Ultimate guide to the Bellarine Peninsula
"Don't listen to what they say. Go see"
Drink at:...
The first Distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula.
They won gold for their Gin. Their logo is modelled on the Head Gin Makers Moustache. They sit you down and run through drinking straight gin. What else do you need!
Husband and wife Russell Watson and Lorelle Warren are the driving force behind the distillery and it is a rare day where the two of them are not on site happily greeting the steady throng of visitors keen to try the Bellarine’s most discussed tipple.
We recommend: Sitting down and experience the tasting session, Teddy & the Fox straight up on one cube of ice is our new summer drink
After winning ‘Small Champion Brewery 2019’ this Torquay based brewery expanded its horizons and spilled out on the lucky residents of Ocean Grove, Bellarine Peninsula.
These guys are making waves on the craft beer scene challenging your traditional concept of beer. With recent releases including ‘Coffee Lager’, ‘Quince & Honey Saison’ & ‘Tomato and Basil Gose’ we strongly suggest anyone who knows the difference between a IPA and a VB needs to pay these guys a visit.
Also they do great burgers
Address: 82 The Terrace, Ocean Grove VIC 3226
“Terindah is Indonesian for ‘most beautiful” and the venue does the name justice.
Standing on Terindah’s Deck you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views across Corio Bay to the You Yangs and across Port Phillip Bay to the city skyline of Melbourne. You can quite literally see the mussel farmers in the local waters before you sit down for lunch. Established by owners Peter and Cate Slattery in 2000, Terindah Estate’s 100-acre property is a must-see destination for anyone interested in visiting a vineyard with award-winning wines, delicious food and stunning architectural event spaces.
We recommend: Utilising the extensive tasting room and having a try of as many of these local wines as they will allow
With their local hand crafted wines Bennetts on Bellarine is a family run business. The Cellar Door is a relaxed open air venue set against the backdrop of a rustic 100 year old Dairy.
With views over the vines across the bay to the You Yangs this charming vineyard offers old fashioned hospitality and a friendly atmosphere. Jamieson Bennett offers friendly old fashioned hospitality and quality wines.
Eat at:...
Overlooking Swan Bay Basil’s Farm is a delightful mix of vineyard and farm.
Take in the stunning views, stroll the herb garden, taste the handcrafted wines and try some of the local cuisine. These guys are all about sustainability with herbs, fruit, veggies and honey all being produced on site as well as chooks, sheep and lamas (the lama’s are named Basil and Manuel in case you were looking for your Faulty towers reference). The unique wines are being created by biodynamic and organic methods and can be tasted in the Basils Farm tasting room. Book ahead or come early – the secret of Basils Farm is no longer a secret and in Summer time its a busy venue!
We recommend: A bottle of the Reserve Pinot Noir and a seat by the fire pit overlooking the bay
Address: 43-53 Nye Rd, Swan Bay VIC 3225
The Bellarine’s first and finest cider company- come see why this is one of the fastest growing boutique ciders in Australia.
With a sprawling beer garden, live tunes, locally sourced food menu and a range of apple (and pear) delights to sample this is a must stop for summer time in the Bellarine.
We recommend: Pachinga Cider. A pear, chilli and lime 8% delight.
Also we would recommend sending the kids to the water park across the road and spend the day drinking the cider but thats promoting some sort of bad parenting that people on the internet will get their angry pants on about so we won’t recommend that.
Address: 1251–1269 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222
“With a thriving olive grove and emerging vineyards, Merne at Lighthouse has panoramic views that are unsurpassed. The surrounding landscape is home to farms, dairies, orchards and vegetable growers. It is these that inspire us at Merne”
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” -J.R.R. Tolkien
Stay at:...
Rest, Relax & Renew.
Each Luxurious Nest was architect designed to bring the stunning outdoors within, sustainably. Water supply is 100% pure filtrated rain water with solar power during the day. Huge ceiling to floor sliding windows, generous lounging deck, bird attracting gardens and quality fittings and furnishings make for a very special time away.
“A village of 15 luxury bell tents offers an experience with sea views to die for! If your idea of the perfect getaway is delicious food and wine, waking up to breathtaking views across the across the ocean, access to a private beach, pink sunsets across the bay and picnics in the vines, this might just be for you! Your Twilight Glamping Bell Tent comes complete with: Luxury queen or twin mattresses with pallet bed base Crisp bed linen, blanket and towels Warm Light USB lantern 2 chairs Side table and mirror Natural jute rug.”
Get there:...
Catch a Train
Q Train
Wine and dine in style with The Q Train.
The Q Train is a restaurant that travels along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff
Blues Train
The Blues Train starts and finishes in Queenscliff and rides along the Bellarine Railway. You’ll go on an incredible blues journey down the tracks with dinner and drinks along the way
A day out with THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE!
Yep
www.bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas/
Catch a Boat
Catch a return trip with the Port Phillip Ferries from Docklands – Melbourne to the seaside Portarlington town where your local guide will take you through the finest wine, locally produced gin, fresh cider and award winning lunches the Bellarine has to offer!
- Our tour includes the return Port Phillip Ferries ticket price from Docklands
- Our tour includes alcohol and lunch – no need for your wallet or your car keys
Experience as much as you can with Andy's Trails
It all looks too good? Go on an all inclusive tour and taste it all!
Andy’s Trails are full food & beverage tours across the Bellarine
Dedicated to celebrating local produce, gourmet beverages and breathtaking scenery with an informative guide and designated driver whose passion for craft will take this experience to a whole new level. With so many amazing destinations and venues exploding onto the scene Andy’s can offer a range of experiences that will suit you regardless of your time and budget.
Whether you’re looking for a foodie’s feast adventure, a locally-produced immersive liquor experience, or a full hipster encounter with the local craft beer scene while surrounded by spectacular drives – Andy’s Trails has the experience for you!
Ditch the the hassle of organising transport and a designated driver. Eat and Drink it all!
Feeling thirsty yet?