Overview
Tucked inside the entrance to Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula are the seaside towns of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale — just a 90-minute drive southwest of Melbourne. Queenscliff is home to grand 19th-century architecture, old-fashioned piers, sandy stretches and sweeping water views, while Point Lonsdale is where the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay meet the wild Bass Strait.
In just one weekend, you can tour one of Australia's few remaining lighthouses with a light keeper, stroll along the rocky coast, ride an old steam train (possibly with live blues music), see art in a church and eat local seafood by the water. We've handpicked some of the best spots to eat, stay and play in the area.
Image credit: Supplied
Do
Start with an art fix at one of many local galleries. For contemporary works, visit Salt and Seaview Gallery. Then, at Queenscliff Gallery, housed in an old church, you'll find paintings, sculptures, wood engravings and linocuts from Australian artists. There are plenty more arts and crafts, plus local produce at Point Lonsdale Market, held every second Sunday of the month.
A trip to Queenscliff without a ride on one of Bellarine Railway's steam trains would be remiss. Take a 45-minute trip along Swan Bay or a three-hour return journey to Drysdale, or, on a Saturday night, climb aboard the Blues Train for live music. Another place to step back in time is Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, one of the only lighthouses in Australia that still has a lightkeeper. On a half-hour tour, you'll hear all about the lighthouse's history and climb up the steep, spiral staircase to take in panoramic views. Plus, there's a maritime museum and an escape room. And, for even more history and views, you can swing by Fort Queenscliff.
Image credit: Visit Victoria
Once you've immersed yourself in the Bellarine's art and history, you'll be ready to get outdoors. Stretch your legs on a walking trail, be it a 500-metre-long stroll through foreshore reserve on the Ferry to Pier Trail, a 2.3-kilometre-long stride along Point Lonsdale Promenade, or the more adventurous Lovers Walk among coastal woodland. Then, jump on a cycling tour to go food and wine tasting, before jumping into the sea to swim with wild dolphins.
Eat and Drink
A spectacular brekkie or lunch by the water is on the cards at 360Q. Perched on Queenscliff Harbour in a glass-walled building, this one's big with locals and visitors alike. Give yourself a kick-start first thing with the ricotta hotcakes piled with berries and vanilla ice cream. Then, head back later for a two- or three-course feast, starring coconut-lime kingfish ceviche, lemon pepper calamari, flash-fried baby snapper with herby salad, and more.
Just 300 metres away, on the beachfront, you'll find Tarra. Here, the seasonal menu offers share plates and classics, from braised duck leg with quince and mustard, to linguine marinara powered by local seafood. And, 15 minutes' drive north, there's Basil's Farm, a dreamy rural property with a restaurant serving classics like lamb rump, chicken ballotine and pork belly alongside veggies grown in the kitchen garden.
Image credit: C McConville
Pre- or post-dinner drinks should start at a friendly local pub, like the newly renovated Esplanade — or, for a fancier tipple, head to the grand, Paris-inspired cocktail lounge at The Royal. Is wine your thing? Drop by Noble Rot Wine Store and Bar, where owner Jordan Berry will talk you through his extensive selection of local and international drops.
Nikola Ramsay
Stay
Ready to dissolve into some cool but cosy bliss? Book in at Lon Retreat and Spa. Your unique, nature-inspired suite comes on 200 acres of land surrounded by magnificent coastal views. At the onsite spa, soak in a hot tub filled with healing mineral waters while gazing at the ocean — then relax into a ritual, be it the 'Body Odyssey' or the 'Detox and Revival'. Alternatively, get snug at The Nest, a series of architect-designed, solar-powered pods by the water, each with a king-sized bed, private deck and an outdoor spa bath.
To transport yourself to the 19th century in period drama-worthy guesthouse, try Benambra, Seaview House and Point Lonsdale Guesthouse. Or for a home all to yourself, book the Japanese-influenced Swans' Reach, the magical Lonsdale Palms or this 100-year-old barn.
Written in partnership with the Borough of Queenscliffe, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine. To discover even more, head to the Visit Geelong Bellarine website.
Top image: Queenscliff Wharf, courtesy of Visit Victoria.