Theatre, Music and the Arts, Queenscliff, Great Ocean Road Region, Victoria, Australia

There is a lively music scene in the region, with many towns and villages hosting some of the country's favourite concerts and music festivals. Falls Festival at Lorne, the Queenscliff Music Festival, Apollo Bay Music Festival and Meredith Music Festival are all popular destinations, attracting quality performers and supportive crowds. The Blues Train, based in Queenscliff, transforms the vintage steam trains of the Bellarine Railway into a rockin' and rollin' good time. Four of Australia's best blues acts perform in the four train carriages, making it a progressive party you'll never forget.

Theatre buffs will find something of interest across the region. As well as the main performing arts centres in larger towns that host a variety of plays, shows and concerts, there are many small theatres in towns and villages where local theatre groups and travelling performers can be seen.

The Geelong Gallery houses a fantastic collection of art including well known pieces by Eugene von Guerard, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton. Entry is free. The Geelong Gallery is just one of the places to visit on the Central Geelong Arts & Culture Walking Trails map, which is available at local visitor information centres. The guide also has details and maps for public art, iconic heritage buildings, museums, galleries and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. It is also available for download by clicking here.

There are fantastic galleries and specialty museums throughout the region. Lorne hosts the annual Lorne Sculpture Exhibition each October-November where pieces are picturesquely displayed on the Lorne foreshore.

Things to See & Do

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.

Point Lonsdale

Muse

As the name suggests Muse is an art and design studio that aims to inspire. As an established studio on the Bellarine Peninsula, the artisans work with different mediums and disciplines from traditional to contemporary. Muse have installations in private residences, interior and exterior, corporate receptions, offices, hotels, restaurant and apartments. Their range covers Trompe L'Oeil, Faux Finishes, Fresco, Fine Art and Realism. For an enlightening experience come and indulge in the artwork that the studio offers. Classes are also available for children and adults at all skill levels. Accommodation and Art Class packages are also available upon request. Please call for more information.

Queenscliff

Salt Contemporary Art

Established in 2004 in Queenscliff, Victoria, Salt Contemporary Art exhibits the works of Contemporary Australian Painters, Sculptors and Ceramicists. Housed in an historically significant former drapery store, the gallery offers two spacious levels of exhibition space. Offering a dynamic, regularly changing exhibition schedule, and regular arts related events including lectures, exhibition openings and biannual Indigenous exhibitions co-curated by Susan McCulloch and Emily McCulloch Childs, the gallery is a must see for all art enthusiasts. Current exhibition: 'The Fallen Re Turned': an exhibition of ancient Redgum forms by Paul Barton'. The exhibition features vessels Barton has created from fossilised red gum. The ancient wood has been scientifically carbon dated by the Australian National University and the tests confirmed the trees were remnants of a fossil forest from 10,000 to 50,000 years ago. 'The Fallen Re Turned' concludes on April 20. More images of Paul Barton's work can be found at the website. Salt Contemporary's Mezzanine gallery currently features an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and glass by artists including Tarli Glover, Victoria McCaffrey, Bridgit Thomas and Holly Grace. Please see the website showcasing more art and updated information.

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.

Theatre, Music and the Arts

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