LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The Bellarine | Queenscliff | Lots of local attractions links: 

tours/charters | shopping/markets | eating | wine | museums | golf | festivals | 

The Bellarine

Whichever direction you choose to travel around The Bellarine, the more you look the more you will discover. Just over an hour from Melbourne, with the townships generally not more than ten kilometres apart, there is plenty to see and do while you're in the area for your Blues Train break.

Bed and breakfast accommodation is plentiful and there are numerous hotels, often in historic buildings. For the more budget-conscious there are also plenty of well-appointed caravan parks and camping.

World-class wineries are peppered throughout the area, as are superb restaurants and cafes, plus fresh local seafood and Sunday markets.

Outdoor activities on the Bellarine include golf and water sports (fishing, sailing, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, surfing, kayaking, marine sanctuaries, jet-skiing and more).

For an adrenaline burst, plan a visit to Adventure Park, a state -of-the-art water park featuring giant water slides and activities. What more could you want?

The Bellarine comprises the towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Wallington, Curlewis, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Portarlington, St Leonards, Indented Heads.

Queenscliff

One of the most picturesque and historic towns in Australia, Queenscliff has more to offer than you could do and see in one day.

Queenscliff has a famed golf course, a dog-friendly beach and many pubs and historic hotels. In case that's not enough, the world class Queenscliff Music Festival is held in the last weekend of November and the Legendary Blues Train.

Explore the heritage: The signature black lighthouse (one of only three in the world) is a great place to begin. Located inside Fort Queenscliff, the lighthouse was built to protect ships carrying gold through the Heads.

Historic buildings are the most noticeable feature of Queenscliff, many of which are hotels with great restaurants and accommodation.

You can take a full history tour around the town at 2pm every Saturday. Bookings are essential, so drop in to the Visitor Information Centre or call 1300 884 843.

Vintage railway: If you are a train lover or just enjoy a pleasant ride in the countryside, go to the station at the bottom of Hesse Street and see the Bellarine Railway collection. The train travels to Drysdale and back at different times during the year, so check the timetable. At night between August and May it's taken over by The Blues Train.

Gourmet town: Fine foods and local produce are available throughout town. Indulging in coffee and cake is a popular activity, perhaps while deciding what to do next.

Maritime wonders: The Marine Discovery Centre is distinctive (though not obvious) with its grass-covered roof. Well worth a visit, you'll find a visitor's aquarium, student laboratory and classroom and an educational gift shop.

The Maritime Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the hazards of shipping and the power of 'The Rip' at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Home to the ships' pilots for more than 100 years, there is also a restored Watson Class lifeboat on display.

On the water: Visit the Queenscliff Harbour, currently undergoing a major renovation. This is the embarkation point for the Peninsula Searoad Ferry to Sorrento but also home to many types of craft from Couta boats to luxury cruisers and working fishing boats. At the harbour you can buy fresh seafood direct from fishing boats, book on a tour to swim with dolphins and seals, organise to go scuba diving or book at charter boat to go fishing.

Local tourism websites:

• Visit Queenscliff
• Visit Point Lonsdale
• Visit The Bellarine
  
• Great Ocean Road
• The Blues Train links page

Local attractions include: