Road Trip Guide
Bellarine Way: Victoria's Other Coast
Geelong to Queenscliff
Start
Geelong
Finish
Queenscliff
Distance
55 km
Duration
1-2 days
Best Months
October - April
Budget
$$
EV Ready
8/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Geelong
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Geelong Fuel & Supplies
Fuel and Groceries
Stock up on snacks and fuel up before leaving Geelong; while there are stations on the peninsula, prices are generally lower in the city.
Portarlington Public Toilets & Info
Rest Area
Located right near the pier, these are well-maintained and situated next to the local information booth.
Queenscliff Harbour Marine Service
EV Charging & Marine Fuel
The harbor offers modern facilities including EV charging stations for those traveling in electric vehicles.
Insider Driving Tips
Book your winery lunches well in advance, especially on weekends, as places like Jack Rabbit and Terindah Estate are incredibly popular.
If you're visiting in winter, keep an eye out for Southern Right Whales which are occasionally spotted near the entrance to the bay.
The Port Phillip Ferry runs between Melbourne and Portarlington/Geelong, making this an excellent car-free trip if you choose to rent bikes on the peninsula.
Always check the tide times if you plan on snorkeling the Ozone shipwreck at Indented Head; low tide with low wind provides the best visibility.
The Bellarine Railway in Queenscliff offers heritage steam train rides on Sundays—a must for families and history buffs.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Geelong Waterfront
Sailors' Rest
“Housed in a historic building, this spot offers incredible views of the bay and serves up a mean smashed avocado for breakfast or fresh calamari for lunch.”
The Baywalk Bollards
Capture the colorful 'Ladies of the Bath' or the 'Volunteer Rifle Band' bollards with the blue bay in the background.
Eastern Beach Promenade
The sweeping white Art Deco boardwalk provides a perfect symmetrical frame for architectural photography.
The Sunken Garden at Eastern Beach
A beautifully manicured Art Deco garden tucked away near the swimming enclosure, perfect for a quiet moment away from the main promenade.
Baywalk Bollards
Public Art Trail
“These over 100 uniquely painted wooden figures depict local historical characters and provide a quirky, scenic walking path along the bay.”
Eastern Beach Reserve
Recreational Park & Swimming Complex
“This iconic Art Deco site features a shark-proof sea bath, a historic promenade, and lush lawns perfect for a relaxing break.”
Giant Sky Wheel
Observation Wheel
“As the largest traveling Ferris wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Corio Bay and the Geelong city skyline.”
Curlewis & The Wine Region
Jack Rabbit Vineyard
“Famous for its 'unrivalled views,' the restaurant here serves high-end local fare like Bellarine lamb and fresh local snapper.”
Jack Rabbit Lookout
The view from the deck looking across the vines toward the You Yangs mountains and Melbourne is the quintessential Bellarine shot.
The Vines at Terindah Estate
Perfectly aligned rows of vines that seem to drop straight into the ocean.
Leura Park Estate
While Jack Rabbit gets the fame, Leura Park offers a more rustic, barrel-hall vibe with exceptional live music on weekends and some of the best Pinot Gris in the state.
Jack Rabbit Vineyard
Winery & Restaurant
“Boasting panoramic views across Corio Bay, this iconic estate offers award-winning cool-climate wines and a sophisticated dining experience.”
Leura Park Estate
Winery & Cellar Door
“This vibrant vineyard is famous for its premium 100% estate-grown wines and rustic, industrial-chic atmosphere often complemented by live music.”
The Range @ Curlewis
Entertainment & Golf Complex
“A premier destination for active fun, featuring a state-of-the-art driving range, indoor golf simulators, and a stylish bar and eatery.”
Portarlington
Advance Mussel Supply
“Go straight to the source. Try the mussels steamed in white wine and garlic or take a fresh bag home to cook yourself.”
Portarlington Pier
Capture the blue mussel boats with their orange crates against the turquoise water.
Grand Hotel Balcony
The Victorian-era facade of the hotel provides a grand, historical backdrop for street photography.
The Portarlington Mill
A four-story flour mill built from local sandstone in 1857, now a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
Portarlington Pier
Scenic Waterfront
“Take a stroll along the pier to enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and watch the daily ferry arrive from Melbourne.”
Portarlington Mill
Historic Landmark
“This beautifully preserved four-story flour mill built in 1857 offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s early industrial and colonial history.”
