A Taste of the Region specialises in the gourmet regional food and wine of Southwest Victoria. Sourced from farmer's markets, wineries, breweries and small-scale producers between Geelong & Warnambool and south of Ballarat, we collect together for your convenience some of the best tastes of the region.
Drop by our Winchelsea Larder shop, right on the Princes Highway in the centre of historic Winchelsea, for great coffee and cakes, snacks and light meals either made in the region by artisa...
Get set for splashtacular family fun this summer at Adventure Park Geelong. Splash & Play at Victoria s very first $3.5 million dollar water theme-park now open at Adventure Park.
Thrill seekers can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush when racing head first down the new Super 6 Lane Aqua Racer at speeds of up to 40km per hour! One of only four in Australia, the Aqua Racer is a towering wave like mountain over 80 meters in length pumping 120 litres of water per minute.
Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary is located at the mouth of the Barwon River at Barwon Heads, about 20 kilometres to the west of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The Marine Sanctuary covers 17 hectares. The intertidal and shallow subtidal sandstone and basalt reefs of the marine sanctuary provide habitat for a diverse range of marine flora and fauna. The water of the reefs supports extensive kelp forests including thick patches of both Giant and Bull Kelp. The wrecks of two ships are located on th...
Visitors to Barwon Park are rewarded with a vision from the past....
Built in 1869 for Thomas & Elizabeth Austin, Barwon Park was once one of Australia's grandest mansions. Barwon Park is a majestic 42 room bluestone estate that features a magnificent central staircase and iron lace verandah. With its interiors remaining largely in original condition, Barwon Park resonates the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage.
Bay of Islands Coastal Park stretches from Peterborough almost to Warrnambool in a 32 kilometres long narrow strip. The park has spectacular ocean views and many other memorable features. It protects a variety of rare and threatened flora and fauna species in its coastal heathland environment.
Things to Do
Those parts of the park which are accessible to visitors are concentrated at the eastern (Peterborough) end, beginning at Wild Dog Cove. This is adjoined by the Bay of Martyrs, a length...
The historic seaside villages of the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula are a pleasant drive down the road from this small vineyard by the highway. Overlooking the vineyard and with views over Corio Bay, Bellarine Estate offers wine tastings from their Bellarine Estate range, as well as their Portarlington Ridge Label. In addition, beer tastings from the Bellarine Brewing Company's micro-brewed range are also available.
This is beer with attitude, perfect for the first time beer drinker and...
Torquay has the best of both worlds with its beaches — protected family beaches, plus the action of the surging surf. Nearby Jan Juc is a little 'wilder'. Bells Beach is next stop on the coast where the big swells are definitely for experienced surfers. Just a short drive away, Point Addis provides breathtaking views out to sea and back to the gently arching bay from high up on the point. All around here the dense bush and towering yellow cliffs contrast with the ocean's wide blue expanse right ...
Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria.
Things to Do
* The 3 kilometre Anakie Gorge Walk leads through the gorge between the picnic areas at Anakie...
Brown Magpie Wines is located in the picturesque hinterland of the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road, 15 minutes inland from Anglesea and Torquay, and 25 minutes south west of Geelong.
Shane and Loretta Breheny selected the property specifically for the purpose. Planted in 2000 and 2001 the vineyard consists of 9 hectares of north facing gentle slope. Dense, well established cypress trees along the southern and western borders shelter the vineyard from strong and cold winds and moderates tempe...
Spectacular coastal cliffs, diverse bird life, picturesque walks and picnic areas, and the unusual Soap Mallee (Eucalyptus diversifolia) which is restricted to Cape Nelson in Victoria, are some of the attractions for visitors to the 243 hectares Cape Nelson State Park, 11 km south west of Portland along the Cape Nelson Road.
Things to Do
Sightseeing
The Cape Nelson Lighthouse is one of the popular attractions in the area, with spectacular views of the surrounding coastal and inland en...
Completed in 1848 and constructed of sandstone, it was only the second lighthouse constructed on mainland Australia.
In 1859, one of the earliest telegraph stations in Australia was added to the facility, soon connecting Tasmania to the mainland through Cape Otway and Melbourne.
First whale oil, then kerosene, was used to keep the light burning. Later changes included diesel generators, electricity, radio and global positioning satellites. In 1994, the introduction of satellite navigati...
* Pleasure driving along 'The Boulevard', which follows the northern bank of the river, through forests of Brown Stringybark, Manna Gum and lush tree-fern lined gullies, is a beautiful way to discover the Park.
