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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 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

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.

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.

Lethbridge Wines

'Lethbridge Wines pursues ecologically sound principles across viticulture and winemaking, and the straw bale construction of the winery seems to reinforce the commitment. The Euro-accented wines are among the region's best. Complex Chardonnay, forceful Pinot Noir, savoury Shiraz, and an unusual, sweetish Riesling are high points. Cheese from nearby Meredith keeps good company with the wines, and recent recognition via a clean sweep of wine show trophies at Geelong and nomination as Australian Winemaker of the Year has cemented Lethbridge's place as a winery to watch.' Ralph Kyte-Powell At Lethbridge Wines 'Real Wine' is their passion, wines that are produced from fruit off carefully grown vines and made using traditional techniques allowing the true terroir to be expressed. The cellar door experience offered is quite unique. They have done away with the traditional bar and instead prefer to sit down with their visitors and show them their wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They like to be directly involved with their visitors and so it is usually Ray or Maree (owners and winemakers) who will take you through the range of wines providing first hand information on styles and winemaking techniques. Groups of eight or more and tours are also welcome - bookings essential. Often the groups enjoy some special barrels tastings and a behind the scenes winery tour, so if you are interested in this then please mention this at the time of booking. As the wines are made to be enjoyed with food, they offer a selection of local award winning Meredith Dairy farmhouse cheeses which can be tasted together with the wines. For those who would like to linger, they also offer Meredith cheese platters matched with a flight of wines which can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area looking onto the heritage rose garden.

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Experience the Del Rios winery which is located on the western slopes of Mt Anakie, an ancient volcano just west of Port Phillip Bay. This unique site produces chardonnay, marsanne, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. The vines are tended by hand, the fruit is hand harvested and the wines are handcrafted. Del Rios cool climate wines are made in small quantities, from premium estate grown fruit, produced in low yields using meticulous vine management in the vineyards. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect the true varietal character of the Anakie region. Visit the del Rios cellar door and Cafe@Anakie Ridge which is open every weekend for lunch from 12pm to 4 pm. Situated near the picturesque Brisbane ranges and with fabulous sweeping views to the You Yangs and Geelong, this is the ideal location for a nice lunch, catch up with friends and family and also enjoy tastings of the many award winning wines. The menu will include delicious spanish paella and tapas.

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.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from other parts of the region. There are a number of options for bushwalking ranging from short walks to three-day walks. This park is also popular for picnicking, scenic drives and camping. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

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.

Steiglitz Historic Park

Situated between Geelong and Ballarat, Steiglitz is almost a ghost town today but in the 1860s and 1890s it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1000. At the height of the 1860s gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1500 residents, four hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker. Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the Steiglitz Historic Park. Enjoy a pleasant bushwalk, relax with a picnic or pan for gold. Of course, a trip to the park wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Steiglitz Court House, with its display of photographs, maps and relics of gold year. The court house is open on Sunday and public holidays, and at other times by arrangement. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Masterclasses

Have the chance to sign up and attend a one hour Master Class in a private tasting room with real experts and media journalists from the food and wine industry. 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. Entry to these sessions is FREE to all ticket holders. Register your spot here at Extravaganza Master Class

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

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

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

A special romantic experience.

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

$225 per person twin share.

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Friday Fly Day - activate your winter!

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

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

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road. Accommodation, activities and dining specials are available at up to 66% off.

Visit goTravlr now.
 

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

What a time for a special romantic experience, a cosy three days by the fire in isolation by the ocean and available from 1 May until 31 July each year?

Pay for two nights and stay for three in a studio, one, two or three bedroom self-contained apartment with your own private balcony and spectacular views overlooking the ocean. Listen to the waves, warm by the gas log fire and enjoy everything that the Whitecrest Great Ocean Road Resort has to offer, including a selection of fine handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival.

What's included?

  • three nights accommodation for the price of two
  • a complementary gift box of locally handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival
  • a late checkout (up to 2pm)
  • optional romantic seafood dining experience at Apollo Bay's La Bimba restaurant

Offer is for off-peak periods with bookings required 7 days in advance.

Book here.

Contact Us

5230 Great Ocean Road, Wongarra,
Apollo Bay 3233, Victoria Australia
T. +61 3 5237 0228, F. +61 3 5237 0245
Email: info@whitecrestonline.com.au

 

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

The BIG4 Beacon Resort makes the perfect base for exploring all the attractions of beautiful classic Queenscliff and with this package you can enjoy the best of classic Queenscliff and one of the best Greens around. Secure this decadent deal by calling now!

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Bellarine King Room (twin share)
  • Breakfast Pack Daily
  • 27 Holes of Golf at the Lonsdale Golf Club
  • 6pm Late Check-Out
  • You may choose to swap golf for a day spa treatment (to the value of $65)

Conditions and availability apply. This great getaway is valid from 15th May 2013 to 20th December 2013. Quote "Golf Getaway" when booking.

Ph: 1800 351 152 to book.

 

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Book a Zip Line Eco-Tour for any Friday over Winter online at 10% off and also receive:

  • A Free Otway Fly Beanie
  • A Free Bowl of Soup or Devonshire Tea from the Black Snail Café.

Zip Line Eco Tour includes:

  • Guided 2.5 hour zip lining experience up to 30m high in the rainforest
  • Admission to the breathtaking Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
  • Safety briefing and harness

Book online at www.otwayfly.com.au

 

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two includes:

  • Accommodation for two in a Queen Studio or Villa
  • A continental a la carte breakfast
  • A three course dinner for two from our a la carte menu
  • Free parking
  • Free Internet in the lounge

Offer excludes alcohol and market price menu items.

From $350.00

Valid until October 31st.

To book call 03 5237 6411
or book online at www.chriss.com.au

 

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

Take a short break down the Great Ocean Road at Cumberland Lorne Resort with this terrific value package from $411 for a three night stay!

  • Self Contained Apartment located in the heart of Lorne
  • Private balcony, Corner Spa Bath and modern spacious living
  • Complimentary use of all facilities including indoor heated pool; spa; gymnasium; tennis and squash courts

Terms and conditions apply.

Valid until 6th June 2013.

To make a reservation call 1800 037 010 or email res@cumberland.com.au

 

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.

Phone: 1800 351 152 or visit BIG4 Beacon Resort Website for more information.
 

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. Enjoy fabulous bonuses including:

  • A $70 dinner voucher
  • Welcome pack including wine, chocolates and a breakfast basket
Stay between Sunday and Thursday nights and receive THREE nights accommodation for the same price.

T: 03 5254 1066
 

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Embrace the cooler temperatures, avoid the crowds and be warmed by the hospitality and open fires at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Stay on our B&B package to enjoy a fully cooked breakfast, complimentary three-course dinner and golf at our guest green fee rate.

  • Accommodation in a standard room with ensuite at Barwon Heads Golf Club
  • Fully cooked breakfast
  • Three course dinner
  • Golf available at our guest green fee rate

Address: Golf Links Rd, Barwon Heads, Victoria 3227

To book:

Phone: 03 5255 6255
Fax: 03 5255 6266
Website: www.bhgc.com.au
Email: reservations@bhgc.com.au

T&C's: Valid Monday to Thursday inclusive. Dress requirements apply.