Scotchmans Hill
Winery
“Located just a short drive from the town center, this leading winery offers premium cool-climate tastings with stunning views over the Bellarine Peninsula.”
Indented Head & St Leonards
St Leonards Hotel
“A classic pub with a massive beer garden overlooking the bay. It’s the perfect place for a traditional parma and a cold beer.”
Ozone Wreck Lookout
The rusted paddle wheels of the Ozone breaking the surface of the water make for a hauntingly beautiful long-exposure shot.
St Leonards Pier
A long, weathered timber pier that stretches far into the bay, ideal for sunset silhouettes.
The Ozone Shipwreck
A paddle steamer sunk in 1925 to form a breakwater. At low tide, the rusty remains are easily visible from the shore or accessible by a short swim/snorkel.
Ozone Shipwreck
Historic Shipwreck
“This iconic 19th-century paddle steamer wreck remains visible from the Indented Head shore, offering a unique site for snorkeling and maritime photography.”
St Leonards Pier
Scenic Pier
“A popular spot for fishing and leisurely strolls, the pier provides breathtaking panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay toward the Melbourne skyline.”
Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve
Nature Reserve
“This tranquil coastal park features the last remaining stand of coastal woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula and is ideal for birdwatching and quiet bushwalks.”
Point Lonsdale
Noble Rot
“A sophisticated wine bar and restaurant that focuses on local seafood and an incredible curated wine list. Perfect for a refined evening meal.”
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
The white tower against a stormy sky or a bright blue morning is an iconic Victorian image.
The Rip Lookout
Capture the turbulent white water where the two seas collide, especially dramatic during a changing tide.
Buckley's Cave
Located beneath the lighthouse, this is said to be one of the places where 'wild white man' William Buckley lived during his decades with the indigenous population.
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Historic Landmark
“This iconic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of 'The Rip,' the treacherous entrance to Port Phillip Bay where the Bass Strait meets the harbor.”
Point Lonsdale Pier
Coastal Landmark
“A walk along this historic pier provides a front-row seat to watch massive container ships navigate the narrow channel while local fishers cast their lines.”
Rip View Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“This easily accessible vantage point is the perfect spot to witness the powerful ocean currents and crashing waves that make this stretch of coastline world-famous.”
Queenscliff
Vue Grand Dining Room
“For a truly grand experience, have tea or dinner in this magnificent 1880s dining room with its grand ceiling and historic charm.”
Hesse Street
The main street of Queenscliff is a goldmine for architectural photography, with its preserved 19th-century shopfronts.
Queenscliff Harbour Lookout Tower
Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the harbor, the fort, and the ferry crossing to Sorrento.
The Black Lighthouse
One of the only lighthouses in the world built from unpainted black basalt. It's tucked away inside the Fort Queenscliff grounds but visible from the outside.
Fort Queenscliff
Historic Landmark
“Explore this well-preserved 19th-century coastal defense facility through guided tours that detail Australia's military history.”
Queenscliff Harbour
Observation Tower & Leisure
“Climb the 42-meter observation tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged Bass Strait.”
Queenscliff Maritime Museum
Museum
“Discover the region's rich seafaring heritage through impressive exhibits of historic lifeboats and fascinating shipwreck artifacts.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Point Henry
A detour just outside Geelong that takes you to a rugged, windswept point with views back towards the city skyline and the industrial port.
Why It's Worth It
“It's a prime spot for kite-surfers and birdwatchers, offering a raw, industrial-meets-nature aesthetic.”
Basils Farm
Located near Swan Bay, this farm and winery offers a 'paddock to plate' experience with extensive kitchen gardens.
Why It's Worth It
“The view over Swan Bay is incredibly peaceful, and their commitment to permaculture is inspiring.”
Adventure Park Victoria
Victoria's biggest water theme park, located in Wallington.
Why It's Worth It
“If traveling with kids in summer, this is a mandatory stop to break up the 'wine and history' focus of the trip.”
Ready to book your Queenscliff trip?
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and Autumn are ideal. You avoid the heavy summer crowds of January but still get mild weather perfect for vineyard lunches and coastal walks.
Yes! The Searoad Ferry runs every hour between Queenscliff and Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, allowing you to continue your road trip on the other side of the bay.
Very. Many of the beaches have off-leash areas (check local signs), and wineries like Basils Farm and Leura Park Estate are very welcoming to four-legged friends.