Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Matt Dunne Photo
Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria © Matt Dunne Photo
Guide to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula
Aboriginal name: Djilang
A magnet for makers of wine, art and regional cuisine, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula just might surprise you.
An easy drive from Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have it all: a colourful art and culture scene, surf beaches that rival the country’s best and mountainous national parks primed for hikes. Don’t miss Bellarine’s picturesque wine region, peppered with 40 cellar doors pouring cool-climate wines.
Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are located southwest of Melbourne, an easy one-hour drive or 1.5-hour ferry via Port Phillip Ferries from the city centre.
- Avalon Airport (AVV) is 22km (14mi) from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and services international and domestic arrivals.
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) is 85km (53mi) from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and services international and domestic arrivals.
- Car hire and Sky Bus shuttle services are available at both airports.
Once you’re in the region, public transport services including buses and trains are available. To discover the best of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, you’ll need a car.
Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are year-round destinations. Summer’s warm temperatures invite you to enjoy the region’s sandy beaches, while winter’s cool days are perfect for hiking or cellar-door hopping. During spring, don’t miss Brisbane Ranges National Park’s wildflowers bursting into bloom; the state’s largest wildflower habitat.
- High season: Summer and autumn (November to April)
- Low Season: Winter and spring (May to October)
Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula cater to all travellers, with an array of accessible-friendly accommodation, experiences and activities available across the region.
- Arrival: Disability assistance is available at both airports, including hidden disability support at Melbourne Airport.
- Getting around: You’ll find accessible public transport information on the Public Transport Victoria website. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked on the City of Greater Geelong website. When travelling to and from Melbourne, Port Phillip Ferries offers assistance and day travel companions in partnership with Travellers Aid.
- Accessible experience highlights: A growing number of venues offer accessible facilities in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, including museums, art centres and Geelong’s Kardinia Sports Stadium.
- Helpful resources: Visit the City of Greater Geelong’s accessibility map to discover the city’s accessible facilities.
