Family Activities, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

There are loads of things to do and places to see in the region for families. With so much coastline, well serviced towns, villages and regional centres and a hinterland area that has some of the best attractions in Australia, there are activities to suit every type of family, and family member.

Rockpool rambling and beach activities at any number of the beaches in the region are popular. You can learn to surf, boogie board, paddle in the waves or try skim boarding in the shallows. Build sandcastles, play cricket or just enjoy a picnic or ice cream on the sand, the beach is the perfect place for families to spend some time.

As well as Victoria's biggest theme park Adventure Park at Wallington, there are some fantastic attractions suitable for families. The Otway Fly tree top walk is exhilarating, and the dinosaurs hiding in the forest below are popular with kids. There are mini golf courses, a giant maze, loads of playgrounds and places to swim. Pick your own berry farms, animal sanctuaries and a vintage steam train operate in the region, and many of the museums and heritage attractions have specific programs to keep the kids engaged and entertained - learning by stealth.

Sporting activities are also great for families - horse riding tours in the hinterland, bike riding on designated tracks, swimming or water sports, there are places to do all these things and more.

Things to See & Do

Queenscliff

Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries crossing the bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7am and 6pm, seven days of the week 375 days of the year. Forget the long drive, come with Searoad Ferries for a restful crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento. On your journey you may see a playful Dolphin playing in the waves of the ferry or even a whale from a distance. Connecting the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, the 40 minute crossing is a stress free alternative to driving through the city, saving you time and kilometres. Whether you travel as a foot passenger to explore the villages of Queenscliff and Sorrento, or with your car, there is much to see on the crossing - spectacular coastline, mighty ships and maybe a dolphin or two. Or perhaps you'd rather be sipping a coffee, enjoying a focaccia or slurping on an ice cream from the onboard kiosk. The twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each. Operating Times The all weather ferries leave every hour on the hour, 7am to 6pm, 365 days of the year. A 7pm departure operates from December 26th until the end of the state of Victoria Daylight Saving. Passengers with vehicles are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The ferries depart from Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier, Sorrento. Melway references map 157 C7 (Sorrento) and map 499 J10(Queenscliff). Special Features On the 40-minute journey, unparalleled views of historic lighthouses, the Point Nepean fortifications, navigational features, seals and dolphins are available from the comfortable lounge areas, cafe style seating or numerous observation decks.

Wallington

Adventure Park

Super charge your summer at Victoria's biggest theme park! Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia. Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just ten minutes from Geelong boasts 21 exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family! Just some of the ways you can make a gigantic splash and enjoy the unlimited rides all day long include: - Raft the roaring rapids on The River Torrent Lazy River, with twisting tides and swirling gauntlets along a tropical river oasis - Speed down head first and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Six Lane Aqua Racer, a speed slide for the serious thrill-seekers which can take you up to 40km per hour - Race down The Gold Rush Rapids in a speedy 20 seconds and take the two metre plunge - Take a splash in the dark on the Wild West Canyon on a two-seater raft, experiencing twists and 360 degree turns! Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun. On dry land, families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Electric Cars, try a hand at Archery, discover the new Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of Mini Golf, take a leisurely ride on the Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes and watch the world go by on the Classic Carousel. Bring in a picnic, hire a barbecue and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

Wallington

Bellarine Adventure Golf

Set on six acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, Bellarine Adventure Golf has two magnificent 18 hole courses. They are great for any weather with both courses providing plenty of shelter from the sun or rain. Each course incorporates real sand and water hazards to keep you on your toes and those scores honest. People of all ages can play and they have putters to suit the smallest of kids through to the biggest.

