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Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula Restaurant, Accommodation & Travel Highlights

About Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula have all the ingredients that make for an unforgettable getaway – historic seaside villages, beautiful beaches, national parks, award-winning restaurants and wineries. Geelong is the major gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road. As Victoria’s second largest city, it remains amongst the State’s most popular destinations with its new-look waterfront, delicatessens, great restaurants and sweeping bay views. The route south continues through wine country. Don’t miss the village of Point Lonsdale overlooking ‘The Rip’ - the notorious entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Further along lies the historic seaside village of Queenscliff renowned for its Victorian-era architecture, lighthouses, huge military fort and modest fisherman’s cottages. Fresh food and wine is a Bellarine Peninsula speciality - freshly harvested mussels are on sale at Portarlington, pick your own strawberries at a Wallington farm, or sample locally grown & bottled olive oil.

When to Visit Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula

The cool climate of Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula is comparable with that of the Burgundy region of France. The temperature is equable, and even on the hottest days of summer a gentle breeze is felt as night falls. During the day the thermometer always registers several degrees below that of Melbourne. Summer daytime temperatures generally range within the low to mid twenties. During the winter months the temperature drops to between 10 - 15°C. Autumn and spring are generally regarded as the most reliable rainy seasons.

Getting Around Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong is situated just 40 minutes drive from downtown Melbourne, subject to traffic conditions. Alternatively trains depart from Melbourne regularly or you can fly directly into Avalon Airport, located just fifteen minutes from Geelong CBD. The total distance from Melbourne to Geelong is 73 kilometres. Getting around the City is easy with a network of roads and bus services that crisscross the area regularly. From Geelong to Queenscliff, the distance is 31 kilometres. Driving, buses, taxis, cycling and walking are all ways to enjoy the Peninsula. There is also the option of the Bellarine Peninsula Railway which offers a heritage replacement to modern-day transport.