Bellarine Peninsula

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If there is one thing the Bellarine does extremely well it is food and drink, so much so that it has its own map and trail to hunt down some of the best on the peninsula. You are spoilt for choice with olive oils, vineyards and small food producers and you can stock up on food for the camper from local suppliers.

• We really loved:

  • The wine tasting at Jack Rabbit Vineyard for only $5 – you can also walk through the vines with views across to Melbourne.
  • The Drysdale Goat Cheese farm is not only a great food supplier but the adorable goats are a treat for any kids.
  • Flying Brick Cider Co offers tours of its cider factory with plenty of tasty sips to try. The restaurant also serves up delicious food and hosts a cider festival in June.

The small historic towns of the peninsula all have their own unique feel and you are spoilt with great beaches and coastline throughout. From modern marinas in Queenscliffe to the quaint shops of Barwon Heads you can either spend the day on the ocean, cycling or soaking up more food and drink.

• Some cool activities include:

  • Taking a dolphin tour by boat.
  • Kayaking and rock pooling along the coast.
  • The rail and cycle track provides a beautiful ride and is fast becoming an attraction in its own right.

With the Bellarine being so close to the Great Ocean Road, it makes sense to swing by one of its most famous attractions, the Twelve Apostles, if you aren't planning to continue your trip onwards in that direction. You can even take the highway most of the way to cut down travel time if you prefer. These limestone rocks are famous for a reason and are a beauty, especially at sunrise.

• Stops en route:

  • Stop in lively Lorne for lunch on the way.
  • Take in the relaxed vibe of Apollo Bay.
  • Marvel at the impressive redwoods in the Great Otway National Park.
  • Enjoy sunset at the Twelve Apostles or, for the adventurous, take a helicopter tour above.

Depending on whether you want to continue on to the Great Ocean Road or your long weekend break is done, you are ideally located to head off in either direction. With the Britz depot located in north Melbourne it was super quick and easy to return our now beloved camper.

Where was the best view? 

The Twelve Apostles are of course breathtaking, but Point Lonsdale with its rugged cliffs, white pier and lighthouse was one of the highlights on the Bellarine Peninsula. The water is so clear along this stretch we spent hours just walking along the beach and looking in the many rock pools that the tide had created.

Where was your favourite place/town visited and why? 

Point Lonsdale although tiny was beautiful but Geelong really surprised me for just how much was on offer in terms of activities and food and drink and I could have happily spent a few more days there making the most of everything on offer.

What was your favourite experience/activity and why? 

Doing the Bellarine Taste Trail was a fantastic experience because not only did you get to try so much fantastic produce but most of the locations had stunning scenery too. From walking through vineyards to looking across the bay, the whole day was great fun and provided plenty of photo opportunities.

Best café for coffee? 

Cafe Amore in Point Lonsdale served up a great coffee but it is also a fantastic breakfast spot. The Eggs Bellarine with salmon and avocado was a winner and their super moist chocolate and berry muffin was the best I’ve ever eaten!

Favourite pub/restaurant? 

Flying Brick Cider Co was a stand out restaurant for me, not only because you could learn how cider was made too but also due to the delicious food and interesting design of the brick building with its own vineyard on site. The Queenscliff Brewhouse was also a great pub to try some tasty local brews and enjoy some hearty pub food next to a fireplace.

Did you have a favourite holiday park you stayed in and why? 

The Big4 Bellarine near Wellington was amazing for both kids and big kids! It’s really new and has a heated indoor pool, cinema rooms, a gym and heaps of kids' playing activities, which meant you could make the most of any downtime at the camp. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better kitted out park.

What would be your top tips for other campervan travellers?

I’m really glad we took the Voyager camper because having the extra space in the back made it really feel like a home and you had everything you could possibly want.

Can you share a recipe from something you cooked in the campervan? 

With so much amazing food around the Bellarine, stock up on some tomatoes and goat's cheese for a fresh salad and some of the mussels which Portarlington is famous for – really easy to cook in the camper with a white wine sauce and so delicious!

What is your greatest memory of the whole campervan holiday? 

We had a beautiful sunset when we were in Queenscliffe and it was so nice to be able to park so close to it. I think one of the best things about doing a trip in a camper is you can make the most of anywhere because if you find a spot you like you just need to head to the nearest campsite!

Dan travelled in a Britz Voyager, which is a 4-berth campervan that comfortably sleeps four adults. Start planning your Britz roadtrip here!