Bannockburn, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Golden Plains

The Golden Plains region, just west of Geelong, is renowned for its award-winning wines of the Moorabool Valley, iconic music festivals (Meredith, Golden Plains and Bluestone Blues), gold-mining history and breathtaking natural beauty.

From the gateway townships of Bannockburn and Inverleigh in the south to Smythesdale in the north, it's easy to spend time in Golden Plains.

Taste the world class cool climate wines of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region and local cuisine from fine dining in Inverleigh.

See the wide range of local galleries and studios along the Golden Plains Arts Trail and the stunning sights of open plains and farmlands.

Explore the region's rich gold-mining history in towns such as Smythesdale, Linton and Steiglitz.

Bannockburn hosts the award-winning Golden Plains Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month where the produce is fresh from paddock to plate.

National and state parks, rivers, an abundance of native flora and fauna and the famous Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail all add to the enjoyment of time spent in Golden Plains.

For more information on the Golden Plains region, download the free Golden Plains app for smartphones and tablets.

You can also download the Golden Plains Tourist Map or collect one from an accredited Visitor Information Centre.

Highlights

Geelong

Geelong Wine Region

Whether it is the distinctive maritime flavours of The Bellarine, the ancient richness of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region or the rugged, exposed coastline of the Surf Coast, the Geelong Wine Region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines. With each sub region and winery displaying their own unique characteristics, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the Geelong Wine Region's stunning scenery, touring routes and restaurants whilst sampling some of Victoria's finest cellar door experiences. Geelong's family owned boutique operators maximise their wine's potential by hand pruning, hand picking and hand crafting their wines allowing regional characters to develop. Areas within the region have varying microclimates influencing the depth of colour, bouquet and flavour of the wines. The Bellarine has a maritime climate with bay breeezes and spectacular views, whilst the hills and valleys of the Moorabool Valley – Anakie areas have a warm, continental style climate. The renowned Surf Coast is famous for its long summer days and cooling ocean breezes. James Halliday in his Wine Atlas of Australia and New Zealand wrote: "If there is a unifying feature in all of the Geelong wines, it is their strength and depth of colour, bouquet and flavour." Not only does the Geelong wine region produce some of Australia's best wines, but the wineries are surrounded by some of Victoria's best scenery and touring opportunities. The Geelong Wine Region. Fine wines – from our hands to yours. For a map of the winery region visit: http://www.winegeelong.com.au/wine_region/map

Lethbridge

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

The Moorabool Valley is one of Australia’s finest and most awarded cool climate wine regions. Bannockburn is the gateway to the Moorabool Valley Wine Region and is located less than an hours drive from Melbourne and 20 minutes from Geelong. Boutique wineries producing hand crafted wines are forging an international reputation for the Moorabool Valley. The Moorabool Valley is a sub region of Victoria's highly regarded Geelong Wine Region. Wineries in the Moorabool Valley region include Austins Wines, Bannockburn Vineyard, Clyde Park Vineyard and Lethbridge Wines.

Near Bannockburn

Leighgrove Olives

Leighgrove Olives is a boutique olive grove, totally family owned and operated by the White family. Grant and Yvonne White invite you to visit their olive grove and Farmgate Olive Shop in the delightful township of Inverleigh, just 26km west of Geelong. Located on a picturesque stretch of the Barwon River, the 4500 tree olive grove is producing extra virgin olive oil of the finest quality. The cool climate conditions with a long, slow ripening period, together with the rich pastoral soils, results in oil of particularly deep, full-flavoured characteristics. With more than ten different olive tree varieties originating from Tuscany, Greece and Spain, the range of flavours and styles of oil makes each season's harvest an exciting time at Leighgrove. Some are very fruity, whilst others are quite peppery and robust, each with its own character. In a true boutique way, the aim is to offer the finest quality Leighgrove Olives can achieve in a choice of styles to suit both differing tastes and culinary uses - to compliment all your cooking. Leighgrove Olives are not bound by big supermarket demands for exactly the same taste every year - indeed the annual variations in temperatures, rainfall and quantities of fruit harvested are a welcome addition to the exclusive nature of the oil.