Geelong

National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store close to the vibrant new Waterfront Geelong. The Museum is Australia's largest comprehensive museum of wool, showcasing the region's wool story - from the sheep's back to the clothes rack, and from the birth of the industry in the 1840's to its place in the world today. Central to the Museum experience is the 1910 built Axminster Jacquard carpet loom. Daily demonstrations by the Museum's skilled carpet weavers show how the loom works, and at the same time produce the Museum's own "Manor House Rug", available for purchase through the Museum Shop. The Museum has two permanent galleries telling the Australian story of wool. The first, "The Wool Harvest", looks at sheep farming and wool production. Exploring the pastoral aspect of wool in Australia, visitors can follow the path of the fleece through shearing, classing, wool pressing and dispatch. A recreated shearing shed and a film about shearing demonstrate what life in the shearing industry was like. Shearing demonstrations can be arranged for group bookings. Gallery Two, "From Fleece to Fabric", looks at the processing of wool into fabric and offers an insight into the people and processes involved in the textile industry. A sequential display of the machinery actually used in the process demonstrates the transformation of fleece to fabric. The Museum also has an exciting annual calendar of temporary exhibitions and events. On the Ground Floor, the Museum Shop stocks a wide range of woollen products and unique local crafts while Black Sheep Cafe & Restaurant offers great food, wines, coffee and cakes. The Museum is fully wheel chair accessible and there are accessible parking spaces located directly in front of the Museum. Bus parking and group tours are also available.

Geelong Waterfront

Geelong Scenic Boat Cruise

Freedom Bay Cruises can give you the best view of Geelong! Located at Steampacket Quay on the beautiful Waterfront the 40 minute tour travels around Cunningham Pier, past boats, port facilities and the Art Deco Eastern Beach. All cruises include a full commentary and both inside seating and outside viewing areas. Freedom can take up to 60 passengers and cruises depart on the hour from 11am to 4pm, weekends and school holidays. Cruises are suitable for all ages with ample room for prams and wheelie frames. Crew are happy to assist passengers board the boat via the gangplank and four steps. Groups can pre book exclusive cruises on Freedom during the week, minimum numbers required. Freedom is also available for private parties at an hourly rate. For further information please visit the web site.

Geelong

Eastern Beach

The art-deco swimming enclosure at Eastern Beach has been a Geelong favourite for generations. Built in the 1930’s, the ‘Promenade’ is a wooden structure built in an arc, great for walking on a warm evening. The swimming area also has a large tower and diving boards. There is a separate children’s pool that is enclosed and paved. On shore, there is a fantastic adventure playground with plenty of spectator seats for the grown ups. There are large areas of lawn perfect for picnics or, depending on the season, a kick of the football or a game of cricket. There are toilet and dressing room facilities, and the beach is patrolled by lifesavers during summer. There is also a restaurant / café / kiosk on site. The whole area is set amongst grassy hills and enormous trees, and several of the buildings in the precinct are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Wallington

A Maze'n Games on Bellarine

A Maze 'n Games offers fun activities for the whole family to stimulate your relaxation. Lose yourself or the kids in one of Australia's largest timber mazes, relax and try a game of mini golf on the 18 hole mini golf course, or try and solve some of the large range of puzzles. You can relax your mind inside the cafe with coffee and delicious, home-made cakes or light snacks. You could also enjoy the great BBQ facilities undercover while the kids explore the playgrounds. Enjoy browsing in the spacious shop, which has an extensive range of clever gifts for all ages; many are set up for you to try.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Railway

The Bellarine Railway traverses Victoria's beautiful Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, between the historic coastal town of Queenscliff and the hinterland village of Drysdale. The railway hugs the water around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale. Australia's unique railway experience.

Near Lethbridge

Fairy Park

Fairy Park is a place dedicated to story telling of fairy tales and ancient myths and legends. A spectacular rocky hilltop has been crafted into a truly unique place where family and friends come to relax and enjoy a day out together in a tranquil environment. Most visitors spend the day but if you are in a hurry allow a couple of hours to get a feel for the place. The three main areas that combine to form Fairy Park are the Fairytale Land, Camelot Playground and the Elephant Rock Picnic Grounds. Suitable for the young and the young at heart, Fairy Park will delight and intrigue all those who make take the journey.

