Things to See & Do
Geelong to Lorne return with Gringos Motorcycle Tours; approximately three hours, including short stopover in Lorne for the chance to look at the shops and have a coffee.
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.
Victoria's historic coastal town of Queenscliff is home to the world's one and only Blues Train. It is a unique experience that combines four of Australia's best live acts and the beautiful scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula on the Drysdale Railway line while aboard a real moving vintage steam train. It is one of Australia's most spectacular entertainment experiences - it is a mini festival in one night and a progressive party you'll never forget.
Nothing captures the spirit of the blues quite like a steam train. Listening to the train whistle and the clickety-clack on the tracks you can imagine the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains as they were 'ridin' the blinds' around America's deep south.
The Blues Train leaves Queenscliff Railway Station after guests have enjoyed a delicious meal complemented by fine Australian and local wines. The steam train then makes its way along 16 kilometres of track, gently rocking from side to side, seemingly in beat with the music.
At each of the stops, Suma Park and Drysdale, revellers swap carriages to see another of the acts, so by the end of the night patrons have seen all four acts performing on the train. Drinks are available from the mobile bar that miraculously appears on each platform (from the converted guard's van). You can sit back, relax and listen to the music with a drinking on one of the seated carriages or get up and boogie the blues away in one of the dance carriages.
Please visit the website for the different show dates.
Mountain Bike and Kayak Expedition is all about discovering the local ecology, incredible wilderness and each other.
With Big Stick Adventures the adventure starts with a guided bike ride through countryside that ranges from dense bush land to cliff top ocean views; from incredible single track action to fast, long down hill descents that really gets the heart rate going.
Wildlife abounds as guests see kangaroos; echidnas; koalas; native bird life and more in their natural habitat.
After our final downhill descent we will change to kayaks for a calm paddle.
It's a change of pace as we paddle from the top of the river or through calm harbour waters to our expedition conclusion.
Paddle as hard and fast as you like or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The tranquil nature of the kayaks allows us to get up close and personal with mother nature.
This is an exciting, action packed expedition covering several peaks, valleys, stunning ocean views and an unspoilt wilderness.
Both adventures are fully guided with tuition and advice provided when and where required plus all equipment and safety gear.
A guided tour of Fort Queenscliff with a two course lunch includes fish and salad/vegetables and chicken salad/vegetables, apple slice and tea/coffee.
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.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the comforts of Geelong & Surfcoast Limo Bus while you are chauffeur driven around the Great Ocean Road. You customise the tour to your liking by choosing wherever you want to go and which venues you want to stop at.
An example tour would be;
Start by travelling through the lush Otway forest on the way down to Lorne for a relaxing lunch with maybe an optional wine tasting stop on the way. Leaving Lorne, cruise along the renowned Great Ocean Road passing through Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and then stopping at the famous Bells Beach. It's then on to Torquay for afternoon tea and a drive through its surfing retail strip before heading for home.
Approximate times are:
10:30am - Pick-up
11:30am - Wine tasting (optional)
12:30pm - Lunch : Lorne
3:30pm - Afternoon tea : Torquay
4:30pm - Drop-off
Meals and wine tasting fees are at your own expense.
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful ocean views on your way to the 12 Apostles.
Been surfing for a while and ready to take your surfing to the Next Level? No matter where you are at, our Video Analysis coaching can help you catch more waves, generate more speed through turns or help you to gain a better insight into problem areas.
The professional coaching surfing packages are aimed at anyone who has been surfing a while and can catch waves but would like to work on problem areas.
Whether you struggle with bottom turns, not knowing what to do on the wave or if you would like to hit the lip with more power or looking at perfecting your cutback, the Next Level Surf Coaching will help you gain more focus on your surfing.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. They will pick you up in Melbourne, stop to pick up the boards and wetsuits then it's off down the Great Ocean Road.
Great Ocean Road Surf Tours go through an initial two hour surfing lesson which covers everything from water safety to standing up and surfing. Around 12 midday pre-ordered lunch is provided for everyone which is all inclusive.
After lunch head back in the water for the afternoon coaching session. After the surf head to Bells Beach to see the sights before heading back to the shop to view al the photos of the day with some light refreshments. There will be time to head to the Surf Plaza where you have the opportunity to look around the home of Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Then head back to arrive in Melbourne between 5.30pm and 6pm.
*This is based on the summer months and may vary in winter due to weather conditions.
Multiple day surf tours, private lessons, advanced coaching and surf hire are also available.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. The 'Explorer' 2 - 5 Day Surf Tours is a great way to experience surfing along one of the most scenic places in the World, the Great Ocean Road.
You will be picked up in Melbourne at 0745am and journey down the coast to get organised for your surfing adventure.
You will enjoy four hours of beach time each day with your easy to follow lesson plans progressing as your skills grow. Your experienced, professional surf coaches will show you all you need to carve it up safely along the crowd free beaches.
Accommodation, lunch and breakfast are all supplied as well as your surf equipment.
The "Tourer" Offers the best of the Great Ocean Road sights and personal in-depth learn to surf lessons along Australia's Breathtaking Coastline.
Start your surf tour adventure by getting picked up from Melbourne near Southern Cross Station at the crack (nice and early). Before hitting the beach, take a ride to the Torquay surf shop where you grab a stick and suit (surfboard and wetsuit).
A fully qualified wave guru (surf instructor) runs you safely through an easy to follow Surf lesson so you don't get drilled (pummelled by a wave after falling off) in surf camp. In your surf lessons, you'll also learn not to do a drop in on a fellow grommet (new surfer). Once you know how to bail out (leap courageously from your board to avoid nasty spills) you receive detailed progressive instruction each day in surf camp.
