Point Lonsdale, Great Ocean Road Region, Victoria, Australia

Point Lonsdale

Perched above the point where Port Phillip Bay meets Bass Strait, Point Lonsdale boasts both sheltered bay beaches and a dramatic and breathtaking strip of rugged ocean frontage where the Western Victorian surf coast begins.

Point Lonsdale has a small strip of shops facing the front beach, including clothing and homewares boutiques, several cafes and take-away food stores and a supermarket. There are public barbecues and a children's playground on the main strip with sea views towards Portsea.

The Rip View Lookout is a great place to enjoy the views across Port Phillip heads and watch the tankers, container ships and cruise liners and boats of all sizes and descriptions being guided through the narrow heads by the Port Phillip Sea Pilot. All marine traffic bound for Melbourne passes through Port Phillip Heads. From there you can walk to the lighthouse, along the pier to see what's biting and visit Buckley's Cave.

Highlights

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.

Queenscliff

ex HMAS Canberra

The ex HMAS Canberra dive site is the first artificial reef specifically created for diving in Victoria. It lies in approximately 28 metres of water, with the top of the mast about 5 metres below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site. When the ship as prepared for scuttling many of the original working features were retained so divers still get a sense of being on board a working ship. Dive charter operators based at Queenscliff Harbour can lead trips to dive the ex HMAS Canberra.

Queenscliff

Vue Grand, Queenscliff

Situated in the heart of beautiful Queenscliff, and less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Vue Grand is a stunning multi award winning boutique hotel. A magnificent historic property, the Vue Grand is one of Victoria's leading venues for weddings, dining, conferencing and accommodation. The Vue Grand boasts 32 rooms, reflecting the hotels unique charm, with a variety of room types to suit everybody's needs & budget. You can't go past the magnificent Turret Suite, with breathtaking 180 degree panoramic views; king sized bed, heated floor tiles, retractable plasma and a spa with a view for the ultimate coastal escape. For those wanting to indulge in a true FINE DINING experience, the Vue Grand's award winning Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. The inspiring menu has a strong focus on local produce showcasing the best of what the Bellarine has to offer. The Vue Grand won Golden Plate awards for both 2010 and 2011. For the perfect conference retreat, combine the fine food & wine of the Vue Grand with the intimate setting of the hotel to spoil your delegates and create a memorable and unique conference experience. The Vue Grand is the perfect venue to help you create your perfect WEDDING day. From the sweeping staircase, to the majestic grand dining room, the exceptional food and wine and the intimate touches we put into your day, this is a day you and your guests will remember forever. In the summer months you can also relax, unwind and enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar with spectacular views of the bay. The hotel also offers relaxing on-site massages, fun and fantastic functions and intimate private dining.

Queenscliff

The Blues Train

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.

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.

Point Lonsdale

Diving

The Point Lonsdale component of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park includes spectacular deep water scenery comprising cliffs, caverns, rocky reef walls, sponge gardens and kelp beds. The Rip side of Point Lonsdale contains an extensive intertidal rocky platform covered with algae such as Neptune's Necklace, and has a number of larger rockpools suitable for snorkelling. The Point Lonsdale intertidal platform has the highest recorded invertebrate diversity of any calcarenite reef in Victoria. The reefs offshore from Point Lonsdale provide spectacular underwater terrain with ledges, rock outcrops and bommies, and beds of bull kelp on sections exposed to large waves. The channel between the main rock platform and the outer reef is around 20 metres wide and 2- 4metres deep and contains a small forest of Giant Kelp, a species which is showing signs of decline along the south east coast of Australia. The Lonsdale Wall is a series of ledges that mark the edge of the historical course of the Yarra River. The wall drops down a series of ledges from 15 to 90 metres depth, extending horizontally for about a kilometre. The vertical walls, sheltered caves, ledges and overhangs and their associated communities of colourful sponges, fish and encrusting algae provide spectacular scenery and are popular dive sites. The species diversity in this area is very high, including more than 43 species of fish. The Kelp Beds are areas with reefs that previously supported Giant Kelp forests and are now dominated by leather kelp. These kelps grow attached to shallow rocky reefs and provides shelter for communities of algae, fish, encrusting sponges, and numerous seastars and sea urchins. The Sponge Gardens contains a high diversity of sponges and other filter feeding invertebrates in a variety of colours, shapes and forms. Being in the main flow of current through the Rip, these animals are able to extract plankton from the water that passes by. The area derives its name from the spectacular and diverse sponges, branching soft corals, stalked ascidians and carpets of colourful anemones.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Beach