* Camping at Hiscocks Crossing and picnicking along 'The Boulevard' is popular
* Fishing is challenging, with species such as Redfin and Rainbow Trout to be caught. Freshwater crayfish are also found in the river
del Rios of Mt Anakie is family owned and operated and is situated at Anakie, north of Geelong. Enjoy our premium wines of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, marsanne, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Visit our website or cellar door.
Dinny Goonan Family Estate is one of a handful of families pioneering grape and wine production in the Otway hinterland.
Our wines have won numerous awards since the first commercial release in 2001.
Our vineyard and cellar door are conveniently situated on the inland road to Lorne, between Winchelsea and Deans Marsh. This location provides a great springboard to explore the Otways and surrounding attractions, and we re happy to share some local knowledge of other places to see and vi...
Discovery Bay Coastal Park is a majestic 50 km sweep of ocean beach, huge dunes, Aboriginal middens and coastal lakes.
Things to Do
* Attractions include freshwater lakes, massive dune systems, magnificent coastal cliffs, volcanic features and sweeping ocean beaches.
* Outstanding features of Discovery Bay Coastal Park at Cape Bridgewater include a seal colony, blowholes, the 'petrified forest' and the highest coastal cliffs in Victoria, 130 metres above sea level.
Picnic facilities are available at the Surface Point picnic area and at Enfield picnic area. Remote Long Gully, which can be reached by vehicle or on foot from Surface Point, also has a picnic ground. You should bring your own firewood, as it is not always available locally.
Walking
The park features many walking tracks of various lengths and terrain. A circuit walking track with side tracks to Enfield and Bald Hills provides long distance walking wh...
Enjoy local seafood and wine on Geelong s waterfront. Fishermen s Pier serves up only the freshest seafood with over 40 varieties of local wines. The menu changes daily according to the availability of fresh fish and incorporates non-seafood dishes and a children s menu.
With great views overlooking Corio Bay, you can watch the activities of the fishermen on the wharf and yachts in the background by day, and the lights of the bay reflected on the water at night.
Flagstaff Hill's recreated village is set on 10 acres and reflects the rich maritime atmosphere of an 1870's coastal port. Flagstaff Hill is the ideal starting point to discover Warrrnambool and the Shipwreck Coast. More than 180 ships have come to grief along the Shipwreck Coast, with much of this tragic history being documented, recounted and recreated at Flagstaff Hill.
Experience first hand the perils of early sea travel as you explore the Gravesend Theatre an...
Geelong Gallery's collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts spans the art of Australia from the colonial period to the present day. The collection is housed in an early 20th century building with an imposing classical facade. The first acquisition was Frederick McCubbin's masterly painting A Bush Burial, 1890, which commemorates Australia's first pioneers.
The acquisition of Australian art is the focus of the gallery's collecting interests, however this extraordinary regional co...
Based at the Geelong City Waterfront on the Yarra St. Pier, our business provides a professional, safe and value-for-money helicopter service specialising in scenic flights, airport transfers, general helicopter charter and tours, aerial photography, corporate flights, wedding charter and much more.
Helicopter flights also make a wonderful and memorable gift and gift certificates are available.
Fun and hands-on farm tourism for all ages at the newly opened Apollo Bay family farm. Experience shearing, milking and other exciting farm activities. Make your own butter!
Experience the sights and activities of farming life at its best, help feed the animals, learn about the journey of your daily bottle of milk and just how much work goes into your favourite woolly jumper! Sound exhausting?
Then sit back, relax awhile and enjoy our exciting range of homestyle treats in the farm c in...
The Great Ocean Walk is a 91-kilometre trail that winds its way along Victoria's spectacular south-west coast. Join the track at one of the many access points, and set out on a short, day or overnight walk between the resort town of Apollo Bay and Glenample Homestead near Port Campbell. Along the way take in breathtaking coastal scenery, including the lighthouse at Cape Otway, the anchors and debris on Wreck Beach, Aire River and views of the magnificent Twelves Apostles from boardwalks and look...
This park represents all that is special about the Otways: the tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, the drier forests of the inland slopes and the very diverse heathlands and woodlands, fringed by a spectacularly rugged coastline and studded with some of Victoria's most striking waterfalls and other attractions.
Things to do:
Walking
Whether it is an afternoon stroll with the whole family, or a challenging multi-day hike there is something to suit everyone. Separate brochures are av...
Travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of Australia's great driving journeys. Travel one of the world's most scenic roads through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach on the Surf Coast, Mount Gambier's Blue Lake, the Coonawarra Wine region and the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves.
