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Adventures from Portarlington Pier to Geelong

Portarlington a historic coastal town located on The Bellarine, only 30 minutes’ drive from Geelong’s central business district. Drive past the surrounding wineries and olive groves from Geelong or venture across the bay by boat to Portarlington, it’s a destination that offers a lot to the inquisitive eye.

So today let’s take you on an adventure from Portarlington to Geelong and discover everything here, there, and in between.

Let’s begin!

Welcome to Portarlington! Featuring uninterrupted bay views across to the You Yangs and, on a clear day even Melbourne! Portarlington is a stunningly quant bayside town with loads of local flavour.

Some of its most famous residents are also it’s most delicious, with Australian Blue Mussels grown just offshore and harvested daily by the fleet moored in the harbour. They’re celebrated every year at the Portarlington Mussel Festival.

And to make Portarlington even more appealing – it’s easy to get there with Port Phillip Ferries cruising daily to and from Melbourne Docklands.

Spot the stingrays

On a sunny summer’s day, stingrays can be seen basking in shallow waters right along the historic Portarlington Pier. Take some time to enjoy the glistening bay waters and make sure you keep your eyes peeled in case you spot a ray skimming along the surface.

The Grand Hotel Portarlington

Recapturing an era when paddle steamers traversed Port Phillip Bay, the historic yet newly refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel offers a boutique experience with a warm welcome for all.

Always a favourite for the locals, the updated venue has opened opportunities for new visitors as well, with the addition of 18 boutique rooms. Stop in for a meal or enjoy a drink, making sure you check out the wine list filled exclusively with Bellarine wines and even a few local beers as well. Expect the usual pub classics on the menu, plus the obvious local mussels and other delicious seafood options.

Escape to the vineyards

If you’re hoping instead to make a grape escape, take advantage of Jack Rabbit Winery on your drive into Geelong.

Arriving at Jack Rabbit at first you will be blown away by the unravelling views across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne. Jack Rabbit is a must visit destination on the Bellarine.

You visit Jack Rabbit Winery for the views and stay to experience the delectable food, it truly is an experience that you cannot miss! Take a guided tasting of the diverse stable of sophisticated cool climate wines. Soak up the spectacular and ever-changing views – the ultimate Bellarine experience awaits.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard delivers a rich, diverse stable of award-winning, sophisticated cool climate wines including Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and Shiraz Cabernet.

Experience a hit of golf at one of Australia’s Top 50 Golf Courses

Next stop, Curlewis Golf club! With a sandy base, a minimum of trees, and naturally undulating couch fairways this Vern Morcom designed links is one of the best courses on The Bellarine.

With challenging bunkers and firm, fast greens, it is the wind that often determines the level of playing difficulty.

The course measures 6,150 metres and is a challenging par-71/73. A challenge for players of all standards and a true test of golfing ability.

Looking for Golf that is lower key? Stop by the state-of-the-art 18-bay driving range at The Range Curlewis. This facility is the only one of its type in regional Victoria and combines a fully licensed bar, restaurant/café, function room, outdoor viewing to the range and two tiered mini golf course.

The facility is equipped with two Xgolf simulators and has more recently introduced Toptracer Range. Toptracer offers a fun, engaging, technology-driven experience for golfers to see their shot stats, track improvement and compete on different courses from around the world.

 

Time to taste some wine

You will have worked up a thirst after finishing at the Golf course, so it’s time to make your way to Oakdene. Arriving here you will quickly discover, this is more than just a winery, it’s an experience.

Approximately twenty minutes east of Geelong and situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula on stunning coastal farmland, where the maritime climate offers excellent conditions for producing low yields of high-quality fruit.

A visit to the Oakdene ‘Upside Down House’ Cellar Door is a unique and wondrous journey where things may appear a little bit different, and the fantastical overturned building that houses the wines is a great place to end your wine tasting voyage on the Bellarine Peninsula.

 

Last stop Geelong

You have reached the final destination, where after a long day of discovery, its time to relax at one of the many incredible waterfront restaurants or cafés and reminisce on the days activities. If you are looking to continue into the night, check into Novotel Geelong which is located on the waterfront and enjoy a drink at their summer pop up bar, which overlooks the waterfront and the many activities that can be enjoyed.