Point Lonsdale forms the western side of Port Phillip Heads, with The Rip separating it from Point Nepean. The town of Point Lonsdale has a protected bay beach and more exposed ocean beaches. The main ocean beach is known as the Surf or Back Beach and is the site of Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1947. A walking track leads from the surf club over the dunes to the beach. Surf Beach extends for 900 m from a wide, intertidal rock platform, located just east of the surf lifesaving club, to where more rocks and reefs outcrop in the surf. In fact, low tide rock flats dominate this beach and are clearly visible at low tide. The beach faces south-west and receives waves averaging 1.4 m, which produce a single attached bar, cut by strong rips every 250 m. In addition, strong permanent rips run out against some of the reefs, the worst being The Escalator to the left of the club house. These rips have been responsible for many rescues, with an average of 30 each year. There have also been drownings at the beach, so be very wary and stay between the flags. Swimming A moderately hazardous beach owing to the moderate waves and strong permanent and shifting rips, together with rocks and reefs. Definitely stay on the bars, clear of the rips and rocks and between the flags. Surfing Beach breaks are common over the numerous reefs, with the best known as Glaneuses, located at the end of Glaneuse Road, and adjacent to The Escalator rip. It offers a good left over the reef. Surfing is best with northerly winds, a low to moderate swell at mid to high tide, as the reefs are exposed at low tide. Fishing A popular spot offering permanent rips and gutters, particularly adjacent to the reefs and rocks. General This is the surf beach for the popular Point Lonsdale holiday town and very popular with bathers in summer and surfers year round. However it is a hazardous beach with strong permanent rips, so use extreme care. 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: 8 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.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse is on the Western side of Port Phillip Heads overlooking the Rip and all seaborne traffic bound for Melbourne passes by it. Whilst signals have operated on this point since 1852, the current concrete towers was built in 1902. The lighthouse precinct, including nearby military defence structure, is registered with Heritage Victoria. The area around the base of the lighthouse is accessible to the public and tours of the interior are conducted by the Queenscliff Maritime Museum most Sundays and at various holiday times throughout the year.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Playground

Adjacent to the front beach in Point Lonsdale is a fantastic adventure playground for kids of all ages. The park is well shaded and has toilets, BBQ, seating and parking nearby.

Queenscliff

Princess Park

Just behind the dunes in Queenscliff, Princess Park is a central point for much activity in Queenscliff. The site of regular community markets, the venue for the annual Queenscliff Music Festival and an institution with local and visiting families who have spent hours playing, picnicking and relaxing in the shade of its tall trees. There is a fantastic new playground within the park, and it is adjacent to the new Queenscliff Harbour and the ferry terminal.

Queenscliff

Food & Wine

With beautifully maintained historic buildings and world class dining, Queenscliff is a great spot for any dining experience - from a 5-star luxurious experience to fish and chips with the family. Cafes along Hesse St in Queenscliff are in good supply and offer a fabulous variety of gourmet treats and freshly cooked meals. Pop into one of them for a coffee as you sit back and soak up the scenery of the bustling Hesse Street. Particular dining highlights in Queenscliff are restaurants such as Athelstane House, Apostle Queenscliff, Gusto, the Queenscliff Hotel and the Vue Grand Hotel. These historic buildings, along with a number of others house world class chefs and offer customers a truly luxurious experience. Smaller restaurants along Hesse Street are also popular for dinner and ensure that all tastes - and budgets - are catered for.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Railway

The railway hugs the water around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale. Enjoy the new Bike Hire and Park & Ride experience. Leave the car at Drysdale, travel by train to Queenscliff. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring this historic seaside town, enjoying fine food, or simply picnicing at the beach; then return by train in the late afternoon. Visit www.bpr.org.au for more information about news and events.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Heritage Walk

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.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Shopping

Shopping in Queenscliff is a majestic experience. Many of the fashion boutiques, antique stores, provedores and other shops in central Queenscliff are housed within glorious Victorian era buildings and have retained the sense of grandeur associated with their surrounds. Hesse Street is the main street, but there are several crossroads worth exploring to find some hidden treasures. As well as the strip shopping in Hesse Street and surrounds, the new Queenscliff Harbour development houses a range of new retailers including fashion and homewares.

