Romantic Getaway & Weddings, Geelong, Great Ocean Road Journey, Victoria, Australia

Walks along windswept beaches, wine by an open fire (or, in summer, on a balcony overlooking the ocean) or finding a secret spot in the rainforest for a picnic - sounds like old fashioned Hollywood romance, but it's all possible in the region.

The spectacular scenery of the Great Ocean Road area adds a sense of grandeur to a holiday for two, but there are many more things for couples to do that will let the love flow.

Share an amazing meal at an award winning country restaurant, a pub with a view or on a patch of sand. Explore wineries, meet the winemaker and learn a little about the craft so you have a better appreciation of wines you both enjoy.

Experience new things together as a couple, like a horseback trail ride, a zip line adventure, learning to scuba dive or swimming with wild dolphins. Or take a paddle at sunset to view the elusive platypus in the wild at Lake Elizabeth - such a special encounter that will hold strong memories of quality time spent together.

There are terrific accommodation properties in the region perfect for a romantic retreat. Think king sized beds, luxurious appointments, open fires and double spas.

With so much love in the air, Geelong, Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road are terrific destinations for weddings. Within an hour and a half of the Melbourne CBD there are stunning venues, photo locations and regional centres with the full range of services and facilities you'd expect when organising your nuptials.

Things to See & Do

Geelong

Eulung Day Spa

Eulung Day Spa embraces everything beautiful about a healthy body, mind and spirit. Come on the journey of relaxation and renewal to discover a more vibrant you. Experience the Equisite Aveda skin, body, massage and hair treatments at Eulung Day Spa an Aveda Concept Salon and Spa. Features include a dual room, relaxation lounge and sensational Thermal M Steam and Vichy Cocoon.

Geelong Waterfront

The Beach House

The Promenade Restaurant is located on the top floor of the historic Eastern Beach House, with outstanding views it is the perfect spot to dine for any occasion. The restaurant offers delicious menus, quality wine list and friendly efficient service. The Beach House is the perfect spot to dine out for special occasions or for that spontaneous night out. They offer dining for an intimate table of two or large group bookings.

Geelong

The Heights Heritage House and Garden

*Closed for December 2011* The house and 'old world' garden at The Heights dates back to the 1850s. The house was built in 1855 and is remarkable for being the largest (14 rooms) German, prefabricated house in Victoria. During the 1930s, the building was extensively altered to reflect contemporary taste although the extensive gardens, stables, outbuildings and water tower survive intact from the 19th century. The heights retains a small collection of fine Georgian furniture collected by the last owners, Louis and Marnie Whyte. Early 1860s plantings still dominate this beautiful Geelong garden today and the aged oaks and conifers provide great delight to visitors. Garden or self-guided garden walks are available.

Geelong

The Pier

The Pier Geelong is a beautifully designed, versatile and comfortable function venue. Catering for up to 700 guests seated or 1100 guests' cocktail style as one spacious room, or make use of the internal dividing walls create two smaller rooms with your choice of the Hopetoun Room or the Lillias Room that also offers a terrace. Also included in the events area is a boardroom with water and city views perfect for private meetings. Dining is only part of the experience of Baveras Brasserie. The weathered beauty of the restaurant, 250 metres out over Corio Bay, gives it a sense of old grandeur, complimented by an extensive wine list and an elegant al carte menu created by our experienced and passionate team of chefs. Baveras is on the eastern side of Cunningham Pier. With its own entrance, pre dinner drinks area and an elegantly designed restaurant. The newly renovated restaurant is now open seven days a week for a tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner (except Sunday night). The Piers boutique bar on level one. Enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday, house made gourmet pizzas plus a great grazing menu, extensive wine and cocktail list and premium beer with the best views in town. Warm up next to the double sided fireplace and play retro board games! A Japanese chef will have your mouth watering for more. City Quarter is available to be privately booked Monday- Wednesday and function space is available to be booked from Thursday- Sunday.