Werribee

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Why travel thousands of kilometres, when a taste of African adventure is available just 30 minutes from Melbourne's city centre? At Werribee Open Range Zoo, you'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and discover a family of hippos at the Kubu River Hippos exhibit. No trip to the Zoo is complete without heading out on safari across grassy plains where you'll find rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah. All of the above, including the 45-minute safari tour, is included in the Zoo admission price. For those looking for even more adventure, then why not try one of the behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters. Touch a rhino, feed a giraffe, stroke a serval and see amazing animals up close from the Open Vehicle. Upcoming new attractions include: the opening of one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits in September 2011; the relaunch of the new luxury Slumber Safari overnight accommodation in Spring 2011, and the new "Open Range, Open Late" summer concert series. Visit website for more details.

Near Werribee

You Yangs

Rising from the flat, volcanic plains between Geelong and Melbourne, the granite peaks of the You Yangs are a terrific destination for many outdoor activities. Walk to Flinders Peak for panoramic views of Geelong, Corio Bay, the Western Districts and beyond. There are several walking tracks within the park catering for varying abilities. The You Yangs are popular for mountain biking; the two designated mountain bike areas offer 50km of track. The park is also popular for rock climbing, abseiling and horse riding and there are BBQ and picnic areas available, as well as toilets.

Queenscliff

Explorer Tour

Come aboard South Bay Eco Adventures, our purpose-built, fast and comfortable eco tour boat for an unforgettable two and a half hour tour of southern Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. View Port Phillip Heads from a new perspective and explore areas only accessible by boat. This is a diverse and dynamic Explorer Tour which changes to compliment the weather conditions. It's an unforgettable two and half hour round trip which explores Southern Port Phillip Bay.

Queenscliff

Discovery Tour

The 1 hour and 15 minute Discovery tour will take you out of Queenscliff Harbour to view Port Phillip Heads from the water, discovering a different perspective of Southern Port Phillip Bay. The history of the Port Phillip Bay lighthouses and shipping channels will be highlighted as South Bay Eco Adventures traverse the bay to Point Nepean. Point Nepean offers glimpses of the notorious rip, unveiling the shipwreck past of the early settlers and the present day technology and services allowing ships to enter the Port of Melbourne. As we drift pass Fort Nepean into Nepean Bay Marine National Park, the rich military history of Port Phillip Bay will be unravelled. Nepean Bay offers a sheltered view port of the Bay, with views back to Queenscliff.

Geelong

Geelong Shopping

As Victoria’s largest regional town, there are loads of shopping options in Geelong. The central city area has a high concentration of malls with major department stores and chains, as well as a good mix of specialty shops and independent boutiques. There are fairly large-scale shopping centres in major suburbs such as Belmont, Waurn Ponds and Corio. Pakington Street, running through Newtown and Geelong West, is vibrant and fashionable. Shops here tend to be independent and perfect for finding on-trend fashion or unique homewares.

Geelong

Geelong Waterfront

Building their city on a North-facing bay was a stroke of genius for the forefathers of Geelong. Generations later, residents and visitors alike are enjoying the benefits of the area collectively known as 'The Waterfront'. Stretching from Eastern Beach around to Rippleside, the area incorporates many restaurants and cafes on the water's edge. There are places for kids to play, from open grassy areas to some of the biggest and best playgrounds in the region. There are kids attractions including the carousel, a miniature train ride and a skate park. Seasonally there are also bungee trampolines and a giant ferris wheel. Childrens attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do.

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 Geelong

Avalon Raceway

Avalon Raceway first opened in the summer of 1976 which saw the dream of brothers Doug and Norm Drew come true. Both had been active drivers around the region and with the closure of Torquay Speedway saw the Drew Family build the Speedway on the land in Old Melbourne Road, Lara. Since that time the family have strived to improve the venue and along the way have created a number of Blue Ribbon Events that are nationally recognised. The early years saw Solo and Sidecars as the major drawcard attracting world champions Ole Olsen, Barry Biggs, Ivan Mauger, along with touring English Lions teams and European champions battle with legendary Phil Crump, while the sidecar action was nothing short of incredible with an Australian Championship and numerous Victorian Titles contested with the introduction of more clay content in the early 90's saw the demise of bike racing and the emergence of Sprintcar Racing which today Avalon Raceway holds a number of events which are highly rated on the national scene. These include the newly created Invitational Jackpot, the Presidents Cup, World Series Sprintcars and Round One of the Easter Trail. Avalon also hosts major events for its other classes as well. The K Rock Cup a major Super Sedan Show, West Coast Classic, Victoria's longest running Modified Production Feature plus major events for V8 Dirt Modifieds, Street Stocks, Speedcars and AMCA'.

