Greater Geelong

Bellarine Peninsula

The Bellarine Peninsula is known for its stunning coastline and charming towns. It’s a popular destination for its beaches, wineries, and culinary delights, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The region is also noted for outdoor activities, including golfing, surfing, and scenic walks, making it a diverse and appealing spot for tourists and locals alike.

Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale

Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale sit at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, on the Bellarine Peninsula. They are famous for their picturesque beaches and charming Victorian style buildings.

Queenscliff is well known for its 19th century hotels the Queenscliff Fort and the Queenscliff Sorrento ferry connection. Point Lonsdale offers views from its lighthouse and tranquil beaches attracting visitors for swimming, surfing and leisurely strolls along the shore. Both towns offer an idyllic escape, with a mix of landmarks and natural scenery to enjoy.

Adventure Park

Adventure Park in Geelong stands out as Victoria’s premier destination for fun in the sun. It’s packed with thrilling water slides, lazy rivers for those looking to float and unwind, and exciting rides including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. This park is the perfect spot for creating lasting memories with friends and family, offering a blend of adrenaline pumping action and leisurely relaxation.

Portarlington

Portarlington is a vibrant coastal town renowned for its picturesque beaches, historic pier, and charming atmosphere. It’s a hub for seafood lovers, with its annual Mussel Festival drawing crowds from far and wide. The town also serves as a gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula’s wineries, offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary and viticulture heritage.

Torquay & Great Ocean Road

Torquay is a seaside town at the start of the Great Ocean Road and is famous for its surf beaches, including the renowned Bells Beach. It’s a focal point for surf culture, housing major surf brands and the Surf World Museum.

Surf Coast Strawberry Fields

Surf Coast Strawberry Fields in Mount Duneed offers a unique experience where families can enjoy strawberry picking from October/November to late April. Located on an impressive 90-acre farm it’s an ideal spot for those looking to connect with farm life, enjoy fresh air, and indulge in farm-fresh strawberries and products like ice cream and jam.

The Brisbane Ranges National Park

The Brisbane Ranges National Park, situated about an hour’s drive from Geelong, serves as a natural escape for residents and visitors of the area. Offering scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and a range of walking tracks including the popular Anakie Gorge walk, it’s a nearby retreat for those in Geelong looking to explore the natural environment and enjoy outdoor activities.

Fairy Park

Fairy Park features handcrafted animated scenes from classic fairy tales, a model train display, and the Camelot Playground, offering 360° views from Elephant Rock atop Mt Anakie.

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a unique African themed experience. Situated on 225 hectares just a short drive from Geelong, it features a diverse range of animals from Africa, including gorillas, lions, and giraffes. Visitors can enjoy safari tours and educational experiences about wildlife and their habitats. There is also Australian native wildlife and more to discover at this incredible local attraction.

You-Yangs Regional Park

You Yangs Regional Park features a distinctive granite range that provides stunning views from its peaks. The park offers a variety of activities including mountain biking, with a network of trails for all skill levels. Make sure to climb Flinders Peak for uninterrupted views out to Melbourne and Geelong.

Moorabool

The Moorabool Valley, located between Geelong and Ballarat, is a hidden gem in Victoria’s wine scene. Known for its cool climate wines, this region is dotted with boutique wineries offering premium hand-crafted wines, set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery for a day trip to remember.

Barrabool Maze Estate

Barrabool Maze Estate offers a unique experience just a 15-minute drive from Geelong CBD, nestled in the tranquil countryside of the Barrabool Hills. This destination invites visitors to relax, enjoy a drink or a delicious meal, and explore its beautiful gardens and hedge maze.

Images courtesty of Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Authority and Wyndham City Council.