What to do in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

The best things to do in Geelong

As Victoria's second-largest city, Geelong offers a mix of urban attractions and relaxed coastal living. Whether you're visiting for the day or staying longer, there’s plenty to see and do. It also serves as the gateway to Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road, beginning just south of Geelong at Torquay, where you can also stay and play.

Best activities and attractions in Geelong

Explore the Geelong Waterfront and Eastern Beach Reserve

No visit to Geelong is complete without a leisurely stroll along The Waterfront. Starting near the historic Cunningham Pier, the landscaped promenade stretches along Corio Bay, lined with heritage bollards, sculptural artworks and gardens that reflect the city's maritime past. One of the highlights is the whimsical Baywalk Bollards : over 100 brightly painted, carved wooden figures that capture the spirit and stories of Geelong’s people and history.

Families love the Eastern Beach Reserve, a classic art deco bathing complex featuring a shark-proof sea bath, wooden boardwalk, diving towers, and a separate children's pool. Green lawns, playgrounds and picnic spots complete the relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can grab a coffee or ice cream from a nearby kiosk and simply watch the world drift by.

Beyond the waterfront, Geelong's Little Malop Street offers a lively strip of bars, cafes, street art and galleries. Pakington Street, another local favourite, stretches for 1.5 kilometres, brimming with boutique shopping and casual eateries.

Discover Geelong's arts and culture

Geelong's cultural heart beats around the Geelong Gallery, which houses an outstanding collection of 19th and 20th-century Australian paintings, sculpture and decorative arts alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions. Just steps away is the strikingly modern Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, affectionately known as 'The Dome', where visitors can explore local history or simply admire its impressive architecture.

Set inside a historic 19th-century bluestone wool store, the National Wool Museum tells the story of Geelong's role in Australia’s wool industry through interactive displays and changing exhibitions that appeal to all ages. Close by, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre hosts a diverse program of theatre, music and dance performances throughout the year.

For sports fans, GMHBA Stadium is home to the Geelong Cats AFL team and also hosts soccer, rugby, cricket matches and concerts. History buffs can explore the former Geelong Gaol, Victoria's longest-running colonial-era prison, or browse the Geelong Vintage Market and Amazing Mill Markets, two treasure troves of antiques, retro fashion and collectables. The Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre offers an insight into local Aboriginal culture, with a cafe and gift shop celebrating Indigenous heritage.

Embark on a scenic walk

Nature lovers can explore Geelong's natural side with walks like the Barwon River Trail (13km), a long loop meandering along the riverbanks through Fyansford and South Geelong. At Barwon Grange, an elegant 1850s Gothic Revival house, visitors can admire original Victorian-era furnishings and relax in gardens that slope gently to the river’s edge.

Nearby, the historic Fyansford Paper Mill precinct has been transformed into a lively hub of galleries, artisan shops and cafes, all set within National Trust-listed buildings. Don't miss the cellar door for local wines or a meal overlooking the river. A short walk away, the River Red Gum Walk leads to Buckley Falls, where water cascades over rugged rock formations.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens, established in 1851, remain a peaceful option for an afternoon or morning stroll, with highlights including a conservatory, rose garden, fernery and expansive lawns perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Drive down to Geelong for a festival

Throughout the year, Geelong stays vibrant with festivals and events that celebrate everything from sailing and beer to multiculturalism and vintage cars. In January, the Festival of Sails turns the waterfront into a celebration of keelboat racing, live entertainment and fireworks. The same month, the Geelong Beer Festival draws crowds with craft beer, cider, food stalls and live music.

February brings colourful community spirit to life with the free Pako Festa multicultural street festival, and car lovers flock to All Ford Day to admire hundreds of classic Fords. The Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport offers thrilling flying demonstrations and static aircraft displays in late summer.

October's Royal Geelong Show combines agricultural showcases, food stalls, carnival rides and nightly fireworks. Wine lovers can also visit in October for Toast to the Coast, which celebrates the best wines and local produce from the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley.

Best restaurants and dining in Geelong

Geelong's dining scene is diverse, blending modern waterfront eateries with traditional pubs, stylish cafes and international flavours. Along the waterfront, Wharf Shed and Edge Geelong serve modern Australian dishes with sea views and live music. Fisherman's Pier offers classic seafood dining right on the water, while Eastern Spice presents upmarket Indian cuisine with scenic waterfront vistas.