Bannockburn

Austins Wines

Austins is an outstanding vineyard and winery at Sutherlands Creek, in the heart of the Moorabool Valley, North West of Geelong. About an hour's drive South West from Melbourne, you enter Austins 'Greenbanks' property off Steiglitz Road. Richard Austin planted 150 acres of vines with the single-minded determination to produce the best pinot noir, in the world. Austins now has 90 acres of pinot noir at Sutherlands Creek. Austins believe this is the second largest family holding of the variety in Australia. The bonus for Richard and his family is that the soil and climate at Sutherlands Creek also does well with Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. In fact, all three are prominent in their own right. While the reviews and trophies are mounting, the best way to understand the philosophy and determination behind the Austins brand is to taste the wine. Pinot Noir is the essence of Austins; fine fruit, first and foremost. Bounded by the vineyard at Sutherlands Creek and based on the history of the Geelong region, that core is shaped by the site's terroir and given momentum by the perception and acumen of the Austin family. The blend of these elements transforms premium grapes into wines of finesse.

Lethbridge

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Clyde Park is a cellar door and bistro set on the beautiful Moorabool Valley just off the Midland Highway half an hour north of Geelong, 35 minutes from of Ballarat. The speciality is the wines, in particular, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The food, lovingly cooked by the chef and owner Sue include a wonderful array of wood fired pizza, anti Pasto tasting plates, salt and pepper calamari. Clyde Park offers a cellar door and offer weekend specials. A James Halliday 2012 ***** (5 star red) winery.

Near Bannockburn

Saddle On Riding School

Saddle On Horse Riding School is situated 15km north east of the Geelong CBD. At Saddle On Riding School facilities include an indoor riding arena, three outdoor arenas, lunging arena, cross country and jumping course, undercover horse bays and more. Whilst the locals enjoy riding lessons and celebrating birthday parties, visitors are welcome to visit the animal nursery and feed the animals for a small fee, or have a led pony ride on Fridays between 10.00am and 12 noon. For people wanting to settle in the Geelong Region or close proximity, Saddle On Riding School is a Registered Training Organisation offering accredited equine courses of study. These include: stable hand course, assistant instructor and instructor / coach courses. Canteen facilities and clubrooms are available for all to enjoy. Bookings can be made for riding lessons, led pony rides, animal petting and birthday parties. Parties include: pony, BMX, buggy, archery, animal or any combination. School holiday day programs are also available for horse riding enthusiasts. For further information, please visit the website.

Bannockburn

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Come and taste the real food and produce from the farms and vineyards of Golden Plains and Moorabool Valley. Fresh from the farm, sold by the farmers. The award winning Golden Plains Farmers’ Market is authentic and accredited, held in the heart of Bannockburn just 20 minutes from Geelong. Held on the first Saturday, every month, every season, from 9am to 1pm—you can start at the farmers’ market then spend the day touring Golden Plains.

Geelong Pakington Street

Pakington Street

Pakington Street (or ‘Pako’ to locals) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan mix of shopping and eating out. Food and drink ranges from casual coffee shops with al fresco facilities and pubs with bistros to trendy bars and top class restaurants. Fashion stores, boutique giftware, specialty stores and gourmet groceries make up the eclectic mix of shops. You are likely to finish your day with a killer pair of heels and a bag of locally grown gourmet tomatoes.

Near Lethbridge

Camilo Olives

Camilo Olive Grove is located near Teesdale between the grassy woodland of the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Leigh River, among rolling hills in South West Victoria. Founded by Joan and Peter McGovern in 2002, Camilo was the result of an extensive search for a location that would provide a great climate, position and soil for growing premium quality olives, and a property that would give them much pleasure. The Leigh River winds its way through a valley at the edge of the property providing a home to beautiful and very old river gums and blackwood trees as well as an abundance of Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and possums. Camilo's olives are planted on flat plains between the reserve and the river valley. Extensive wildlife corridors, planted on Camilo at the same time as the olive grove, provide shelter and are home to local native animals and a safe bridge for wildlife travelling between the reserve and the river. The cool climate environment of the region means Camilo olives enjoy maximum sunshine and a prolonged ripening period, producing premium extra virgin olive oils.

