As the weather warms up over summer, many state borders remain closed with COVID-19 continuing to make its presence known. Melbourne My Style this summer will take you on the most beautiful discoveries of Regional Victoria, be that a day trip, or should you choose to stay overnight. COVID-19 isn’t going to stop us from discovering the best we have to offer right here at home.
Located southwest of Melbourne we make our way down past the major city of Geelong to ‘The Bellarine Peninsula’. Navigating our way through the breathtaking towns of Barwon Heads, Clifton Springs, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Port Arlington, Queenscliff, and St Leonard’s.
Melbourne My Style Road Trip – Highlight’s
Point Lonsdale Pier
Built in 1890 the Point Lonsdale Pier is picturesque, to say the least. The Pier is incredibly popular for fisherman boasting views out to the Mornington Peninsula. Many photographers enjoy this photogenic gem, especially the underneath view of the boardwalk pier that looks like an endless corridor of encapsulated water that heads out to sea. As the waves crash against the magnificent beauty of the timber piles it’s easy to see why this would have to be one of the most stunning piers to visit in Victoria.
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse brings nostalgia, being built in 1902. It’s wonderful to imagine what it would have been like in the early days.
“A vigil is kept by the still manned Point Lonsdale Lighthouse over the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The Rip, as it is known, is one of the most notorious entrances to any bay in the world. This is possibly the last manned lighthouse in Australia.” (Lighthouses of Australia INC.)
Clifton Springs
Clifton Springs boasts scenic walks along steep sandy cliffs with stunning coastal views. Not far from the original fishing jetty, you can view the original bubbling springs that gave the name to this rustic coastal village.
Barwon Heads
Barwon Heads at the mouth of the Barwon River is perfect for a morning stroll along the white sandy shore, whilst sipping on a coffee from one of the local cafés.
Barwon Heads is also home to three of Australia’s most recognized public golf courses.
A visit to At the Heads ‘restaurant is a must, offering a unique dining experience with friendly staff and magnificent views.
Queenscliff
Queenscliff is full of adventure with the ferry to Sorrento most popular amongst tourists. Queenscliff Harbour also offers uninterrupted views of the bay set against stunning historic architecture boasting fine dining and shopping.
The main street is a hop, skip, and a jump away and includes a bakery, brewery and distillery, art gallery, and much more.
“The Bellarine Railway offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel the 16.6km between Queenscliff and Drysdale on a wonderful collection of lovingly-restored heritage trains originating from every state in Australia. The whole family can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era of travel.” (Searoad Ferries)
To book a ferry or rail experience please visit https://www.searoad.com.au/Partners/The-Bellarine-Railway.
A planned or spontaneous road trip brings about adventure, unexpected places and landscapes are discovered along the way.
It’s an experience with the ability to stop wherever you want, for as long as you want, giving you the opportunity to make the trip uniquely yours as you find inspiration in the wonders that nature has to offer.
Travelling offers us to be free-spirited, creating, and capturing moments as we go. So, what are you waiting for, re-energise, recharge, put on your favourite music, and get going!
By Melinda Sullivan.