Point Lonsdale

Rockpool Ramble at Point Lonsdale

At low tide the sandstone platform just below the lighthouse in the Point Lonsdale Marine Reserve is the perfect place to explore the rockpools. The water is crystal clear and an amazing range of marine wildlife and plants are visible. There are also reefs just offshore that are ideal for divers and snorkelers.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove - Collendina Beach

Collendina Beach occupies most of the open bay between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads. It is 6 km long, extending from the reefs west of Point Lonsdale Beach to 1 km west of the Collendina Beach car park. The only public access is at the car park, together with tracks over the foredune from the caravan park. The beach faces south-south-east and for the most part is backed by 10 to 20 m high, vegetated dunes, with a few blowouts. It receives waves averaging between 1 and 1.5 m, which break over a wide, low gradient surf zone and occasional reefs and rocks. Persistent rips occur every 250 m, with some permanent rips against the more prominent reefs. During bigger seas, waves break on outer, deeper reefs. Swimming Be careful on this beach as there are usually deep rip holes and strong currents along the beach. Stay inshore on the attached section of the bars and well clear of the rips and reefs. Surfing There are many beach and a few reef breaks along the beach, with best conditions in a low to moderate swell and northerly winds. Fishing There are excellent persistent rip holes and occasional gutters along the beach, plus some occasional reefs. General A long relatively natural beach offering plenty of sand, a low gradient inner surf for bathing, rip holes for fishing and numerous beach breaks for surfing. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 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.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve

The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is the only preserved native woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. Home to 178 species of native plants, including 22 orchids, the reserve is an important tract of land. Wildlife within the reserve includes wallabies, echidnas, possums and koalas. There are also snakes and lizards, as well as some 167 species of bird recorded as being spotted within the reserve.

Queenscliff

The Rip

The Rip is the treacherous stretch of water at Port Phillip Heads where the relative calm of Port Phillip Bay meets the unbridled wild of Bass Strait. The tidal flows between the two bodies of water through the narrow opening generates a path through the sea that is notoriously difficult to navigate and highly dangerous. Ships passing through the heads still use the Port Phillip Sea Pilot service, a group of highly experienced local seamen who are familiar with the conditions and difficulties of The Rip. All ships bound for Geelong and Melbourne pass through Port Phillip Heads, and the Rip view lookout has an elevated position to watch those ships enter and exit the bay.

Point Lonsdale

Lonsdale Golf Club

Lonsdale Golf Club is a highly regarded 18-hole sandbelt course with a varied layout situated on beautiful Lake Victoria, conveniently located in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula. The nearby Rip at the opening of Port Phillip Bay to the sea, is one of the Bellarine region's many stunning attractions along with wineries, cafes, restaurants and accommodation. One and a half hours drive from Melbourne, the Lonsdale Golf Club course is a par 71 of 5,700 metres for men and par 72 of 5,200 metres for women. The Club offers an on course teaching professional, well-stocked pro shop and three practice areas. The spacious clubhouse provides members and visitors with a welcoming atmosphere, bar and dining facilities including before and after golf snacks, lunches and a la carte dining. The Club attracts members locally and from Melbourne, with the current membership around 1,000.

Point Lonsdale

Banks Road Vineyard

"We are a boutique winery based on the Bellarine Peninsula just outside Geelong. We have approximately 12 acres of grapes planted including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, which suits our coastal climate. We also source Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes from the Harcourt Valley near Bendigo. We look forward to welcoming you to our vineyard" Will Derham, Vigneron. All wines are made on site in the small hands on facility. Banks Road also make wine for some of the other vineyards around area. They are very passionate about their wine and enjoy the closeness to their produce that being a small winery gives them. From bud burst in the spring to bottling the wine, sometimes years later, they see each vintage evolve. Their wines have received many accolades at shows and in reviews by wine writers. Their recently completed cellar door is open from Thursday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm or by appointment. As well as tasting each of the wines you can enjoy a light lunch and a glass of wine whilst enjoying the view over the vineyard to the Rip.

