Overview
Drive past the surrounding wineries and olive groves from Geelong or come across the bay by boat to Portarlington, a historic coastal town on the Bellarine Peninsula, on the lands of the Wadawurrung people. This popular holiday spot is easily accessible by ferry from Melbourne, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing day trip or mini break by the coast.
Sip, savour and discover
Spend a few days exploring the local wineries, restaurants and producers scattered across the landscape. Sample seafood fresh out of the bay on a Portarlington Mussels Tour, linger over a glass of cool climate red, or fill the boot with goodies from country provedores and farm gates stocked high with seasonal offerings. Keep the culinary adventure going by hitting the Bellarine Taste Trail, which snakes its way across the peninsula.
Bayside wanderings
Take a slow walk and have a swim at the bay beach, kick back on the beautiful foreshore or treat yourself to a day out on the water. Bring your boat, join a charter or hire one by the hour and try your luck with the rod and reel. Prefer to stay on dry land? Enjoy a cuppa and throw a line off the pier.
For breathtaking bayside views, make your way to the northern tip of the Bellarine Peninsula on the drive from Portarlington to St Leonards and admire sweeping vistas of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's skyline and the You Yangs.
Stay a while
With so much to see and do in Portarlington and its surrounds, why not make a weekend of it and stay a little longer to truly immerse yourself in the charm of this lovely coastal town? The newly refurbished Grand Hotel features 18 boutique rooms for luxurious overnight stays, with four unique dining spaces to choose from and chic, contemporary interiors.
Entertain us
Take the kiddies for a ride on the Portarlington Miniature Railway, open every Sunday in summer and the first and third Sunday of the month during winter. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Portarlington Mussel Festival in January, a celebration of the local industry and fun day full of music, local wines, beer and, of course, plenty of mussels. If you're in town in June, join in the music, dancing and merriment of the National Celtic Festival.