Hit the gnarly (really quite good) Surf City surf shops after your days in the surf before taking a trip down the road (a mere 260km drive down the Great Ocean Road) for a day before heading back to Melbourne.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. The Packages will have you surfing in no time with a transport pick up from Melbourne you will be journeying down to the Great Ocean Road in search of the ultimate ride. With this three pack you can join Great Ocean Road Surf Tours on three separate surf tours where you can enjoy safe, scenic, crowd free surf lessons that will teach you an ongoing progressive technique to riding waves.
Fully inclusive with transport, lunch, board and wetsuit.
Fish in the Bay near Point Nepean, Quarantine Bay, Portsea, Queenscliff, Swan Bay and St. Leonard's depending on weather conditions and where the fish are biting.
For those of you who prefer the security of fishing inside Port Phillip Heads, this Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours tour is the perfect boat for you. Due to speed regulations Kyena is not permitted to travel through the Heads and all of our fishing is done in locations within the Bay.
'You will be standing in no time'
Southern Exposure can guarantee that you are surfing with the best surf school in Australia. Look for the red rash vests on the beaches in Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne all summer and in the school holidays! Southern Exposure operate at the safest learn to surf location, with the best surf instructors, giving you the most value for money!
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
'Love your ride with Southern Exposure'
For as long as people have been surfing the beaches of the Great Ocean Road, Mountain biking has been as popular. Riding the cliff tops into Bell's Beach is the best way to experience this pristine coastline on land and gives riders access to terrain normally unreachable. The rides are tailored to suit the requirement of your group.
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
A stunning way to experience Torquay's Point Danger Marine Park, crack a few waves and have a laugh with your colleagues. The dual 'Sit on Top' sea kayak is designed for wave catching and gentle meandering - it's your choice. All Southern Exposure can say is it is exhilarating...
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
The Bellarine Taste Trail is a collection of gourmet delights and foodie experiences all within 20 minutes of each other. The trail twists a scenic path around The Bellarine, taking visitors to vineyards that are receiving some of Australia’s highest accolades for their wine and farms that have changed the local restaurant scene with their amazing produce.
There are breweries using innovative techniques for original flavours and bakeries known for amazing wood-fired bread and multi-award winning pies. Several tour companies run charter operations across the Bellarine, so you can truly indulge in all the Bellarine Taste Trail has to offer and let someone else worry about transport and navigation.
The Bellarine is bounded by Port Phillip Bay to the North and Bass Strait to the South – as such, the seafood on offer is amazing. Portarlington’s mussels are well known locally and feature in a
different dish at virtually every restaurant in the region. Places to eat range from those with stunning water views, or nestled in rolling farmland hills to exquisite and grand historic hotel dining rooms. They all offer their unique take on local fare.
For more casual meals, pick up a bounty of local produce from one of the provedores and food stores around the Bellarine and make it yourself – either at home or at your holiday accommodation.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens are a wonderful mix of old and new featuring traditional heritage gardens as well as the contemporary and waterwise 21st Century garden.
The gardens were established in 1851 and as such feature fabulous mature trees, including some rare and exotic. Within the 17 acre space there are rose gardens, shaded lawn areas perfect for picnics, a teahouse.
There are also regular guided walks exploring different aspects of the gardens and special interest areas.
Start your trip to Geelong with a guided walk where you will visit the key attractions, the arts precinct and our stunning Waterfront.
Get some inspiration for the remainder of your stay and even some discounts. Walks depart from the National Wool Museum, Cnr Brougham & Moorabool St.
The 2 hour walk costs $12 and includes a delicious morning or afternoon tea hosted by Four Points Sheraton Geelong on the spectacular Waterfront. Bookings are essential - 03 5244 7102.
Just South of the Geelong CBD, Kardinia Park is most famous for its AFL Champion tenants, the Geelong Cats. Simonds Stadium, the Geelong Football Club home ground, is on the Eastern side of Kardinia Park. The stadium seats 28,300 people and hosts AFL matches during winter and a range of other sporting events at other times during the year.
Kardinia Park is also home to Kardinia Swimming Pool, which operates with seasonal hours between October and April. With two Olympic sized swimming pools, several childrens’ pools, two diving boards (1m and 3m) and a waterslide.
Also within the bounds of the park are a childrens’ playground, fitness circuit, cricket and football ovals, netball courts and walking / running / riding tracks.
Explore the grand Victorian town of Queenscliff and get an insight into the fascinating history of the town with a well-versed guide on a Queenscliff Heritage Walk.
Tours depart the Visitor Information Centre at 2pm every Saturday and finish an hour and fifteen minutes later with afternoon tea at one of the stately old buildings in town.
Points of interest on the route are marked with brass discs laid in to the footpath.
Group bookings are available at other times by arrangement, and a brochure detailing a self-guided historic tour is available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Lonestar Harley Trike Tours, based in Geelong offers adventure tours/rides on a per hour Hire Basis.
Starting at $25 per 15 Minutes, offering Pension/ child discounts, customers will be accommodated in a twin seat Harley Heritage Softail Custom Trike.
Helmets, Safety apparel, and Commlinks are provided, on per time based hire.
With over 20 years of riding experience, and Customer service, Lonestar Trike Tours will provide a unique experience filled with some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, coupled with the thrill of riding on the worlds most popular vehicles, the legendary Harley Davidson.
Able to Seat two passengers. Larger groups can be accommodated with two weeks notice. Long Pants preferred, closed toe footwear a must. First aid qualified, fully accredited and licensed operator/ Vehicle.