Geelong

Combat Laser Strike Geelong

Laser Strike is a safe and exciting outdoor laser skirmish, laser tag based in The Basin, Gembrook, Geelong, Warrnambool, Mansfield-Benalla, Phillip Island, Mt Buller and Mobile! The laser skirmish guns shoot harmless beams of infra-red light, they work both indoors and outdoors, make lots of noise and have sensors on the target lighting up to show a 'hit'. Each hit reduces available health points, until the player gets "killed or retired" from the game. There are several different weapons on offer including short-range sub-machine guns through to long-range telescopic sniper rifles, each with its own tactics and uses. Many different tactical missions and scenarios are battled out and are to be won or lost. Teams must work together on their planning and strategy to achieve their aims and objectives. Games and sessions available both during the day and at night. Laser Strike and it's combat simulation is just like paintball but without the pain or the bruises and is great for birthday parties, sports teams, corporate team building events, school and university groups, social clubs and groups, hens and bucks parties and individuals Laser Strike is also 100% fully mobile. Yes, Combat Laser Strike can come to you! Best of all ----ANY AGE CAN PLAY!

Geelong

Moorabool Valley Chocolate

Moorabool Valley Chocolate is a small family-owned business. The chocolates are carefully hand-made in the new chocolate kitchen attached to an 80-year-old farmhouse on the outskirts of Geelong. Moorabool Valley Chocolate use fresh ingredients and natural flavourings, locally sourced whenever possible. They are always experimenting with new flavours and combinations to add to the product range, which means that the range is constantly changing. Moorabool Valley Chocolate make truffles, pralines, fruit and nut clusters, chocolate bars and novelty items. They respond to consumers' needs and will do the best to create the chocolate you want. Most of the chocolates have no preservatives, so it is recommended that you store them in a cool place and consume them as soon as possible. The owner and chocolatier, Lynne Meek, was awarded second prize, Hand-Made Chocolates, Royal Melbourne Show 2006.

Geelong

Old Geelong Gaol

The Old Geelong Gaol is open from 1pm - 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, school and public holidays. The museum has a great variety of displays that tell the history of the gaol and visitors get hands on experience of the harsh conditions prisoners and staff endured at the facility. Visitors can experience solitary confinement cells, get a taste of prison life, meet some infamous figures who have spent time at the gaol and see the original hallows.

Queenscliff

Queenscliffe Historical Museum

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum is situated in Hesse Street between the Post-Office and Library, in the township of Queenscliff. Opened in 1974, specifically to house socially historical materials peculiar to the Borough of Queenscliffe (which includes Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Swan Island) the museum is home to many thousands of items including photographs, documents, paintings, newspapers and toys, just to mention a few. There is also a display of shipwreck relics recognised by Heritage Victoria. From 1838 the maritime history began with services offered by pilots such as George Tobin, and lighthouse keepers and signal masters such as Captain John Preston at Point Lonsdale. The story of the Borough of Queenscliffe is displayed through a representative selection from the Museum's collections of personal memorabilia, household artefacts, furniture, maps, photographs, documents and works of art. This rich source of information complements the hundreds of personal documents and diaries that have been donated by descendants of pioneers. Many of the visitors just enjoy looking at the past, but increasingly it has been found that research is often the reason for a visit. Whether you are a local resident checking on family history, local property titles or a student preparing a project, you will not be disappointed with the resources available. When next in Queenscliff pay the Queenscliffe Historical Museum a visit and become immersed in the pioneering days that made the township what it is today.

