Things to do around Ocean Grove and The Bellarine

Things to Do Around Ocean Grove and The Bellarine

There are plenty of things to do around Ocean Grove and The Bellarine for all types of travellers. As the largest town on the peninsula, Ocean Grove has long been a family favourite, thanks to its stunning beaches, relaxed coastal atmosphere, and close proximity to Melbourne (just 1 hour and 20 minutes away) and Geelong (only 30 minutes by car). It’s also conveniently near the ferry terminal that connects you to the Mornington Peninsula, making it an ideal base for a broader regional exploration.

From water sports to wine tasting, outdoor adventures to leisurely beach days, Ocean Grove and its neighbouring towns offer something for everyone. The region is renowned for its expansive beaches, scenic coastal walks, boutique wineries, and vibrant local culture. It’s a haven for nature lovers, foodies, and families alike, with the Bellarine Peninsula offering both laid-back escapes and exciting day trips. Explore its charming towns such as Anakie, Barwon Heads, Clifton Springs, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Queenscliff, and St Leonards, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Whether you’re looking to unwind by the beach, hike through nature reserves, sample world-class wines, or interested in local history and culture, Ocean Grove and The Bellarine provides a great getaway. This pretty corner of Victoria has been a hidden gem for many years.

Wellness & Pampering

• Pinch, Salt and Float: has a range of wellness and experiences
• Enhance, Skin, Body and Beauty: Skin treatments and facials
• Queenscliff Day Spa: Spring Wellness Packages and Eye Treatments
• Breath Massage and Healing: – Space to balance mind and body. Call Lyndal on 0455 038 806. Finch Close, Orange Grove
• Atico Beauty: body treatments and facials
• Lon Retreat and Spa, Point Lonsdale: – Winner 2024 Spa and Wellness Awards. Three treatment rooms featuring mineral water fed soaking tubs, steam rooms and breathtaking views.
• Point Lonsdale Health and Wellness: – A leading provider of quality Allied Health services specialises in improving women’s health, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Podiatry, Exercise Therapy, Wart Clinic.
• Bellarine Massage Therapy – Provides remedial massage, Fascial and Oncology Massages for stress reduction and healing.
• Samana Yoga and Pilates Studio: There are two beautiful studios – the Yoga Shala and the Reformer Studio next door.
• Queenscliff Day Spa: Offers a serene marina-view setting specialising in organic Eminence facials and O Cosmedic skin treatments, for skin health and rejuvenation. The spa features a couples room and multiple treatment spaces for massages, facials, and group bookings, perfect for hens’ parties, bridal groups, or simply unwinding.

• Geelong Natural Therapies, Geelong: Provides Myotherapy, The Bowen and Emmett Technique, Dry Needling, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Oncology Massage, Sports Massage and more. naturopathy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more.
• Ocean Grove Beauty Therapy: Have a passion for helping you achieve your most healthiest skin. They look at skin holistically and aligning with the principles of corneotherapy as a supportive skin approach. Also offer bespoke treatments for individual needs.

Explore & Discover 

Discover the Best of the Bellarine Peninsula

• Explore the Bellarine ‘taste trail’, featuring nearly 50 food and wine destinations, including farmgate producers, wineries, and craft breweries.
• Visit the Bellarine Distillery established in 2015 & the first gin distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula. 
• Explore local wineries and breweries including Blackmans – 82 The Terrace, known for its craft beers and lively beer garden, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff Brewhouse,Queenscliff Brewhouse,  Mt Duneed Estate, Flying Brick Cider House Co, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Oakdene Vineyards, Leura Park Estate, Terindah Estate, Basils Farm
• Visit local breweries – BrewiColo Brewing Co. is a family run independent craft brewery located Ocean Grove with an onsite taproom.
• Ride the Bellarine Railway‘s heritage steam train
• Experience fabulous live music on the heritage Blues Train Special, as you travel along the scenic Bellarine Peninsula. Co-Founder and Proprietor of the Blues Train, Hugo T Armstrong, started it back in 1994 and 30 years later, it’s still shake, rattle and rolling. Enjoy a fresh Blues Inspired Meal as you prepare to journey through the carriages and dance the night away with 4 amazing live Blues and Roots Entertainers.

• Take a day trip to Geelong, known for its cultural attractions, art galleries, museums, and waterfront dining.
• Visit the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary and meet native wildlife.
• Take an Adventure Flight to see the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.
• Learn about the region’s maritime history at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
• Tour the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and visit the 19th-century coastal fort.
• Cheer for the ‘Battle of the Bridge’, a football and netball rivalry between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.

Outdoor Adventures and Coastal Fun

• Hike or mountain bike through the Bellarine Peninsula.
• Capture stunning sunset photos at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
• Enjoy the patrolled Ocean Grove Surf Beach for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing..
• Visit Barwon Heads to explore the bluff, fish along the river, or enjoy the local cafe scene.
• Join a 3-Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise, operated with swim tour passengers

• Take a bike ride to Ocean Grove Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
• Have fun at Adventure Park Geelong with thrilling rides and family-friendly activities.
• Observe the big ships from The Rip lookout in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff
• Enjoy birdwatching or watch a beautiful sunset at Barwon Heads.
• Surf the waves at Ocean Grove Beach, 13th Beach, and Point Lonsdale
• Picnic at Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve
• Enjoy a game of bowls at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club
• Learn to Surf at Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road
• Play a round of golf

Good Eats around Ocean Grove and The Bellarine

• Funky Monkey Cafe – A relaxed and vibrant cafe offering great coffee, healthy meals, and vegan-friendly options.
• The Bellarine Hotel – Meals here are hearty, and seasonally inspired
• Bellarine’s Eatery at the Queenscliff Brewhouse – Seasonal dishes alongside craft beers in a laid-back pub setting.
• Flying Brick Cider House – A casual and welcoming venue serving cider and pub-style food in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Clifton Springs Golf Club Bistro – Tasty meals with views of the golf course.
• Dunes Café – Barwon Heads Golf Club.
• Lemonade Bakery – Sweet and savory pastries.
• The Beach Terrace, Ocean Grove – A relaxed spot for all-day breakfast, available six days a week.
• Garage Cafe – An old petrol station serving wholesome, locally sourced food and excellent St. Ali espresso coffee.
• Meerkat Manor Indoor Café – A fun indoor play centre with a café, great for families.
• Groove Café – A chilled café on Wallington Rd serving up tasty breakfasts and lunches.
• Driftwood Café – Delicious breakfast and lunch options.
• Chang Noi Chinese Restaurant – A local favorite for Chinese food (reservations through Facebook).
• Blackmans Brewery and Burgers – Enjoy craft beer and tasty burgers at this independent, family-owned brewery.
• Panache Café and Creperie – 68 Hesse St, Queenscliff. Sweet and savoury crepes and other treats
• The Original Queenscliff Fish and Chips – Classic fish and chips by the beach.
• Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes – Winner of Best Pies 2021 and 2022 (seen on Channel 7)
• Zebra Bar and Bistro – best steak and seafood in Victoria plus pub grub and cocktails and house beer

Foodies around Ocean Grove and The Bellarine

• Ocean Grove Marketplace – local produce.
• The Olive Pit Deli – 71 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. Specialising in olives, oils, and other gourmet deli items
• Saltbush Fine Foods – 4/44 Hesse St, Queenscliff. Offering a range of artisanal goods, fresh local produce, gourmet pantry staples etc
• Farm Foods Queenscliff – 63 Hesse St, Queenscliff. t’s a specialty store offering locally sourced and gourmet produce, making it a go-to for food enthusiasts looking for fine ingredients.
• Mr Grubb @Oakdene – Known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu and pairing with the Oakdene Estate wines. It’s a relaxed but gourmet experience.

Retail Escapes

• The Bookshop at Queenscliff – plenty of great books and events in store.
• The Hive Ocean Gallery – houses an exceptional and unique range of artistic mediums including bronze sculpture, paintings, ceramics & handcrafted furniture, from both established and emerging artists, many of them talented locals.
• Mr Mussels for fresh, local mussels – Portarlington Pier – Fresh farmed live blue Australian mussels, oysters, and seasonal fish.
• The Scandinavian Ice Cream Co, Queenscliff – 80 Hesse St, Queenscliff. Forget the diet, head straight to Scandy!
• Zorali
• Franki Say Relax – Shop a curated ranges of gifts + homewares. Located in Geelong, Torquay, Queenscliff, Yarraville + Online.
• Florence and Threads – Clothing, lifestyle, homewares and gifts.
• The Amazing Mill Markets – browse over 12,000 square metres filled to the brim with fine china, jewellery, books, vintage clothing, furniture, records, glassware, industrial products (wrought iron, tools etc) antiques… and hundreds of different stallholders.
• Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre Gift Shop – plenty of unique art, books and fragrance, handmade indigenous items – art, crafts, didgeridoos, boomerangs and more.
• Geelong Powerhouse Art Gallery – is the new iconic centre for street art. With over 3000sqm of space, this building is Australia’s largest indoor legal space to paint. Located at 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC

• Suki Boutique, Queenscliff – 47 King St, Queenscliff
• For Pete’s Sake, Queenscliff – 2/62 Hesse St, Queenscliff
• Queenscliff Sweet Shop
• House Warming
• Florence and Threads
• Wish Fish – 99 Presidents Ave, Ocean Grove
• Torquay Surf City Plaza
• Camperdown Antiques and Op Shops

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