The Bellarine Peninsula is one of the Geelong regions gems with rolling plains and lovely coastal townships it is a wonderful place to visit all year round. The peninsula is home to some of the states best wines and freshest produce.
Our tour starts in central Geelong outside the Geelong Hospital in Ryrie Street and heads West along the Portarlington Road passing Eastern Park, home to the Geelong Botanical Gardens and the outer Geelong suburbs of East Geelong, Newcomb, Moolap and outer suburb of Leopold.
On the left hand side of the road between Moolap and Leopold you will see the huge Alcoa Aluminium Smelter on Point Henry. Point Henry is a shallow shell-grit peninsula which marks the entrance to Corio Bay in the late 1800’s the area was a popular day trip destination for visitors arriving by steamer.
About 20 minutes out of Geelong you will reach the thriving township of Drysdale. Drysdale is home to a historic railway which links Queenscliff and a fantastic Sunday Market which is held on the third Sunday during the warmer months.
Continue through Drysdale on route to Portarlington and you will pass some of the regions best wineries including Scotchman’s Hill, Spray Farm and Kilgour Estate to name a few. Many have cellar door sales, samples and dining facilities.
Portarlington is the first seaside township we visit. This town is a very popular holiday destination over summer with thousands flocking to the camping grounds along the foreshore. One of the more popular attractions in Portarlington is the historic flour mill which is open to the public and classified by the National Trust.
Our trip heads westerly around the shoreline towards Indented Head, across Port Phillip Bay on a good day you can see the high rise skyscrapers of Melbourne. At low tide you might be lucky enough to see the remains of a historic steam ship wreck near Batman Park.
St Leonards is the next township we visit. This one time fishing village is fast becoming one of the regions more popular resort towns. Here we take a right turn at the St Leonard’s Pub and head down Murradoc Road a few kilometres down we reach the Swan Bay round about and turn left towards Queenscliff.
Queenscliff is about 15 minutes away. This beautiful town has some grand old Victorian guest houses, pubs and other buildings. Queenscliff is a great place to stop and try some of the regions produce and the fresh Seafood. Queenscliff has a historic Fort and Marine Science centre which are open to the public and don’t forget the Historic railway.
Heading out of Queenscliff towards Geelong it is worth taking a left turn towards Point Lonsdale to view the spectacular Port Phillip Heads rip. This narrow stretch of water is one of the worlds most dangerous. Pilot boats are used to help navigate ships in and out of the bay.
The Queenscliff – Geelong Road passes Wallington which is home to the regions orchards with apples, pears and even strawberries being grown. Wine is also starting to make its mark in the Wallington region as well. Wallington is home to several adventure parks which are very popular with families.
The Wallington area is also the gateway to the popular seaside towns of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. If you have a little time you can make a left hand diversion towards Ocean Grove there is a road leading back to Geelong from Barwon Heads but today’s trip will keep on the Queenscliff road passing through Leopold offering spectacular views of Geelong and then Moolap, Newcomb and back into the City of Geelong.