Queenscliff

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum was built in 1986 to display Queenscliff's last Lifeboat. Since then, the Museum has expanded to cover the maritime history of Queenscliff and Southern Port Phillip. This history includes the Bay Steamersd Weeroona, Hygeia, and Ozone. Old post cards of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, artefacts from shipwrecks, a display of early diving equipment including a divers suit and helmet air compressor and early scuba equipment. The Museum houses a unique hydrographic model of "The Rip" which shows the underwater contours at Port Phillip Heads and the shipping channel, a display which tells the fascinating history of the Port Phillip Sea Pilots and a work boat from the Pilot cutter "Wyuna". An extensive history of Victorian Lighthouses including flashers, lamps globes and intact fresnel lenses are also displayed. On display are artefacts and a history of the Chinese fishermen, the couta fishermen and a restored Fisherman's Cottage. The boat shed contains the history of the early Queenscliff boat builders, couta boats, boatbuilding tools, outboard and early marine motors and an oar making machine. In the Museum grounds you will discover the heritage listed Fishermen's Waiting Shed from the old fisherman's pier which holds the world renowned ship paintings by Henry Zanoni, the deck house from the "Shandon", an iron sailing ship built in 1883. An array of channel markers, buoys and anchors and the hull of the torpedo boat "Lonsdale" are buried in the grounds of the Museum Museum volunteers conduct tours of Point Lonsdale Lighthouse every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 1.00pm at half hourly intervals Price $6.00 - $4.00 (children under 5 years not admitted). Annual Event: Maritime Collectables Swap Meet - first Sunday in December each year.

Geelong Waterfront

Royal Geelong Yacht Club

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is recognised as one of Australia's premier Yacht Clubs and boasts a proud history that stretches 150 years. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club plays host to many major yachting events that cover every facet of sailing from International Cadet racing, Etchell class racing, high octane skiff regattas, club based keel boat sailing, all the way through to Australia's oldest sporting event, Audi Victoria Week held annually on the Australia Day long weekend. The excellent facilities give members the opportunity to enjoy true absolute waterfrontage and enjoy the best view that any yacht club can offer. Take in the views from the Members' Lounge, the Marina Cafe deck or the upstairs balcony. No other facility in Geelong can match the location! Members enjoy subsidised bar prices, access to member exclusive dining and private BBQ facilities that are completely cost free. These are just the beginning of member benefits as there is also a busy social calendar of events to select from. A first class cadet facility provides young sailors with the opportunity to learn from some very accomplished club sailors who include State, National and even World Champions. Novice sailors will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to develop new skills and new friendships. The modern club house allows members and the public to access fresh new conference and meeting rooms, with a larger room that is perfect for corporate events, wedding receptions or other significant events. The many catering options that they provide will suit any occasion. Please call if you have any inquiry, or search the website for concise information on every aspect of The Royal Geelong Yacht Club, drop in to view the facilities or contact by phone or e-mail.

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.

Geelong

Stand up Paddle Boarding

Stand Up Paddle-boarding, or SUP, is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world for adults and kids. SUP lessons, tours and fitness classes are now being offered on Geelong Waterfront, Ocean Grove main beach, and Barwon Heads. These locations are perfect places to learn Stand Up Paddle-boarding in a safe, fun and protected environment. WSUP offers lessons, tours and fitness classes weather permitting. Stand up paddle boarding lessons are a fantastic way to get into the sport and start your journey to the unknown, while enduring general fitness, strengthening and core muscles and balance or just paddling your favourite waterway. SUP lessons are great for groups, families, corporate and school groups. The experienced and qualified instructors ensure water safety, paddling technique, equipment, and of course fun are provided in each lesson, every time. WSUP instructors can assist in the selection of the right equipment for your level of skill. SUP also supply packages of boards, paddles and leg-ropes for purchase.

Geelong

Waterfront Train Tours and Bungy Trampoline

20 minute Waterfront Geelong train tours run from the Carousel to Eastern beach pools and return. 20 minutes rides leave every half hour, or quarter hour on busy days. Operates weekends, school and public holidays, all year. More than a kids ride! Enjoy the Four Bay Bungy Trampoline with a five minute jump guarantee, longer when there is no queue. Next to Carousel, Steampacket Place, September to Mothers Day, weekends, school and public holidays. Somersault and jump to seven metres high! Weather permitting. Events on and off site for trackless train and onsite for Bungy Trampoline.