In the city centre, Parkers Steakhouse occupies a charming 1850s bluestone building, known for perfectly grilled steaks, and Manbo combines Cantonese flavours with a champagne bar. For traditional Indian flavours, Shiraaz serves up authentic curries and tandoori dishes. Cafes like Eddy and Wills and Recess (Geelong’s only certified gluten-free restaurant) keep the brunch crowd happy.

Historic pubs like the Elephant & Castle Hotel, Cremorne Hotel, Grovedale Hotel and Gold Diggers Arms offer classic pub dining and a welcoming local atmosphere.

For something special, Nicol's Paddock, a family-run winery, offers tastings by appointment and a seasonal restaurant menu crafted around local produce. Little Creatures Brewery is set in historic industrial mills, offering brewery tours, tasting paddles, casual meals and trivia nights.

Queenscliff: heritage and history by the sea

The historic seaside town of Queenscliff sits at the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, where Port Phillip Bay meets the open ocean. Its grand Victorian architecture, maritime heritage and natural scenery make it a charming place to explore. 'Queenscliff' refers to the town, while 'Queenscliffe' refers to the area.

Best activities and attractions in Queenscliff

Step back in time

Queenscliff has plenty of heritage architecture: it was settled in the 1850s, developed as a strategic defence post guarding access to Geelong and Melbourne, then visited by hordes of Victorian holiday-makers.

Take a guided tour of Fort Queenscliff, one of Australia's oldest and best-preserved military forts, and learn about its role in protecting the bay. Make sure to visit Shortland Bluff, the Southern Hemisphere's only black lighthouse, onsite.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum offers insights into local maritime history, including shipwrecks and lighthouse life, while the Queenscliffe Historical Museum hosts photographs, clothing, paintings and more social history from yesteryear.

The historic Queenscliff Harbour is now a modern marina, home to fishing boats, luxury yachts and a viewing tower offering sweeping coastal views - but was originally built from 1856.

Ride the heritage railway

Hop aboard the Bellarine Railway, a 16km heritage steam railway that runs between Queenscliff and Drysdale through coastal scrub and farmland. Its most popular journey is The Q Train, (see Drysdale and Clifton Springs section below).

The Bellarine Railway also hosts themed trips, like The Blues Train with its iconic blues concert and dining experience, The Polar Express with a family-friendly Christmas theatrical experience in December, and Day Out with Thomas that celebrates the popular Thomas & Friends children's television show.

Prefer walking? The Bellarine Rail Trail is a wonderful walking and cycling track that stretches from Geelong to Drysdale, then along the Bellarine Railway to Queenscliff for a total of 35km.

Enjoy the seaside

Queenscliff is a great place to enjoy ocean activites. Paddle at gentle Queenscliff Beach, swim with wild seals and dolphins on a guided tour like Sea All Dolphins, or fish off Queenscliff Pier for whiting, flathead, snapper, gummy shark and more.

Or glide over the waves aboard Searoad Ferries, which takes passengers between the Bellarine Peninsula's Queenscliff and the Mornington Peninsula's Sorrento.

Celebrate coastal culture at a festival

Queenscliff hosts several festivals throughout the year, starting with the Queenscliff Rod Run in February. Watch hundreds of classic cars cruise down the main street in town: a staple event since 1998, organised by the Geelong Street Rodders club.

In May, the Queenscliffe Literary Festival features established and emerging Australian authors to the borough, with talks, panel discussions, workshops and other events that celebrate all Aussie literature, from poetry to fiction to non-fiction to music.

Observe the winter solstice during June's Nightide Festival, with hot food, warm cocktails and fireside entertainment.

Finally, join the Queenscliff Music Festival in November for the Bellarine's premier music event. You'll find both Aussie and international bands here, plus plenty of food, local wine and beer, and family-friendly activities.

Best restaurants and dining in Queenscliff

Queenscliff has a lively café scene and elegant dining options, many set dining institutions set within historic buildings. Fresh seafood is a highlight: try local fish and chips by the harbour.

