Discover the best top things to do in Geelong & Bellarine, Australia including Eastern Beach Reserve, Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary, Fort Queenscliff Museum, The Bellarine Railway, The Blues Train, National Wool Museum, Geelong Botanical Gardens, Little Creatures Brewing P/L, Scotchmans Hill Winery and Cellar Door, Basils Farm.
Restaurants in Geelong & Bellarine
4.5 based on 1,047 reviews
A great place for a family day at the beach. Spacious lawn area ideal for a picnic, great facilities for the kids from the youngest to adults. Children's pool for the little ones, makes a safe environment for families. Cafe with take away food on site. Established in 1938 but upgraded only a few years back, it has always been popular with locals and visitors alike.
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Very disappointed at negative reviews advising people not to visit . This is a rescue centre for injured wildlife where keepers volunteer their time. This is not a zoo! This place relies on visitors and donations for the public in order to continue caring for injured and surrendered animals. If you truly care about the welfare of animals then this is great place to visit, if you are interested in animals purely your own amusement then leaving scathing reviews is most unhelpful for those of that care. If you do visit best to teach your children to be respectful and behave accordingly. My 4 kids did become slightly unruly towards the end so we knew it was time for us to leave ????
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Great Family Entertaiment, enjoy the rare opportunity to tour a 19th century Coastal Artillery Fort. Amongst underground magazine, inside the Keep, fascinating artifacts and historial objects is the opportunity to try on uniforms from different moments in time. Walking tour approx 1 hr and 1/2 with a one of our friendly, knowlegable Tour Guides.
Established in an era when the Colony of Victoria was largely responsible for its own defence, the fort depicts the strategies that were deployed in this pre federation era, right through to the end of World War II. Tour guides Mary and Steve are passionate about the site and enthusiastically pass on their knowledge of the site and its history. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is well worth the time for anyone visiting Queenscliff.
4.5 based on 104 reviews
The Bellarine Railway is operated and maintained by the dedicated volunteers of the Geelong Steam Preservation Society, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1970. The society was the first Victorian preserved railway to be established entirely by volunteers. It first ran trains at Belmont Common in Geelong, before moving operations to the Queenscliff-Drysdale section of the former Victorian Railway’s South Geelong-Queenscliff branch line in 1976. The line is recognised as the oldest Victorian branch line still in operation. Today the railway runs regular scenic train trips between Queenscliff and Drysdale, along with experiences and events which include: * School Holiday Specials * Easter Bunny Trains * Teddy Bear Specials * Halloween Specials * Santa Trains * Day Out With Thomas events * Steam and Diesel Train Driver Experiences * Special occasion and Group charters * New Volunteers are always welcome!
4.5 based on 659 reviews
For something decidedly different and entirely enjoyable, Queenscliff's legendary Blues Train is one of Victoria's most spectacular entertainment and dining experiences.The Blues Train departs Queenscliff between the months of August and May, offering a unique musical meal and show. With a capacity of 200 (50 in each of the four carriages) it has become enormously popular as a function venue and can accommodate and provide catering for parties of one to 200 people for a unique dinner and show - including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, christmas celebrations and special occasions. The Blues Train event begins at the historic town of Queenscliff. Patrons tuck into a hearty meal prepared by our Blues Train caterers. Drinks to take on the journey are available on the platform from the T-bar in the guard's van, open at each of the four stops.At each stop revellers swap carriages to find a new band tuning-up ready for the next act. One of the carriages only has seating running along each wall. The seating arrangement and up-beat music in this carriage leaves little option other than getting up for a bit of a boogie.But you don't have to dig the blues to enjoy the Blues Train, you just have to be open to a really good time.The Blues Train runs along the old Geelong train line, stopping in turn at Suma Park historic homestead and winery, and then at Drysdale before turning around and making its way back to Queenscliff, again via Suma Park.The Blues Train has hosted many great musicians since its inception, including Aussie blues legends Jimi Hocking, Chris Wilson and Lloyd Spiegel and Aria Award winners Collard Greens and Gravy and Mia Dyson.