Geelong

Balyang Sanctuary Geelong

A haven for waterbirds and popular with picnicking families, Balyang Sanctuary is situated in Geelong suburb Newtown. The centrepiece of the nine hectare park is a lake with three islands – two connected by bridges and the third retained as a safe nesting place for native birds. Feathered residents at the sanctuary include swans, pelicans, Eurasian coot, dusky moorhen, Pacific black duck, mallard, pied cormorant, geese and silver gulls There are also shady grassed areas, picnic areas, a rotunda, free parking and public toilet facilities.

Barwon Heads

Beaches near Barwon Heads

At Barwon Heads, the coast trends due west for 7 km to Black Rocks. The first 2 km are dominated by calcarenite rocks and reefs, which outcrop on the beach and in the surf. These divide the coast into three beaches. The first (285) is below Point Finders and is a 50 m pocket of sand facing south-east and bordered by rock platforms and reefs. The two Barwon Heads beaches (286, 287) face south and are more exposed, with higher waves and patchy reefs. These conditions result in a wide, low gradient beach, rock flat and surf, with persistent and some permanent rips against the reefs. All three beaches are easily accessible. There is a car park and a lookout on Point Flinders, and car parks on the Torquay Road, which parallels the two Barwon Heads beaches. Swimming Point Flinders is relatively safe close inshore, however there are rocks and reefs off the beach. The Barwon Heads beaches are both potentially hazardous, owing to the higher waves, reefs and strong permanent rips. Surfing There are several breaks along this section, mostly reef breaks that work best at higher tide, with a low to moderate swell and north winds. Those immediately west of Point Flinders are called The Hole. Fishing There are excellent rip holes and gutters next to the reefs, together with rocks and reefs to fish from at low tide. General A reef dominated section of coast, most suitable for beach fishing and experienced surfers. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Bluff

The tidal flows at the mouth of the Barwon River have created an amazing landscape at the Barwon Heads Bluff. It is one of the best spots in the region to observe marine life in rockpools. More than 90% of the creatures found at the Bluff are only found in Southern Australia and nowhere else in the world. The Bluff has an enormous diversity of seaweeds from tiny encrusting pink coralline algae to mighty forests of giant and bull kelps. There are many different species of fish, snails, seastars, and other invertebrates that all make the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary their home. The high lookout at the bluff has views towards Port Phillip Heads to the east and along the Surf Coast to the West.

Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach is part of the 7 km long section of coast between Barwon Heads and Black Rock. It occupies the western 4.5 km and faces essentially due south. The beach receives waves averaging 1.5 m, is moderately sloping and is fronted by a single bar, dominated by rips every 250 m. The beach is backed by a vegetated foredune for most of its length, and the Barwon Heads to Torquay Road. The best access is provided at the surf lifesaving club, with additional car parks and access tracks located along the road. The surf club, founded in 1961, is the only development on what is a relatively natural beach. Its members rescue 5 people on average each year. Swimming Rips are a common feature of the beach, with safest bathing on the bars in the patrolled area. Strong permanent rips lie east of the surf club. The western end is adjacent to the Black Rock sewer outlet and should be avoided. Surfing A popular surfing beach with low to moderate swell providing numerous beach breaks, all readily accessible from the main road. One of the more popular areas is in front of the shipping beacon, known as The Beacon. Best with northerly winds. Fishing A good, natural spot for beach fishing, with good road access to the numerous rip holes that persist along the beach. General A relatively undeveloped beach, more popular with surfers and bathers who want a patrolled beach away from the crowds. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 50 General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

A winter escape to Apollo Bay with overnight accommodation for two, three course dinner and continental breakfast

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.

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package including 2 nights, sparkline wine, fine handmade chocolates and flowers.

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

Includes self-contained two bedroom Apartment, kids eat free at Latitude-38 restaurant, 20% discount off day spa.

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.

Family Activities

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