Geelong

Truffleduck

Truffleduck was established in Geelong in 1988 and since then has grown to be regarded by many as Geelong's premier caterer. Whether it is a wedding, birthday, conference, seminar, trade show, product launch or just a special occasion, the venue "Balmoral" is the perfect venue. Stunning architecturally designed renovations have created a fabulous multifunctional space capable of accommodating up to 250 guests for your event. The gorgeous gardens and idyllic outlook compliments the great versatility of the venue. Perfect for any Geelong catering. Truffleduck's repertoire extends beyond the venue offering the same exceptional service at any location. The versatility and resources allows Truffleduck to create your vision no matter where it may be. Truffleduck is affiliated with many unique venues in the region who welcome the expertise for your event. From an empty canvas of rolling hills which could be transformed with an extravagant marquee, to the unique and diverse space of an historical building, Truffleduck can make any event come to life. Truffleduck caters for a wide range of tastes and celebrate food by creating it with fresh, seasonal and regional produce. The exquisite style of food represents anything from delicious finger food, mini meals, sweet pieces, plated dishes, gourmet buffets and various plattered affairs. Created for you! Combine Truffleduck's exceptional food and service with the region's outstanding wines and locations and you really can showcase Geelong as a vibrant, unique and interesting region for any special Geelong Catering event!

Geelong

Baveras Brasserie

Come experience the newly renovated Geelong restaurant, Baveras Brasserie,where dining is only part of the experience. Baveras Brasserie is on the eastern side of the weathered beauty that is Cunningham Pier, 250 metres out over Corio Bay. With views extending across the bay to the city skyline and the yacht club, Baveras Brasserie is one of the finest Geelong Restaurants. With a pre-dinner drinks area and a gorgeously designed interior, complimented by an extensive wine list and a casual yet elegant menu, dining at Baveras Brasserie is an indulgence for the senses. Their Geelong restaurant is the perfect setting for not just a family celebration, a first date, an anniversary, a proposal, a business lunch or dinner or a birthday but also a gourmet breakfast, an informal lunch or relaxing casual dinner. The food is prepared by passionate people. The menu is influenced by the seasons and the produce of our surrounding area. Baveras Brasserie is open seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Barwon Heads

Beach House Barwon Heads

Beach House Barwon Heads has been operational for over two and a half years, in the once Barwon Heads fire station. This beautifully renovation venue is a fusion of café and restaurant styles. A relaxed café environment during the day, serving the town's best coffee, makes way for magnificent modern Australian cuisine and a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience in the evening hours.

Geelong Pakington Street

endota day spa Geelong

endota Geelong, the day spa Geelong turns to for truly tempting treatments. endota spa Geelong has recently received several awards. endota's franchisee of the year runners up for 2011. 2011 Geelong Business Awards finalist for Health and Wellbeing Small Business. Located one hour South West of Melbourne, on the Bellarine Peninsula, day spa heaven awaits. This polished Bellarine day spa sits on Geelong's brilliant, busy Pakington St. But inside, sublime spa massage, organic facials and spa body treatments melt stress away. endota day spa Geelong's five eco-fabulous treatment rooms include a double room for group or couples' day spa treatments. Get in for the best Bellarine beauty therapy. The greatest Geelong massage. Manicure or pedicure with a friend in the double treatment room. If it's just the bits n bods you need done they also offer waxing, tinting and spray tans. For your product needs they stock endota organic skincare, endota glycolic skincare and dermalogica. You belong in endota day spa Geelong.

Torquay

Peppers The Sands

Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay offers a premium golf resort accommodation experience, just moments from the beautiful beaches of Torquay. Located just one hour from Melbourne and 20 minutes from Geelong, Peppers The Sands resort offers the perfect short break escape. Perched on the north headland of Torquay, the modern, sleek design of Peppers The Sands Resort, provides a stunning environment to retreat and relax. Comprising two interconnecting, three level buildings, the design offers privacy and breathtaking views over the surrounding region The 112 accommodation rooms feature spacious room layouts with private balconies, tasteful furnishings and flat-screen TV's. Suites offer separate lounge and dining spaces with premium facilities. Providing unique points of difference in each of the hotels guest rooms redefines the experience as truly individual. A host of facilities and activities are provided on-site. Enjoy the stunning location while playing a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course & relax with a drink at the Clubhouse. Refresh the body with a swim in the heated indoor lap pool or a work-out in the resort gymnasium. The on-site Restaurant & Bar provides gourmet dining in a stylish yet casual atmosphere, providing the perfect ambience for an enjoyable evening. Chefs will create a range of delights from fresh local produce with an emphasis on crisp flavours that are well matched to the international wine list. A comprehensive conference and event centre caters for corporate groups and private functions. Peppers The Sands Resort also provides stylish facilities for Weddings and can be catered to your requirements. The internationally recognised Bells Beach is just ten minutes away and this area is fast becoming renowned for its boutique wineries, restaurants, fishing, surfing, and scenic tours along the coast.

