Bellarine Peninsula, Great Ocean Road

The Bellarine Peninsula is located south west of Melbourne in Victoria. It is surrounded by Port Phillip in the north, the Corio Bay in the northwest, and the Bass Strait in its southern part.

Being surrounded by bodies of water has made water sports the major outdoor recreation in the area. Among the popular activities in Bellarine Peninsula are boating, sailing, fishing, and surfing. Visitors can hire boats and spend a day out in the bay or along the Bass Strait fishing and enjoying the relaxing sea breeze.

There are also several beaches in the area that are popular among holidaymakers. One of the safest spots to go swimming is in Indented Head, located between Portarlington and St. Leonards. The shallow and calm waters in this area have made it one of the primary destinations of vacationers and their families. There are also facilities for picnics and camping at the foreshore part.

St Leonards also has several attractions that visitors can enjoy. Scuba diving enthusiasts come to this town to visit the wreck the `Ozone' paddle steamer. Sports minded individuals can also make use of the facilities at St Leonards Bowling Club on Murradoc Road and the St Leonards Golf Course along Blanche Street. Outdoor loving individuals, on the other hand, can head out to the Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve, accessed via the Beach Road. This reserve is quite ideal for bush walking and bird watching.

The town of Queenscliff, located south of St. Leonards, is also a popular destination when it comes to swimming and other water sports. Its foreshores are lined with trees, providing ample shade for bathers and picnickers who frequent the area especially during the summer months. The town also boasts of the historic Fort Queenscliff, which was constructed in 1860. This attraction, located along King Street, also features the Fort Queenscliff Museum, where historically important documents and items are showcased, including `The Artillerist's Manual,' considered one of the oldest military publications in the country.

Along the Larkin Parade is another attraction in Queenscliff that caters to the whole family. The See All Dolphin Swims offers tour packages that allow visitors to get close and personal with these gentle marine creatures. The package includes snorkeling lessons and interacting with dolphins and seals. Participants also get to view underwater wonders, such as colorful corals and different kinds of fishes. The package is also inclusive of equipments and light snacks after the adventure.

Queenscliff possesses rich heritage and history and these are showcased at the Queenscliff Historical Museum, located along Hesse St. The museum showcases household furnishings, furniture, photographs, maps, artworks, and other memorabilia. Apart from focusing on local history, the museum also details the settlement of Port Phillip and the lives of pioneers.

Another town that is worth a visit in the Bellarine Peninsula is Barwon Heads, located at the mouth of Barwon River. The town is situated south west of the peninsula and is the location of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary. Visitors can go swimming and snorkeling in the sanctuary, to view the myriad flora and fauna found underwater.

The town also boasts of two golfing facilities, the 13th Beach Golf Club along Barwon Heads Road and the Barwon Heads Golf Club located on Golf Links Road.

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