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Water Sports

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With water in virtually every direction, the region is a terrific destination for water sport enthusiasts.

The gentle bay beaches of Geelong and the Northern Bellarine are perfect for families to paddle, swimming, canoeing, sea kayaking, jetskiing, boating and fishing.  There are boat ramps and associated facilities at regular intervals along the coast.

Queenscliff Harbour is a base for a number of water activities that take place in Port Phillip Bay and beyond including fishing charters, diving, pleasure cruises and swimming with seals and dolphins.

West of Point Lonsdale, the ocean beaches offer surf of varying levels - sheltered areas suitable for learners or beginners through to pounding surf at Bells Beach which hosts annual international surf events.

Inland, the freshwater creeks, rivers and lakes are great for fishing and boating sports.  The Barwon River, running through the Otway National Park and Geelong before pouring into the ocean at Barwon Heads has something for anglers, rowers, water-skiers, canoers and boating enthusiasts.

Things to See & Do

2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

The ASP World Tour's best 34 male surfers, one Rip Curl Wildcard and one local Victorian Wildcard from the Wingman Trials will be at Bells over Easter to compete in the year's second Men’s ASP World Tour contest. There will be only one winner at the end of the marathon slog, earning the opportunity to ring the prized Bell on the final day of competition. Australian Taj Burrow, straight from a win on the Gold Coast, will come to Bells with confidence, hopeful of taking down defending champion Joel Parkinson and the other contenders. Two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, rising stars Owen Wright, Gabriel Medina and Julian Wilson, and of course 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater are all must-watch surfers during the event. The guys will share the Southern Ocean swells with the ASP Women’s World Tour's best 17 surfers, who will also be at Bells this Easter to compete the Rip Curl Women's Pro Live Sites Don’t miss a second of the Rip Curl Pro 2012. Surf Coast Shire has joined with local businesses in Torquay to provide Live Sites where you can enjoy the action and some of the best local hospitality available. Surf City Rip Curl Pro Shop Torquay Visitor Centre Jan Juc The Beach Hotel Bell Street Torquay Hotel Bell Street Printworks and Gallery Gilbert Street Westpac Bank Sandbah Café’ Torquay Esplanade Growlers Front Beach Café’ Zeally’s Bar & Grill Wyndam Resort Torquay In Salt Café Torquay Central The Coffee Club The Sands Peppers the Sands Resort Torquay Surfcoast Highway Soul Fuel Café Bar Pro Spots Need a break? Join the tribe and visit a Pro Spot venue offering special deals for Pro Surfers. THE best spot to grab a bite to eat or drink and possibly SPOT a Pro! For more information and details of Live Site and Pro Spot venues call Torquay Visitor Information Centre on 1300 614 219, check out www.visittorquay.org or download the “Torquay App” Surf World Museum Bells Gold Exhibition Surf World Museum Torquay has marked a significant surfing milestone with the Bells Gold Exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bells Easter Classic/Rip Curl Pro. The exhibition features treasured and iconic surfing artefacts and images from the rich and eventful history of the world’s longest running surfing contest. It’s a must-do as part of your 2012 Rip Curl Pro visit. The exhibition closes in May 2012 – so don’t miss it. Surf World Museum is open 9am – 5pm, seven days per week. For information on Surf World and the exhibition call 5261 4606, visit www.surfworld.com.au or connect with us on Facebook. Free for 3228 Following last year’s ‘free for 3228 residents’ policy, Torquay residents will once again gain free admission to the Rip Curl Pro providing they show photo identification at the ticket gate while choosing whether they would like to make a donation or not. Tickets and How to Get There Dates: April 3rd– 14th 2012 2012 RIP CURL PRO TICKET PRICES - Tickets can be purchased from on-site at the Bells Beach ticket office from April 3rd. Adult: $8 Concession: $5 Event pass: $25 Children (16 and under): Free Parking: $2 - (Donation to the Jan Juc Cricket Club) Proceeds go to the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve 3228 residents free - present your Photo ID license at the entry gate. Free Shuttle Service A free shuttle will run from Torquay and Jan Juc to Bells Beach (and back) from the 6th to the 9th of April. Stopping at: Rip Curl Store - Surf Coast Highway Growlers – Esplanade, Torquay Torquay Hotel – Bell St, Torquay Bird Rock Café – Stuart Avenue, Jan Juc Bells Beach – Event Location

Bells Beach

With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, Bells Beach is amazing spot – either in the water or out. There isn’t much ‘beach’ at Bells, it’s mostly a glorious cliff-face, and views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular – a great spot to watch local surfers out in the water. There are several quality surfing spots in the precinct from Southside to Steps Reef. Every Easter Bells Beach hosts the international professional surfing community for the Rip Curl Pro event. To get to Bells Beach, travel along the Great Ocean Road past Jan Juc – turn left into Bells Boulevard and follow the signs. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 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. Surfing Bells is a world class right when above 1.5 m. When smaller, the waves break close in to the headland and produce a right called Rincon. Further around the head are two more reef breaks which work below 2 m, called Centre Side (a right) and Southside (a left). Fishing The water is deep right off the beach, while at low tide you can fish from the reefs at each end. General One of the meccas of surfing and well worth a visit, if only to view the beach and surf from the bluffs. 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.

Learn to Surf

What better place to learn to surf than in the birthplace of Australian surfing? There are several licensed tour operators and qualified instructors who run learn to surf classes on beaches close to Torquay. Catering for individuals or groups, often equipment hire and transport can be included in the price.

Surf Torquay

Torquay lives and breathes surfing, and the region has a global reputation as an amazing surf destination. Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, where the best surfers in the world compete each Easter. Nearby Winkipop is also popular with experienced surfers. Torquay and Jan Juc offer good conditions for those wanting to learn to surf, and several schools operate classes at local beaches. Surf conditions can vary greatly, check with the Visitor Information Centre or local Surf Life Saving Club.

Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club

The 6 km long Fairhaven Beach is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. The Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1957, is located toward the eastern end of the beach - and its members average 10 rescues annually. The bar and restaurant are open during the summer months.
 

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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.

Winter Warmer Getaway

From $320 per couple* per night

Take a winter escape to Apollo Bay at Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas. This deal includes:

  • Overnight accommodation for two at Chris’s Beacon Point
  • Three course dinner for two served in Chris's Restaurant (excluding drinks)
  • Continental breakfast

Valid From 15th May 2012 to 31st August 2012.

To Book:

Web: Click Here
Email: Click Here
Phone: 03 5237 6411

* Prices vary for this special depending on room type and availability is limited.
 

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
 

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package includes:

  • Chilled bottle of sparkline wine
  • Fine handmade chocolates and flowers
  • Dine at La Bima and receive a complimentary cocktail and premium seating
$620 for two nights mid week.
$680 for two nights weekends.

T: 03 5237 0228.
 

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

$275 per night

Package Includes:

  • Overnight in a fully self contained Two Bedroom Apartment (sleeps 4);
  • "Kids Eat Free" in Latitude-38 restaurant;
  • 20% discount off Day Spa;
  • A Winnie the Wallaby Kids Activity Pack;
  • Valet Parking;

Valid to 7 October 2012. 1 x kids meal per paying adult.
Ph: 03 5261 1500 or www.wyndhamtorquay.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.