Torquay

The Surf Coast Walk

Whether you're a nature lover or a fun lover, whether you take an hour, a day or a week, the Surf Coast Walk puts a stunning and unique coastal environment within easy reach. - Offering natural beauty and easy access - A world-class walking destination for all to enjoy - On the edge of the stunning Great Ocean Road - Do a section or do it all; at your own pace - More than a walk, over half the track is suitable for bikes Relish the rich ochre of the Bells Beach cliffs, the deep blue of Bass Strait and the leafy green of eucalypt forects. Discover traditional Wathaurung country, fascinating surf culture and abundant wildlife as the walk connects you with the coastal town comforts of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Geelong

Masterclasses

Extravaganza – Eat Drink Discover on Sunday 14 July, will provide visitors with the chance to sign up and attend a one hour Masterclass in a private tasting room. The intimate classes will be suitable for everyone, from the novice to the professional and will provide interactive and interesting topics on regional produce, wine and beer. Moderated and run by media and expert panellists such as chefs, winemakers and viticulturalists this is the chance to learn, discover and meet the regions talented producers. Tickets are sold separately to the entry ticket or available at the venue.

Geelong

Kid's Patch

Of course, no event is complete without something to entertain the kids... From veggie garden games to cake decorating and bee hive education, this is a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about food, its source and how we prepare it. Watch this space for more information!

Geelong

More Than A Tour

More than Tour offer their local knowledge will give you the very best opportunity of seeing a range of beautiful native animals in their natural environment. Shorts walks to the scenic attractions, lookouts, beaches and rain forests will be on well-defined tracks and board walks and requires a moderate level of fitness. Their guides will accompany you on all walks and your safety is their priority. Being a boutique tour company they will confirm your pick up point, departure and return times prior to departure. More Than A Tour also offers a Door to Door Service. More Than A Tour can tailor make tours to satisfy your groups desires, including: •Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island two day tours •Great Ocean Road and Grampians two day tours •Tailor made tours also available.

Torquay

Surf World Museum

The Surf World Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing. It also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays and temporary exhibitions of important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture. An unforgettable experience, Surf World provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience or relive, surfing’s sense of fun, and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years. We look forward to welcoming you.

Torquay

Saltair Spa

Only one hour from the Westgate Bridge you'll find Saltair Spa. Situated in a unique location, offering stunning views of Torquay's rolling hills and crystal blue waters. Calm your mind as you are cared for by the exceptional therapists and Indulge in a complete menu of day spa treatments and therapies. Derma-Cosmeceuticals Skincare is available using the latest Multi-spectrum imaging. Try something new like an Indigenous Inspired Rhythmic Massage or a Facial Treatment using a combination of the purist Organic Bases and Pure Oxygen Gas. Captivate your senses while your stresses melt away in the Hydrotherapy Spa, Geisha Spa, Vichy Shower or Steam Sauna. Saltair treatments use only the highest quality aromatherapy oils, earth ochres, desert salts, ocean mineral polishers, moisturisers and elixirs used in the finest destination spas worldwide. Saltair Spa uses and recommends Li'Tya Spa products. Capturing the potency of indigenous Australian plants, fruits, earth ochres, desert salts and sea plants, with each product depicting the wonder and beauty of the country. Li'Tya offers exquisitely pure health, beauty and wellbeing treatments - individually tailored to energise and beautify every part of your being. Saltair Spa also use and recommend Heritage Healers Facial Treatments. Pure oxygen gas, in conjunction with vitamins and minerals, is used to nourish and revitalise the skin cells. With Heritage Healers 02 Oxygen Therapy they soothe away internal stress, then regenerate and boost the health of every skin cell with pure oxygen gas, plus essential vitamins and minerals. It is the most effective skin treatment program of its kind, designed to cleanse, nourish and revitalise every skin cell of the face, pore by pore. Choose from body treatments, geisha tub, hydrotherapy, massage, facials, oxygen treatments, hand and foot treatments, Day Spa packages and Professional Skin Health Advice and treatments, spray tans, waxing and tinting.