Hot Shots has been providing adrenalin packed paintball games for corporate and social groups, sporting teams, birthday, bucks and hens parties for over ten years. Set on unique bushland and using special effects, various exciting scenarios will be set during your paintball adventure. Convenient to Melbourne, Werribee, Geelong and Ballarat.
Hot Shots Paintball Skirmish is located on some of the most unique and beautiful bush land the region has to offer. Granite boulders, huts, forts and the...
Jane lives and works in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Watercolour, acrylics on canvas and prints from her website of Geelong's waterfront, Barwon Heads, Great Ocean Road and Great Barrier Reef. Matted prints and gloss posters in post-tubes also available and mailed world-wide.
Jane was born in Point Lonsdale and shows her love of the ocean in her brightly coloured cheerful paintings.
These works have made her art popular for tourist maps and logos including Tourism Victoria and Wine...
Enjoy Victoria's only jet boat - now at two amazing locations - Queenscliff Boat Harbour and Geelong Waterfront - Gateway to the Great Ocean Road.
Hop on board and hang on as we blast across the bay in our turbocharged boat at up to 70kph, twisting, sliding and close encounters of the jet boat kind. Throw in a good measure of Hamilton spins and we have jet boating at its best catering up to 10 passengers.
Operating every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day). Departing from the Geelong ...
Jindalee Estate is a proudly family owned and operated Australian winery. All our wines are made and bottled on our own estate.
No wonder we're seriously passionate. Our fruit-driven, fresh Australian style reflects the raw nature of our environment. We've cultivated a little wildness in every bottle.
We like to think that a little wildness in the making begets a little wild abandon in the drinking. So we urge you to cast off your inhibitions, get a little wild and focus on enjoying yo...
Located on the Great Ocean Road 167 kilometres from Melbourne, Kennett River is a great place to see kangaroos, king parrots or to catch sight of a koala in the forest behind the town or at nearby Grey River reserve. Head to the beach, which is patrolled and safe for swimming and a good place for a walk. Look out for a glimpse of dolphin pods and, between July and September, Great Southern Right Whales as they journey past. Walk to waterfalls, drive through the Otway ranges, fish, swim and surf....
'I was really impressed with the whole range when I visited, particularly the fragrant, herbal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, textural Pinot Gris, crisp, scintillating Chardonnay, spicy juicy Indra (reserve) Shiraz and a zinfandel with extraordinary complex flavours of mint, rhubarb and chocolate.'
Lethbridge Wines - a name to watch.
Max Allen, June 2005
At Lethbridge Wines 'Real Wine' is our passion, wines that are produced from fruit off carefully grown vines and made using tradition...
Situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula - nestled between Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay - Leura Park Estate produces premium cool climate wines of a distinctive and delightful French-style subtlety. Leura Park Estate wines are 100% estate grown and predominantly hand-picked.
Specialist chardonnay and pinot noir are crafted with cellaring in mind and released after a minimum of 2 years in bottle. Pinot gris, marketed under the 25 d'Gris label sells out within 6 months...
The pretty seaside town of Lorne has great fishing from its pier, with mullet, garfish and trevally popular catches, along with Australian salmon, barracouta and delicious calamari. Day and night the pier is lined with fisherfolk and families trying to hook some dinner in picturesque surrounds. With its Mediterranean feel and picture-postcard scenery, Lorne has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Set between the waters of Loutit Bay and the cool Otway forests, Lorne has a charm tha...
Lower Glenelg National Park, 27,300 hectares in area, is situated in the south-western corner of Victoria. The Glenelg River is the central feature. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created some remarkable caves.
These and the rich variety of bush plants and animals, not to mention activities such as canoeing, fishing and bushwalking,...
The sandstone reefs that are within the Marine Sanctuary are known as Little Henty Reefs and are about 80 metres offshore from the beach. Both reefs are clearly visible at low tide and at high tide the tops are still visible.
Due to the location and configuration of these reefs, a wide variety of microhabitats are present in a very small area. The remote location of these islands has ensured that they are packed with sea-life. A rich intertidal reef lies along the top of the sandstone islan...
Mount Eccles National Park, 6120 ha in size, stands at the western edge of the volcanic plains that stretch from Melbourne to Port Fairy, extending northwards to Hamilton and Ararat. Beginning about 20,000 years ago, volcanic eruptions opened the earth's crust and poured out thousands of tonnes of molten lava, forming Mount Eccles and the surrounding landscape. Today, the three main craters hold a 700 metre long lake known as Lake Surprise, which is fed by underground springs. The once red-hot l...