TARRA Queenscliff is a stunning beachfront dining experience, located at the Queenscliff ferry terminal and offering breakfast, lunch and drinks. 360Q is another waterfront dining option, with big windows looking out over the boats in the Queenscliff harbour and mouthwatering mains like coq au vin or Thai green curry mussels.

On vibrant Hesse Street, book in to Gingerbaby for modern Asian and cocktails, Shelter Shed for modern dishes inspired by European and Middle Eastern flavours, or the Vue Street Bar at Vue Grand for classic pub meals and share plates.

Just out of town, Basils Farm offers modern Australian dining with seasonal produce straight from its onsite garden.

Point Lonsdale: lighthouse views and coastal walks

Just across the bay from Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale feels more rugged and windswept: it's where the calm waters of Port Phillip meet the wild Bass Strait. Point Lonsdale's small main street is lined with cafés and gelaterias, perfect for a slow afternoon by the sea.

Best activities in Point Lonsdale

Wander around the iconic lighthouse

The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, built in 1902, still operates today. Climb to the top on a guided tour (bookings recommended) for views over 'The Rip': one of the world's most treacherous stretches of water, located at the bay's narrow entrance. A foreshore walking trail hugs the cliffs from the lighthouse, offering spectacular views.

For anglers and sightseers alike, the historic Point Lonsdale Pier is a favourite spot to cast a fishing line or simply admire the striking views of the lighthouse and surrounding coastline.

Make some waves at a beach

Point Lonsdale offers a beach for every mood and experience level. The Front Beach is picturesque and sheltered, making it perfect for families and those learning to surf in calmer conditions. Just around the point, the Back Beach caters to more experienced surfers looking for bigger swells. At low tide, its rocky expanses reveal shallow rock pools ideal for exploring.

Unwind at an award-winning spa

After a day of coastal adventures, visitors can indulge in relaxation at Lon Spa, an award-winning destination spa perched with stunning views over the ocean and lighthouse. The spa features three unique treatment rooms equipped with mineral spring soaking tubs, steam rooms and panoramic outlooks of the rugged coastline. Guests can choose from a range of massages, body treatments and wellness therapies to help unwind and rejuvenate.

Best restaurants and dining in Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale's dining scene is small yet welcoming, with options to suit a casual lunch or a special evening out. At Lonsdale Links Golf Club, the Links Bistro serves hearty classics in a relaxed setting overlooking the greens.

Noble Rot offers a more intimate wine bar atmosphere, pairing local and international wines with grazing platters, fresh pasta dishes and quality steaks: perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the Bellarine coast.

Barwon Heads: laid-back coastal living

Barwon Heads is where the Barwon River meets the sea, creating sheltered river beaches on one side and rugged surf beaches on the other. It's a favourite with families, surfers and those seeking a slower pace.

Best activites and attractions in Barwon Heads

Relax on the beach

Barwon Heads offers a classic coastal escape where visitors can relax and swim along the gentle river foreshore at the mouth of the Barwon River. Its calm waters and sandy banks are perfect for a leisurely swim or a morning paddleboarding session. A walk across the historic Barwon Heads Bridge brings you to the neighbouring town of Ocean Grove, making it easy to explore both destinations in one day.

For surfers seeking bigger waves, Thirteenth Beach lies just beyond town. Facing the open waters of Bass Strait, this windswept stretch of sand is well known for its consistent surf breaks that attract both locals and visitors.

Browse local shops and cafés

The heart of Barwon Heads beats along Hitchcock Avenue, the town's charming main street lined with boutique shops, homewares stores and friendly cafés. It's the perfect place to browse for unique gifts, pick up coastal-inspired decor, or settle in for brunch with freshly brewed locally roasted coffee. During the warmer months, café tables spill out onto the footpaths, adding to the relaxed, village-like atmosphere and inviting visitors to dine in the sunshine.

Discover natural beauty

Barwon Heads is also surrounded by rich natural attractions waiting to be explored. The Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary wraps around the headland, protecting 17 hectares of reef, rock pools and seagrass beds teeming with marine life. At low tide, the rock pools below the Bluff become a fascinating spot for families and nature photographers, while snorkellers can glimpse colourful sea creatures beneath the waves.

For a scenic stroll, the Barwon Heads Bluff Walk (3.7km) is a return trail that follows the cliffs around the Bluff, offering sweeping ocean views. From June to October, it's one of the best vantage points along the coast to spot passing whales.

Nearby, the Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve offers a peaceful retreat into nature, where a shallow estuarine lagoon and surrounding marshes attract a rich variety of birdlife, making it a favourite among keen birdwatchers.

Best dining and restaurants in Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads boasts a laid-back yet vibrant dining scene reflecting its coastal charm. Annie's Provedore blends café, deli and food store under one roof, serving wholesome meals alongside gourmet local produce to take home. For modern Australian dining right on the waterfront, At The Heads showcases fresh seafood and seasonal dishes with panoramic views across the river mouth.

The Barwon Heads Hotel is a local favourite, combining a classic bistro menu of steaks, pizzas, seafood and pub favourites with a spacious beer garden and regular live entertainment. Beach House offers modern Australian fare crafted from fine local produce, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between in a stylish yet relaxed setting.

For something casual, Starfish Bakery serves all-day breakfast, fresh sandwiches, pastries, cakes and coffee, making it an ideal pit stop before a walk along the Bluff. Finally, Tommy Gunns brings a Mediterranean influence to town, presenting a seasonal menu inspired by the flavours of Europe's sun-soaked coastlines.

Ocean Grove: family fun by the surf

Ocean Grove, the largest town on the Bellarine Peninsula after Geelong, is famous for its sweeping surf beach, family-friendly vibe and mix of natural attractions. It's separated from Barwon Heads by the Barwon River, making the two sister towns.

Best activites and attractions in Ocean Grove

Hit the waves

Ocean Grove Main Beach stretches for around two kilometres and is patrolled during summer, offering gentle, rolling waves ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Surf schools operate throughout the warmer months, making it easy to book a lesson and enjoy time on the water. It's also a popular spot for families thanks to its accessible shoreline and patrolled swimming area.

Along the mouth of the Barwon River, you’ll find safe and sheltered swimming perfect for young children. Further upstream, a jetty and boat ramp cater to boating and fishing enthusiasts.

For those keen to explore beneath the waves, the Ex-HMAS Canberra Dive Site provides a unique underwater adventure: the decommissioned warship was scuttled off the coast in 2009 and has since become an artificial reef popular with divers and snorkellers.

Visit a theme park

If you'd prefer something on dry land, Bellarine Adventure Golf offers the chance to play a fun round or two of mini golf.

Families can also spend a thrilling day at Adventure Park. Victoria's first and largest water theme park, just a short drive away. It's full of family activities, with slides and rides catering to toddlers, kids and teens. Make sure to check the site's calendar, as it's only open during the warmer months. 

Stroll around a coastal walking trail

Ocean Grove is rich in natural beauty, with several walking trails offering the chance to stretch your legs and spot native wildlife. The Ocean Grove Beach to River Walk (3km) is a scenic loop that follows the coastline and showcases sweeping ocean views. At Blue Waters Lake (1.5km), a loop takes visitors around a picturesque reserve frequented by birdlife.

Nature lovers shouldn't miss the Ocean Grove Nature Conservation Reserve, which protects the only significant patch of woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula remaining in its pre-European settlement state. Follow the Currawong to Picnic Area Track (1km one way), a route that's particularly good for birdwatching, especially after rain when frog calls echo through the marshy wetlands. For those hoping to spot native animals, the Lake Track (1km return) leads to a peaceful lake where turtles often bask in the sun, while swamp wallabies and echidnas can sometimes be seen feeding among the undergrowth. The Banksia Track (3km return) extends further, winding gently for three kilometres through ancient grass trees and past the rare Bellarine Yellow Gum.

Visit an iconic winery or cidery

Ocean Grove and its surrounds are also known for boutique wineries and cider houses. At Banks Road Winery, you can visit a family-run cellar door and restaurant that focuses on small-production wines crafted with minimalist intervention. Oakdene Vineyards is equally distinctive, offering wine tastings in its striking 'upside-down' cellar door that’s become something of a local landmark.

There's also Flying Brick Cider Co., which invites visitors to sample ciders made from 100 per cent Australian fruit. Guests can enjoy tasting paddles, lunch served daily, or dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Best dining and restaurants in Ocean Grove

 When it comes to dining, Ocean Grove offers plenty of variety to suit every taste and occasion. The Dunes is a waterfront favourite known for share plates, woodfired pizzas and classic mains, as well as breakfast on weekends.

For something a little different, Kala serves up Greek-inspired share plates in a relaxed setting. At Mona Cicchetti Bar, guests can enjoy the Venetian tradition of small plates designed for sharing, paired with fine wines and crafted cocktails.

Ocean Grove Bowling Club offers a casual bistro restaurant and sports bar where locals and visitors alike gather after a day at the beach. Nearby, the Ocean Grove Hotel combines a family-friendly bistro menu of pub classics and seasonal specials with a spacious sports bar and beer garden. And if you’re craving traditional pizza and pasta, Town & Country Pizza serves up time-honoured recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Portarlington: seafood and sweeping bay views

Set on the northern side of the Bellarine Peninsula, Portarlington is best known for its historic pier, laid-back seaside vibe and famous blue mussels. Its fertile volcanic soils have made this spot a top foodie destination in Victoria.

Best activities and attractions in Portarlington

Feast on fresh seafood and produce

Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the opportunity to join a Portarlington Mussel Tour, which takes visitors out onto the bay to discover the fascinating world of mussel farming. During the tour, you can learn about the different stages of cultivation, see mussel ropes pulled fresh from the water, watch cooking demonstrations and sample the freshly prepared mussels alongside local wines and refreshments.

In January, the town comes alive with the Portarlington Mussel Festival, a lively celebration of the Bellarine's famous mussels and local food and wine producers. Visitors can enjoy live music, children's entertainment, cooking demonstrations and an array of food stalls. For those who prefer to bring fresh seafood home, Advance Mussel Supply offers a farm gate where you can purchase mussels, oysters and scallops straight from the source.

Beyond seafood, Portarlington's surroundings include unique local producers like Lethbridge Wines, known as one of Australia’s most environmentally sustainable vineyards, and The Whiskery: a charming distillery offering small-batch gin and whisky, often paired with live music performances.

Explore the historic pier and foreshore

The Portarlington Pier stands as both a nod to the town’s maritime history and a popular spot for fishing, leisurely walks and photography, offering stunning views over the bay. Along the foreshore reserve, shaded picnic areas and calm swimming spots create an inviting place to relax, all while enjoying panoramic views that stretch across the water to Melbourne.

Travelling to Portarlington is also part of the experience thanks to Port Phillip Ferries, which connect Docklands to Portarlington in around 70 minutes, bringing visitors right to the heart of the town. Once ashore, you can spend time at Portarlington Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

For a taste of living history, hop aboard The Enterprize, a replica of the schooner that transported Melbourne's first European settlers from Tasmania in 1835. Cruises range from short one-hour sails to immersive multi-day voyages that offer hands-on sailing experiences.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the Bellarine Coastal Trail stretches 17km one-way from Portarlington to St Leonards, offering a scenic route with sweeping bay views.

Celebrate Celtic culture

Portarlington is also known for its vibrant celebration of heritage at the National Celtic Folk Festival, held each June. As Australia's largest and most diverse Celtic cultural event, it offers an exciting line-up of concerts, acoustic performances, dance displays, workshops, artisan markets, fresh produce stalls and hearty hot food.

Best restaurants and dining in Portarlington

Dining in Portarlington blends fresh local flavours with beautiful coastal views and a warm country welcome.

Arlo, a stylish wine bar and cafe, offers sweeping views across the foreshore and bay, making it a popular spot for a relaxed brunch or evening drink. Pier Front Pizzeria specialises in traditional wood-fired pizzas complemented by pasta and seafood dishes, while Pier St Cafe showcases locally sourced seafood in fresh breakfast and lunch plates.

For a meal steeped in local history, the Portarlington Grand Hotel features a family-friendly bistro with an extensive menu, alongside a cosy bar, open fireplace and a spacious beer garden perfect for sunny afternoons.

Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice nearby. Bellarine Estate offers a combined winery and brewery experience with a cellar door and relaxed restaurant setting. Jack Rabbit Vineyard serves fresh, seasonal cuisine in a sophisticated dining room overlooking the vines and bay. Terindah Estate combines boutique wines with a beautiful cellar door restaurant known for its modern, produce-driven menu. Finally, Scotchmans Hill - one of the oldest wineries on the Bellarine - invites guests to dine in style while enjoying spectacular views that stretch all the way to Melbourne's skyline.

Drysdale and Clifton Springs: country charm meets coastal views

Located inland but close to the bay, the neighbouring towns of Drysdale and Clifton Springs offer visitors unique history, local produce and peaceful scenery.

Best activities and attractions in Drysdale and Clifton Springs

All aboard the Q Train

For a truly memorable dining experience, visitors to Drysdale can step aboard The Q Train, a moving restaurant that journeys along the historic Bellarine Railway. While the train gently rolls through the countryside, guests are treated to a carefully curated degustation menu that showcases fresh, seasonal produce from across the region. It's a unique way to combine fine dining with a taste of local history, and with different classes and seating options available, it’s perfect for everything from special occasions to a leisurely long lunch.

RACV Members save on The Q Train tickets, from Q Class to First Class.

Take a walk by sea cliffs or mineral springs

The dramatic coastline around Clifton Springs offers walking trails with sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs in the distance. At Beacon Point Reserve, a 3.2km return walk follows tracks along the clifftops, with stairways leading down to the beach for those keen to dip their toes in the water.

Closer to town, the Clifton Springs Foreshore trail (1.3km) is a gentle circuit through the Adrian Mannix Reserve. This coastal walk loops around in the shape of a horseshoe before extending onto a pier, where visitors can take in panoramic views stretching northward to the You Yangs and across the open bay.

Enjoy a picnic or boat ride outdoors

Drysdale and Clifton Springs also offer plenty of spots to slow down and savour the fresh sea breeze. The Dell Picnic Area, set beside the Clifton Springs Golf Course at the end of Springs Street, is a secluded hideaway accessed by several walking tracks. This quiet reserve stretches down to a sandy beach, making it a perfect spot to roll out a picnic rug.

For those keen to get out on the water, Clifton Springs Boat Hire provides boats for fishing or sightseeing adventures. Get a different perspective of the scenic coastline and the opportunity to cast a line into the bay.

Best dining and restaurants in Drysdale and Clifton Springs

Food and wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this pocket of the Bellarine Peninsula. Bellarine Estate offers a mouth-watering Texas BBQ-style meal, with house-cured meats, sides of seasonal local produce, and wine from the Bellarine Estate range.

At Clifton Springs Golf Club, the Springs Bistro presents a relaxed bistro menu featuring everything from hearty steaks and seafood to pasta, pizza, burgers and curries: perfect for refuelling after a day on the green or exploring the foreshore.

Wine enthusiasts shouldn't miss Leura Park Estate, where visitors can sample cool-climate wines at the cellar door, enjoy generous grazing platters, and soak up live music on Sundays in a laid-back vineyard setting.

Just outside Drysdale, Manzanillo Grove welcomes guests to its charming farm gate store, where you can browse and taste award-winning olive oils and other gourmet produce grown and pressed onsite.

Anakie: fairy tales and fine wines inland

Head inland from Geelong towards the Brisbane Ranges and you'll discover Anakie, a hidden gem with family attractions and boutique wineries. The town is named for the The Anakies: three hills that overlook the town.

Best activities and attractions in Anakie

Fairy Park: a storybook adventure

Families visiting Anakie will find themselves enchanted by Fairy Park, one of Australia's oldest and most charming theme parks. Set atop a rocky granite outcrop known as Elephant Rock, this miniature castle-themed attraction invites children and their carers to wander through colourful dioramas that bring classic tales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to life.

Beyond the storybook displays, visitors can climb castle towers for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, then relax at the onsite cafe or kiosk.

Visit a ghost town at Stieglitz Historic Park

History buffs and explorers alike will be drawn to Steiglitz Historic Park, where the gold rush era still lingers among preserved 19th-century buildings. Once a bustling gold mining settlement, Steiglitz is now a living ghost town with historic sites, including the 1875 courthouse, two quaint churches, Scott's Hotel and an old drapers shop.

Starting from the courthouse, visitors can embark on several bush walks that reveal more of the town's past and natural beauty. The Deadmans Loop trail (4.7km) winds past the courthouse and along Sutherlands Creek to a small waterfall, crossing peaceful valleys dotted with grass trees before returning to town by the old Catholic Church (dating back to 1868) and the historic cemetery.

For those seeking a longer walk, the Steiglitz Circuit Walk (8.5km) spans open bushland, passes  an impressive mullock heap at the New Chum Mine, and rewards walkers with sweeping views of the Brisbane Ranges.

Explore the Brisbane Ranges

Just beyond Anakie, the Brisbane Ranges National Park beckons with its rugged sandstone ridges, gorges and a reputation as one of Victoria's richest wildflower habitats. Home to a dense koala population and regular sightings of kangaroos and echidnas, it's a paradise for nature lovers.

Walkers can choose from a range of tracks. The Ted Errey Nature Circuit (8km) starts at the Stony Creek Picnic Area, leading to three spectacular lookouts before joining the Anakie Gorge Walk. The Anakie Gorge Walk (3.5km one way) itself is a gentle track that traces Stony Creek, linking the Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek Picnic Areas and reaching the banks of the Lower Stony Creek Reservoir.

For a shorter stroll, the Wadawurrung Walk (2.5km) is a return track starting at Stony Creek Picnic Area, offering excellent views over the You Yangs and the Anakie Gorge. Those seeking a multi-day adventure can tackle the Burchell Trail (40km one-way), a three-day route best enjoyed over three days. Marked by orange track markers, this trail weaves together existing walks, management tracks and public roads, with overnight stays at the Old Mill and Little River bush camping areas.

Best restaurants and dining in Anakie

Anakie is home to a handful of wineries producing cool-climate pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay, often in rustic cellar doors surrounded by bushland and granite boulders. A highlight for wine enthusiasts is del Rios Winery, where guests can enjoy tastings at the cellar door or relax over a meal in the onsite restaurant, soaking up sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

The You Yangs: granite peaks and adventure

Rising from the volcanic plains between Geelong and Werribee, the You Yangs Regional Park is a striking landscape of rugged granite peaks, most notably Flinders Peak. Visitors can explore a network of walking tracks, picnic areas and scenic lookouts set among tall eucalypt forests that provide habitat for more than 200 species of birds. Keep an eye out for resident koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums, echidnas and lizards as you wander the trails.

Best activities and walking trails in the You Yangs

Walking trails and lookouts

One of the most accessible walks is the Big Rock Walk (3km), a gentle track starting from the visitor centre. This loop winds its way around the enormous granite outcrop known as Big Rock, offering sweeping views towards Geelong.

For those keen to conquer the park's highest point, the Flinders Peak Walk (3.2km) from the Turntable carpark includes 450 steps and a few steep sections, but the reward at the summit is a panoramic vista stretching over the surrounding plains.

Also starting from the Turntable carpark, the East-West Walk (4.5km) is a circuit that traverses rugged terrain and rewards walkers with breathtaking views of the park and the countryside beyond. The Branding Yard Trail (5km) offers a gentler option, stretching from either the Turntable carpark or Branding Yard Road.

For a more challenging route, the Northern Range Walk extends for 3.5 kilometres one way, linking the East-West Walk and Branding Yard Trail while navigating steeper gradients and showcasing occasional glimpses of water views.

Mountain biking and rock climbing

The You Yangs have become a favourite destination for mountain bikers, thanks to a range of purpose-built trails that cater to different skill levels. The Stockyards MTB Area offers challenging downhill runs and cross-country trails ideal for experienced riders, while the Kurrajong Plantation MTB Area provides a family-friendly alternative, with beginner-friendly trails meandering through flatter terrain.

Beyond biking, the park is also popular with rock climbers who come to scale its granite formations, as well as trail runners who enjoy the varied terrain and stunning scenery.

Wildlife and picnic spots

The You Yangs are rich in native wildlife, and it's not uncommon to see koalas dozing high in the gum trees or kangaroos grazing quietly in the clearings. Several shaded picnic areas near the main carparks make it easy to stop for lunch surrounded by nature.

Just a short drive away, Serendip Sanctuary offers another wildlife experience across 250 hectares of grassy woodlands and wetlands. Visitors can walk among free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and emus, watch for dozens of bird species, then relax at the picnic and barbecue area near the main car park.