method by means of the tasting notes seize a desk throughout the restaurant or bar for some impressed meals with a view.
Drysdale Cheese
Merely down the avenue from Jack Rabbit is Drysdale cheese farm (take a look at opening situations prematurely) the place you can even take a class on the proper option to make the good issues from scratch.
Being a specialist in Goats cheese the little cuties are all onsite, so you possibly can’t solely meet them however as well as get an excellent considered how small farms work which is perhaps fascinating, significantly in case you’ve got youngsters in tow.
Ever stayed in a trip park with a cinema room?!
The Big4 Bellarine resort is ideally located within the midst of the Bellarine Peninsula and presents camper, tent and cabin lodging. With heated pool, a health heart, zip wires and a complete host of children actions it’s a terrific base for exploring the world.BOOK YOUR CAMPSITE
Portarlington Mussels
Among the well-known merchandise on the Bellarine Peninsula are the mussels of Portarlington. Although this small metropolis was my least favourite on the Bellarine, it’s nonetheless value a stop early to see the day by day catch coming in from the busy and dealing pier. You don’t have to go far to try the modern native seafood as most consuming locations throughout the Bellarine Peninsula are stocked up. The Little Mussel Cafe in Portarlington (Queenscliff Freeway) is probably going one of many hottest places to do that native staple on the fashion path.
Flying Brick Cider
The benefit of a Bellarine Peninsula wineries weekend is that even when grapes aren’t your go-to tipple, you is perhaps coated.
In Wallington, you’ll uncover Flying Brick Cider, one different family-run producer of good booze. These guys don’t fiddle and solely make 100pc fruit cider which implies no artificial crap added to it. I was lucky enough to be in town for world cider day in June when these guys host their annual cider pageant (yep, a cider pageant!). The precept developing and surrounding lawns are taken over with bands, meals stands and so many ciders – it’s apple heaven.
In case you occur to’re a cider nut like me, you may admire this place. They make their berry cider by together with precise berries to the batch, and their distinctive spin with selections akin to ginger and chilli cider are so rattling tasty. Make sure you allow time to take the fast nonetheless attention-grabbing cider tour after which seize a seat on the backyard or on the hen themed fashionable designed restaurant to pair this apple goodness with a number of of their domestically well-known meals.
Queenscliff Brewhouse
Pretty merely my favourite pub in the whole of Australia. With a hearth within the midst of the bar room, pool desk and beer tasting notes plastering the wall it’s a great spot to settle into for an evening on this historic metropolis.
Queenscliff Brewhouse has over 100 completely completely different craft beers, and although their basic brewery is off website, they’re in the mean time placing in a micro-brewery behind the consuming room, so that you simply see the manufacturing methods and magnificence the small batch beers as made throughout the Bellarine Peninsula. Work your method the commonly stupidly extreme brews whereas having enjoyable with certainly one of many native produce platters – these guys even carry the Bellarine Fashion Path to you on a plate.
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