Torquay

Wyndham Resort Torquay

Ideally positioned opposite Zeally Bay Beach at the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Wyndham Resort Torquay is the most romantic escape on Victoria's Surf Coast. With sweeping, panoramic ocean views and stunning grounds, this spectacular resort beckons fun-seekers, families and hopeless romantics alike. The resort features stylish guest rooms and spacious apartments, most with their own private balconies or patios which overlook the swimming pool, gardens or the beach. Outstanding facilities and exceptional service make Wyndham Resort Torquay one-of-a-kind. The impressive facilities include an outdoor resort style swimming pool and spa pool, an indoor heated lap pool, barbecue area, a fully equipped gym and tennis court, Latitude-38 Restaurant & Bar, Sand Bar, day spa and 6 superb conference & meeting venues. Torquay has been a much-loved destination for Victorians since the early 1900s. Scenic walking tracks extend through much of the town's foreshore, and sensational views can be enjoyed from Yellow Bluff and at Point Danger with its Anzac Memorial perched high above the ocean on the headland. Home to world famous Bells Beach, the Rip Curl Surfing Pro and the birthplace of iconic surf brands, Quicksilver and Ripcurl, Torquay is Victoria's surfing capital. From its amazing beaches to its surf factory outlets, Torquay invites you to immerse in surf culture. Torquay is also the official start of the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most spectacular coastal drives which covers over 200 kilometres of the south-western Victorian coast, passing through areas such as the scenic Otway Ranges and the rugged Shipwreck Coast west of Cape Otway.

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.

Portarlington

Bellarine Estate

The historic seaside villages of the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula are a pleasant drive down the road from this small vineyard by the highway. Overlooking the vineyard and with views over Corio Bay, Bellarine Estate offers wine tastings from their Bellarine Estate range, as well as their Portarlington Ridge Label. In addition, beer tastings from the Bellarine Brewing Company's micro-brewed range are also available. This is beer with attitude, perfect for the first time beer drinker and loved by the mature palate of a seasoned connoisseur. Established: 1996 Wine Region: Geelong Owners: Liz and Peter Kenny Winemaker: Anthony Brain Open: 7 days 11am - 4pm. Lunch Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm Wines: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz. Wine Prices: $10.00-$36.00 Beers: Pale & Celtic style Ales, Lager, Bitter & Mussel Stout Beer Prices: Bottle $5, 6pack $24.90, case $79.20 Food: Casual Cellar Door lunch menu weekends only Functions: Up to 100 people. Weddings: Up to 100 people.

Torquay

Endota Torquay

endota is an indigenous Australian word meaning beautiful. endota spa is the fresh, soothing, all-Australian day spa at home near you. Here, wellness is the way. Laidback and friendly, endota spa welcomes absolutely everyone. Flawless walls. Timber benches. Essential oils meandering on the air. A billabong footbath lapping at your feet. Lap up certified, Australian organic ingredients in every spa treatment, and at home, soak up certified organic endota skincare. endota spa provide ahhhh-mazing space for sidling in and chilling out. And ahhh-inspiring business opportunities for motivated day spa franchisees - we're Australia's largest day spa network, and Australia's most successful day spa franchise system.

