Bellarine Peninsula
Set in an upside-down barn and surrounded by eclectic, arty objects, this is a vineyard with a difference. Tastings are $5 but involve 14 varietals and the cost is redeemable against wine purchases. Popular cafe Mr Grubb (www.mrgrubbatoakdene.com.au) serves pizzas and modern Australian dishes; upmarket Marty@Oakdene (www.martyatoakdene.com.au) offers contemporary dishes made with local produce (small/large share plates from $17/35).
There's also accommodation (from $220).
8.93 MILES
Commanding expansive ocean views, this windswept national park on the peninsula’s western tip was a seasonal base of its traditional owners, the Boon…
28.58 MILES
Scale the 136 steps to the top of the beautiful 'White Queen' lighthouse for sensational 360-degree views. Built in 1891, the 34m-high lighthouse is still…
Mornington Peninsula National Park
25.78 MILES
Stretching from Portsea along a long sliver of coastline to Cape Schanck and then inland to the Greens Bush area, this national park showcases the…
Australian National Surfing Museum
13.69 MILES
The perfect starting point for those embarking on a surfing safari is this superbly curated museum that pays homage to Australian surfing. Here you'll see…
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
27.88 MILES
One of Victoria's most impressive regional galleries, the MPRG has a permanent collection focusing on the cultural heritage of Mornington Peninsula as…
7.39 MILES
Set up by a local family who know their stuff, this gin distillery produces everything on-site and has a tasting room to sample the goods, accompanied by…
10.54 MILES
Geelong's botanic gardens (established in 1851) are the fourth oldest in Australia and make for a peaceful stroll or picnic. Aim to get here for a…
11.45 MILES
Geelong's sparkling revamped waterfront precinct is a great place to stroll, with plenty of restaurants set on scenic piers, plus historical landmarks, a…
3.43 MILES
Set over 60 hectares is this producer of 'maritime climate' pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. As well as tastings, you can do a 1½…
2. Lobster Pot Heritage Centre
4.17 MILES
Just before the bridge, this interpretative centre has info on the Indigenous Wathaurung people and William Buckley, marine life and local history.
5.65 MILES
Take a tour to the top of this atmospheric – and still operational – lighthouse, which dates to 1902. Tours run every 30 minutes.
4. Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre
5.87 MILES
While this education centre is aimed at schoolchildren, it's worth popping in to have a gawk at the local species that live in the sea and lakes. Display…
6.96 MILES
Pop by this lovely main-street gallery to see works by established and emerging Australian artists.
6.97 MILES
Queencliff's fort was first used as a coastal defence in 1882 to protect Melbourne from a feared Russian invasion. It remained a base until 1946, and was…
6.99 MILES
A lovely space inside a historic stone church (c 1868), this worthwhile gallery exhibits works by contemporary Australian artists who work on paper…
8. Queenscliff Historical Museum
6.99 MILES
This small museum on the main strip is dedicated to the area's rich local history. Exhibits change every few months, but its catalogued historical…