Mount Richmond is an extinct volcano surrounded by low, flat land. The volcano is covered with a layer of sand blown inland long ago from Discovery Bay. Forest, open heath and scattered swamps cover the park, which is noted for its flora and fauna.
Things to Do
The park is ideal for a picnic lunch. Use of private gas barbecues is encouraged, as is removal of any rubbish. There arealso a variety of walks including:
Narana Creations is an Australian Aboriginal cultural tourism and educational enterprise, committed to providing a welcome entree to todays indigenous culture. Visitors can experience exhilarating cultural demonstrations, amazing didgeridoo playing and try 'hands-on' boomerang throwing. Also available for purchase is genuine Aboriginal art and craft of the highest quality.
The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store and is set amongst the contemporary striking design of Waterfront Geelong.
The Museum is Australia's only comprehensive museum of wool, showcasing the Australian wool story - from the sheep s back to the clothes rack, and from the birth of the industry in the 1840 s to its place in the world today.
The Museum has two permanent galleries. The first, The Wool Harvest , looks at sheep farming and wool ...
The award wining Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant offers a relaxed and memorable experience that you will never forget.
An original 1920's homestead Oakdene has been beautifully restored and boasts an eclectic, lush art garden setting offering dining, accommodation, cellar door and its very own vineyards.
Renowned as 'a fantastic addition to the region's dining scene with absolutely flawless execution and presentation,' the Oakdene menu showcases an array of fresh local produce and an exqu...
If you have an obsession with fine wine, refreshing ales, food and art, all in a relaxed atmosphere, then look no further than Otway Estate. Situated in the beautiful Otway Hinterland, Otway Estate produces a liquid to quench any thirst, from our fine wines and premium beers to our seasonal cordial selections.
Each beverage is teamed with it s own tasting platter full of scrumptious local delicacies prepared on site. Established in 1983, Otway Estate produced table and berry wines under the ...
Fancy a walk at bird's eye level? The Otway Fly Treetop Walk and Cafe in Victoria's magnificent Otways will provide visitors with this unique opportunity.
The Fly itself is the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. It varies between 20-37 metres in height and is over 600 metres in length.
For the thrill seeker a 45 metre high lookout is ascended via a spiral stairway through the under story to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest, whilst the sprin...
'Although its name immortalises Geelong's first vigneron, the Swiss-born David Pettavel who arrived in these parts in 1842, this grand new enterprise is as modern as tomorrow. A broad driveway leads to an imposing, contemporary winery/restaurant complex surrounded by vineyard. From there you can look across the broad landscape that was once the heart of the Geelong vignoble while enjoying great food or tasting the estate's range of regional wines. As one would expect from a Geelong winery, compl...
Famous for the Twelve Apostles and historic shipwrecks, Port Campbell National Park contains the most significant areas of vegetation and fauna native to south-western Victoria. The diverse range of coastal environments includes woodlands, dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs, limestone stacks and arches.
The Twelve Apostles are stacks are made of rock formed up to 20 million years ago, and are created by the sea gradually eroding the soft limestone cliffs. The coast is slowly changing and there ...
Experienced Staff, perfect location and exceptional facilities ensure your time at the Port Fairy Day Spa will be of total indulgence and bliss.
Our 5 star day spa features an indoor heated saltwater pool with hydrotherapy massage jets, dual geisha tubs, pedispa, large gift shop, hair salon, seven wet/dry rooms including a dual room.
The Port Fairy Day Spa uses Pevonia Botanica skin care products with its unrivalled powerful elixirs to promote inner improvement rather than surface change...
The Portarlington Mill is one of the few remaining and preserved Victorian flourmills. An imposing four-storey sandstone structure built in 1857, it has had many roles as the needs of the Bellarine Peninsula and the colony of Victoria evolved.
The building was fully restored by the National Trust and presents the passer-by with an insight into 19th century life. Occasional exhibitions and local history displays add to your visit.
Step inside the rib cage of our Sperm Whale skeleton. Unfold the history of Victoria's birthplace through Portland's images of the past. Explore treasures from the shipwreck trail. Discovery your links with the sea. Unfold a wealth of activities available at our regional visitor information centre.
Motor car and motor museum contains 30 motor cars and many engines to view. There is a sectioned grey Holden motor attached to an electric motor and pushbutton. A sectioned 'Wankel' Rotary motor is also on display and connected to an electric motor and button as well.