Drysdale

Leura Park Estate

'Comfy Leura Park makes a welcome detour from the highway that runs past on the other side of the hedge out front. Tall pines and a peaceful, pastoral landscape form the backdrop, and the charming cellar door is full of personality with sculpture outside, quirky features, rustic furnishings and Leunig's 'Lonely Voyage' over the fireplace inside. There's music every Sunday, and food might range through antipasto platters and yum cha goodies to meats and poultry cooked on sizzling hot granite at your table. A new winery has just been commissioned to further improve the already superb quality of the estate's Chardonnay, Shiraz and sparkling wines.' Ralph Kyte-Powell Situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula - Leura Park Estate produces premium cool climate wines of a distinctive and delightful French-style subtlety. Leura Park Estate wines are 100 per cent estate grown and predominantly hand-picked. Specialist chardonnay and pinot noir are crafted with cellaring in mind and released after a minimum of two years in bottle. Pinot gris, marketed under the 25 d'Gris label sells out within six months of release but can be secured via cellar door and mail order request. Each vintage a fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blanc emerges to showcase the unique nuances of cool climate terroir. The newest star is proving to be the tiny shiraz block, which has established itself as a proven producer of flavours reminiscent of Northern Rhone Syrah. Also on offer is exclusively roasted coffee as well as an extensive range of organic, loose leaf teas. Established: 1995 Wine Region: Geelong Winemaker: Steve Webber Owners: David and Lyndsay Sharp Cellar Door: Manager - Keryn Bailey Wines: Leura Park Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, 25 d'Gris(Pinot Gris), Pinot Noir, Shiraz. Price: $18.50-$35.00 Food: Seasonal culinary offerings, stunning cheese platters,antipasto, biscotti. Functions: Up to 60 people.

Wallington

Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant and Cellar Door

'Beside the road linking the northern Bellarine Peninsula with the 'sea-change' towns at the start of the Surf Coast, quirky Oakdene is full of lively, arty charm. An eclectic collection of sculpture, paintings and other pieces is woven through the restaurant and cellar door, and there's a brightness and sense of fun about the place that's very winning. It conceals some fine dining, plush Bed and breakfast accommodation to save you from driving home, and a vineyard providing well-made wines.' RALPH KYTE-POWELL Oakdenes Boutique Vineyard and award winning restaurant is situated in the maritime region of the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong, approximately 90 kilometres from Melbourne. Oakdene's cool climate wines are produced in limited quantities from estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect true varietal character. The award winning Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant offers a relaxed and memorable experience that you will never forget. An original 1920's homestead Oakdene has been beautifully restored and boasts an eclectic, lush art garden setting offering dining, accommodation, wine tasting and tours of the vineyard. Cellar Door is open daily from 10am offering wine tasting and sales, complimenting lunch or dinner at Oakdene restaurant from Wednesday to Sunday, boutique accommodation open daily, Oakdene also caters for weddings and special events. Group bookings are welcomed by appointment only. Oakdene Vineyards is a place to experience, not just a place to visit.

Jan Juc

Saltair Spa Retreat

Only one hour from the Westgate Bridge you'll find 'Saltair Spa Retreat'. 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. 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. Treatments start as little as $40 and retreat packages start from $90. Using and recommend 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 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. Body treatments, geisha tub, hydrotherapy, massage, facials, oxygen treatments, hand and foot treatments, escape packages, retreat packages, colon hydrotherapy, spray tans, waxing and tinting and accommodation options available.

Torquay

Wyndham Resort Torquay Day Spa

Indulge and unwind with a visit to Wyndham Resort Torquay Day Spa. With treatments designed to relax your body, soothe your soul and lift your spirits, the resort's day spa experience is all about you - nourishing, revitalising and providing a lift to your day and leaving you feeling re-energised and content. Choose from a selection of massage therapies such as Swedish, therapeutic, remedial and deep tissue or rejuvenating spa treatments. Wyndham Resort Torquay Day Spa uses the finest range of products including the Eminence organic skincare line which offers a truly exquisite experience with natural products free from artificial colours, fragrances and genetically modified ingredients. Eminence products are paraben, sulphate, mineral oil and petroleum free. Dermalogica skin care has become the preferred choice of skincare professionals worldwide. Let the professional skin therapists tailor a product program designed for maximum results for your skin. Treatments are customised to your skin and tailored to you, for a unique spa experience. Just relax, unwind and be pampered. Customised treatments for large or small groups are also available, contact the Day Spa to discuss your options. Special occasion make-up and waxing also available. Gift vouchers available.

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.

Romance & Weddings

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