Geelong & the Bellarine
An hour south-west of Melbourne — Geelong’s revitalised bayfront, the Bellarine’s cool-maritime cellar doors and seaside Queenscliff, and the gateway to the coast.
Geelong & the Bellarine
An hour south-west of Melbourne, Geelong has transformed its bayfront into one of regional Victoria’s most enjoyable waterfronts, complete with its quirky painted bollards. Just beyond, the Bellarine Peninsula rolls out cool-maritime vineyards, the heritage seaside town of Queenscliff, and easy beaches at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. It’s also the gateway to the Great Ocean Road — the last city before the coast begins.
What to Do
Geelong Bayfront
The revitalised Eastern Beach and Corio Bay waterfront, dotted with its famous painted bollards.
Bellarine Cellar Doors
Cool-maritime Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz across the peninsula’s vineyards.
Queenscliff
A charming seaside town of grand hotels, a historic fort and the Bellarine heritage railway.
Barwon Heads & Point Lonsdale
Family beaches, surf and the bay entrance, with the Sorrento ferry across the Rip.
Tips
- Geelong is ~1 hr from Melbourne by road or V/Line train
- Use it as a base or first stop for the Great Ocean Road
- Take the Queenscliff–Sorrento ferry to link the two peninsulas
- Give the Bellarine a relaxed day for cellar doors and beaches
- Check current ferry sailings and cellar-door hours
Plan Your Visit
Geelong & the Bellarine — FAQ
What are Geelong and the Bellarine known for?
Geelong’s revitalised waterfront and its famous painted bollards, and the Bellarine Peninsula’s cool-climate wine, seaside Queenscliff, and beaches at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove — plus its role as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. See things to do.
How far is Geelong from Melbourne?
About an hour south-west by road or V/Line train — and the natural launch point for the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine.
What is there to do on the Bellarine Peninsula?
Taste cool-maritime Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz at cellar doors, explore heritage Queenscliff and its fort and railway, and swim or surf at Point Lonsdale, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
Can you take a ferry from the Bellarine?
Yes — the Queenscliff–Sorrento ferry crosses the bay to the Mornington Peninsula, a handy link between the two peninsulas. Check current sailings.
Is Geelong a good base for the Great Ocean Road?
Yes — it’s the closest city to the start of the drive at Torquay, making it a practical base or first stop. See the Great Ocean Road guide.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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