Queenscliff

Barwon Booksellers

The Queenscliff shop opened its doors in 1995 and is located in a beautifully kept, heritage listed former Wesleyan Church. Built in 1868 the high ceiling and historic atmosphere create a charming environment in which to browse the wall to wall shelves when the weather's not so good for the beach.

Queenscliff

Ashby House Interiors

Ashby House Interiors prides itself in selling genuine pieces and can guarantee authenticity because all of the stock is personally selected. The stock ranges in age from early 1800s to the 1940's. They are elegant but unpretentious pieces, intended to be used and enjoyed every day for years to come. The "Life of Lidia" label is featured how and is an extensive range of vintage clothing ranging from casual to formal wear and wedding gowns and veils. There is a large collection of artwork by local artists and some of them will do commission work as well. For your convenience Ashby House Interiors have lay-by, delivery, and there are also gift certificates and a bridal registry service has just started. Shopping at Ashby House Interiors is a joyous experience and a taste of the French love of beautiful things to be used and enjoyed.

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.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Day Spa

Queenscliff Day Spa is a centre that aims to provide the very best professional health and beauty services. They use only the highest quality products and all of the staff are fully qualified Beauty Therapists and Masseurs. Queenscliff Day Spa utilise Dermalogica and Eminence skin and body products. They also use Eles Makeup to promote the feelings and look of well being. Their philosophy is to provide a wellness package tending to the inside and outside of the body. Take a stroll through the website and imagine yourself having a small slice of this part of heaven. 'The mind and the body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the mental universe must leave tracks in the physical one' Deepak Chopra. Queenscliff Day Spa is open seven days during summer and five during winter. Bookings are essential. Please call for details.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Dive Centre

Queenscliff Dive Centre offers a unique environment for all your scuba diving needs. Unlike most dive centre's, Queenscliff Dive Centre provides everything on site, from hire equipment, purpose dive vessels, classrooms, accommodation, hot showers and even a custom built dive training pool and spa. When you come to Queenscliff Dive Centre they offer the complete package maximising your dive experience. They are proud of the reputation for exceptional diving and extraordinary service, it is the attention to detail that makes them Victoria's #1 Dive Centre.

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.

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.

Queenscliff

Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes Queenscliff

Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes is a locally owned and run business that caters for Geelong, the Surfcoast and the Bellarine Peninsula. The business is owned and operated by Geoff and Susie Chalker who are residents of Ocean Grove and committed to the region and the retail precinct in which the Rolling Pin operates. The business operates from two locations being 40 Hesse Street Queenscliff and 12 Park Lane Ocean Grove. They sell a range of products including a full range of pastries, cakes and slices, and also specialise in photo cakes for birthdays and special occasions. The Rolling Pin is recognised nationally as one of Australia's leading Pie Makers, having won the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition in 2004, and the Great Aussie Pastie Competition in 2006 and 2007. The range of over 15 different flavoured pies include: super spud, country lamb and rosemary, beef and burgundy, steak bacon and cheese, and chicken and vegetable, and the pasties include: meat and vegetable, vegetarian wholemeal and Bombay, all of which placed first in their respective categories at the most recent Great Aussie Pastie Competition. All of the Rolling Pin's pies are made from Premium King Island Beef (100% Growth Promotant and Antibiotic Free) and all ingredients are of the highest quality.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a disused railway corridor has been reborn as a 32km walking/cycling path linking the outskirts of Geelong with the coast at the historic village of Queenscliff. The Bellarine Rail Trail mostly follows the reserve of the old Geelong-Queenscliff railway, established in 1879 to service the military fort at Queenscliff. The railway soon became a popular service with visitors heading to the coastal holiday resort, an alternative to the bay paddle steamers. Eventually, diminishing freight and a lack of patronage saw the service finally closed in 1976. The rail trail begins near the Geelong Showgrounds, about one kilometre from the South Geelong railway station and ends near the historic Queenscliff railway station. It is mainly flat, with some short, steep climbs up from Leopold toward Curlewis and Drysdale. Steam trains still run on the section between Queenscliff and Drysdale. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway's vintage trains carry passengers on Sundays and public holidays. There are many access points to the trail and bay scenery and birdlife are some of the highlights. In the future, it is planned to link the trail with the Barwon River trail network and Eastern Park.

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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.

Point Lonsdale

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Highlights

Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package