With its stunning beaches and thrilling outdoor activities, our region has something for everyone. There’s no better moment than now to pack your bags, get on down here and make some memories. If you’re here for a long weekend or an extended stay, take your pick of dolphin swims, skydiving, golfing and fishing charters plus more – there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Hands down, Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast offer the best places to play outdoors in Victoria. If you’re a couple looking for invigorating coastal charm or mates seeking adventure, there are so many options you won’t want to go home until you’ve conquered them all.
Check out Explore the Bellarine on the Blues Train’s website for an extensive list of activities in our region. We have handpicked a few for you here. So, for the outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore and experience everything this incredible region has to offer, let’s dive in.
You’ll find plenty of ways to explore and enjoy the awesome outdoors while in Queenscliff
When we say dive in, we mean it quite literally! Take the rare chance to experience swimming with dolphins in the dynamic and diverse Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park with Sea All Dolphin Swims. This award-winning experience caters to all ages and abilities. You will learn about their habits and environment while snorkelling around the vibrant coloured reef fish, sea stars and sponges.
At the heart of these beautiful creatures’ home is the impressive Queenscliff Harbour, where the fine dining restaurant 360Q resides. Their menu is known for its decadent and global flavours using fresh local produce that you are sure to find mouth-watering.
Grab your fishing rod and go fishing on the bay with Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic. They specialise in fishing charters – catching snapper, King George whiting, calamari and assorted reef fish that are cleaned, filleted and bagged for you, ready to take home. The perfect meal to end your day!
For a fishing charter with a bit of style try Ultimate Sea Adventures in Portarlington. They supply all gear and include complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and breakfast or lunch, while you cruise by Pope’s Eye, Portsea/Quarantine Station, Sorrento, and Chinaman’s Hat.
If golf is more your thing, try hitting up one of the driving ranges or local golf clubs in the area. The driving range at Curlewis Golf Club and the Range @ Curlewis has state-of-the-art ball tracking technology and a progressive and exciting public golf course that is ranked in the top 50 Australian Golf courses. Another great course is Lonsdale Links which is designed to be a challenging, fun and unique golf course. Their Lago Restaurant has both indoor and alfresco dining available and uses only the freshest locally sourced Bellarine Peninsula ingredients.
Action and adventure galore a stone’s throw away from Queenscliff
For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, try skydiving over the Great Ocean Road with Skydive Australia. Experience the breath taking scenery of the iconic Bells Beach, over 600 shipwrecks dotted along the coast, along with the picturesque Barwon Heads. The awesome mix of scenery and adrenaline will stay with you for a lifetime.
Now you’ve seen the waves from above why not get up close with them and learn to surf with Go Ride a Wave in Ocean Grove. Their friendly professionals will have you standing up in no time! The waves are world-class and wetsuits, surfboards and instruction are all provided.
Looking for the coolest family fun you can have in the water? Then Adventure Park is your go-to. There are the new Tsunami and Tornado waterslides, an air balloon ride, the little buggy speedway ride, crazy coaster and red baron rides, the six-lane aqua racer, the gold rush rapids and wild west canyon waterslides plus loads more to twist, turn and speed your way through.
For something a little slower paced – but still a rush – fly up, up and away, with Geelong Ballooning. Watch the morning sunrise while floating above Geelong and the Bellarine in a hot air balloon. The views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay light up in a serene experience that can’t be missed. After landing, tuck into a gourmet breakfast and glass of celebratory sparkling wine.
Waterfront fun and a picnic oasis to soak up the sunny outdoor vibes
The iconic Eastern Beach Reserve in Geelong is a local landmark and meeting place for young and old. Built in the 1930s, you can swim in the enclosed sea bath, or meander along the boardwalk, watching teenagers jump from the diving towers. There’s also a children’s pool, floating islands, a kiosk, a changeroom, terraced lawns and a playground.
A short stroll up the hill is one of Geelong’s best-kept secrets, the Botanical Gardens. Bring a picnic and savour this idyllic oasis where you can see and smell the incredible plant collection, relax on the lawns and stroll around the peaceful surroundings. Established in 1851 there is a blend of historic and modern sights to experience.
There are so many activities for outdoor lovers to choose from
As you can see, there is so much choice and this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to see and experience in our awesome region – the only thing missing is you!
For more visit: https://www.thebluestrain.com.au/play/