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Here the story of wool is brought to life - told by those who lived it and through the sights and the sounds of heritage machines weaving carpets and knitting socks. Here the smell of lanolin fills the air, fresh fleece beckons your touch and the authentic surrounds of the shearing shed immerse you in the Australian wool story. The National Wool Museum experience is more than just wool. Here history, science, fashion, handcraft and art come together. Here temporary exhibitions and programs combine learning, exploration and entertainment. Here you can find the finest woollens, learn a traditional craft, explore our region's heritage and maybe even come fate-to-face with creatures from our past. Today the National Wool Museum is one of Australia's cultural treasures - as a cultural heritage destination for visitors and community.
This wasn't high on my to-do list in Geelong but it turned out to be a really interesting museum with some hands on exhibits - try your hand at grading wool or work the sock knitting machine. The carpet loom is fascinating though I'm still in the dark about how it works. There was also an international wildlife photography exhibition which was amazing. My 10 year old and I spent about 2 hours here. Highly recommend.
4.5 based on 458 reviews
I really recommend going to the Botanical Gardens my wife and I have have visited this little bit of paradise many times and have always really enjoyed our experience if you want a pleasant stroll through peaceful surroundings and to enjoy the many different kinds of trees and plants or just sit at the lovely little cafe there and have nice cup of tea or coffee and spoil your self with a piece of cake this is the place oh and don’t forget it’s great for the young ones to,,
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Wow! The food was amazing(especially the lamb pizza!), great craft beer be sure to try the Rasberry beer!!) and the service was exceptional! The staff happily chatted with our 2.5 year old about his colouring in and chips, really made us feel welcome, which was great as we were unsure about taking a 2.5 year old to a brewery. Upon leaving, one of the staff (Amanda I think it was) asked me for my phone so she could take some photos of the 3 of us 'making memories ' which was nice instead of one of us hiding behind the camera! Great atmosphere and even a little sand pit for the kids! Would definitely recommend coming here and we will return for sure!!
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Located in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, Scotchmans Hill has been producing premium cool maritime climate wines since 1982 & is rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries. Make your way up the winding driveway through the vines to the newly renovated cellar door on the 120-hectare estate. Take part in a tasting, buy wine by the glass or bottle and soak in the atmosphere. Whether novice or connoisseur, our knowledgeable, passionate & friendly staff take visitors on a journey of fun and informative tastings leaving guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of wine for years to come. Enjoy a glass of wine, a platter or light lunch at our Cellar Door which boasts beautiful decor, a fantastic alfresco area for the warmer months and a cosy fireplace for the colder months. The vineyard is just over an hours drive from the Melbourne CBD, and 20 minutes from Geelong. Catch the ferry from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula or from Docklands, Melbourne.
After an unfortunate mix up with a booking, the staff at scotchmans more than made up for the computer error. As always the wine and food were amazing, as were the views. kids loved the pasta & we both enjoyed the lamb, which went perfectly with the scotchmans Pinot noir. Special thanks to Ruth who made sure we were looked after ❤️
4.0 based on 211 reviews
Basils Farm is an artisan Winery on the shores of Swan Bay, (Bellarine Peninsula) specialising in traditionally made wild fermented wines. Wine tastings are available to at the Cellar Door on weekends and Tasting Paddles are available in the Cafe on weekdays. The menu features seasonal housemade dishes made with local and Basils Farm home grown produce. Coffee, wine, and other beverages are available all day. Take in the Bellarine Peninsula's most picturesque views across Swan Bay to Queenscliff and relax amongst landscaped gardens, overlooking the vines. Wander through the stunning vegetable gardens that supply fresh produce to Basils Cafe or sit by the firepit with a glass of wine over winter. Live Music Sunday Sessions are held every Sunday from September to April, 12.30pm-3.30pm. Plenty of room for the kids to play and explore. Visit the llamas or play in the sandpit. Dog friendly, please advise when booking.
Make sure you book ahead for a meal at Basil's Farm. We had an outside table on a sunny day, under the fig tree overlooking Swan Bay. We can highly recommend the cheese platter and $40 the shared platter that came with freshly toasted bread. Try the local wines in the bar- they were fabulous. The 2 platters plus a bowl of their fat chips was enough for lunch for 4 people and 2 small children. If you forget to book, you'll get a rug to sit on the lawn. Friendly and efficient service. Dogs are welcome.
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