Road Trip Guide
Bellarine Way: Victoria's Other Coast
Geelong to Queenscliff
Start Your Engine
Geelong
The Finish Line
Queenscliff
55 km
Miles
1-2 days
Days
Trip Essentials for Geelong
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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.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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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.