Apollo Bay

Longhorn YOUnique Tours

Longhorn YOUnique Tours travel to the Great Ocean Road, the Otway's Rainforest, Grampians, Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley. You will see spectacular scenery, wildlife in their natural environment, learn about the area's history and culture, enjoy homemade treats and great accommodation as Longhorn's expert guides take you on a journey of discovery. Eco Tourism and Respecting our Culture accredited Longhorn YOUnique Tours is a family owned business operated by Garry and Shirley Hamel, two Australians who know and understand the beauty of the country we live in. With a range of tours from one day to multiple day tours and private or customised tours to choose from. Longhorn YOUnique Tours believe that guests should not feel rushed so our tours are conducted in small groups travelling in luxury four wheel-drive vehicles with your comfort and needs a top priority. A maximum of six people on each tour will give you a personalised experience to remember. Contact the friendly staff at Longhorn YOUnique Tours to enquire.

Torquay

Torquay Shopping

As birth place and headquarters for some of the biggest surf brands in Australia, Torquay is a destination for shopping. The main highway into town has shops and plazas, including the large Surf City Plaza, on either side of the road. Every name in surfwear and adventure sports apparel is featured in the precinct. Many of the brands also have factory outlets nearby. As a vibrant and modern seaside destination, Torquay has a number of other shopping precincts. Gilbert Street is considered the centre of town, with supermarkets, bakeries, post office and banks as well as specialty retail and eateries. Torquay Central is a plaza development housing some of Australia’s best known retailers alongside coffee shops and places to eat. Bell Street has a collection of shops, cafes and restaurants as well as the local pub. Some tour operators and learn to surf schools operate from offices in Bell Street.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Bike Hire

Queenscliff Bike Hire is located at Queenscliff Harbour in Victoria, Australia, approximately an hour and 30 minutes drive from Melbourne. Bike hire is available for adults and kids. As well as optional trailer bikes and buggies for younger kids and toddlers. The bikes are brand new and are regularly maintained by their on site mechanic. Queenscliff bike hire can supply bikes for individuals or large groups and will deliver to the entire Bellarine area including Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Discounts apply for long term hire, schools and groups of more than 10 people. You can hire a bike for half a day, full day or even a week. There are plenty of fantastic places to ride. If you are in town for a short time, take a ride along the beach path which winds its way along Point Londsdale foreshore to the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. This is an easy eight kilometre round trip. If you have a bit more time then you may like to ride the Queenscliff to Drysdale rail trail, 16 kilometres one way. Please visit our website of call to arrange a booking.

Near Beech Forest

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - One Location two adventures. Located in Victoria's magnificent Otways providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird's eye view through its two unique eco-adventure experiences, the famous Tree Top walk and Zip Line tour. The Tree Top Walk - the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. At 600 metres long and 30 metres above ground level. A 45 metre high lookout is ascended via a spiral stairway through the under story to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest, whilst the springboard cantilever bounces precariously high over picturesque Young's Creek. The walk is a 1.9 kilometres round walk starting from the visitor centre and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The walk is full of quality interpretive panels educating our visitor on the forest and surrounds on display. For the thrill seeker Zip lining is the perfect adrenaline fuelled activity where you can Zip across the treetops in this unique forest experience, gaining a bird's-eye view of Otways beautiful forests. The Zip Line tour involves traversing from one platform to another connected by tree platforms called 'cloud stations', and attached so steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. This exciting adventure lasts 3 hours and is unlike any other experience, we recommend pre booking the Zip Line Tour via the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventures website. The visitor centre is home to a licensed cafe which seats up to 100 people. The car-park also provides for Campervans, Caravans and Coaches. Group bookings can be made and need to be booked in advance, guided tours and catering are available for these bookings.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Bannockburn

Stay Connected

Golden Plains

Highlights

Geelong Wine Region

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

Leighgrove Olives

Austins Wines

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Saddle On Riding School

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Pakington Street

Camilo Olives

The Surf Coast Walk

Masterclasses

Kid's Patch

More Than A Tour

Surf World Museum

Saltair Spa

Longhorn YOUnique Tours

Torquay Shopping

Queenscliff Bike Hire

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape