The Bellarine Region
From Autism Camp Victoria’s central location near the quaint seaside township of Queenscliff, families are ideally located to explore the wider Geelong and Bellarine region, the Great Ocean Road, and a short ferry hop across the bay to the Mornington Peninsula and Philip Island. There’s so much to do and see in the greater Bellarine Region and beyond!
Queenscliff, at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay is the quintessential seaside getaway. In fact, it's been hosting visitors from near and far since the Victorian era. That long and storied history is reflected in the grand architecture, lighthouses and nods to the past at every turn. Streetscapes can feel like a step back in time, and there are some really terrific and engaging ways to really take a deep dive into past of this town and the region. The Queenscliff Maritime Museum celebrates the role the area has played in water based services and activities. Fort Queenscliff is a physical reminder of the early military history of the region, home to the only black lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere and a great history lesson for kids. The best brekky on the Peninsula is at Queenscliff General Store, and lunch/dinner treats for mum and dad are served with a view at the iconic 360Q in Queenscliff Harbour. Sea All Dolphin Swims promise Australian Fur Seal & Bottle-nosed dolphin swims, reef snorkels and marine animal viewing all in the one amazing trip straight out of the bay!
Beyond Queenscliff, discover the popular beach-front communities of St Leonards, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads on the Peninsula. Charming coastal towns swamped in history and culinary delights. Sip, smell and sample your way through The Bellarine Taste Trail where there’s ample opportunity to sample produce at the farm gate, ponder over boutique beers and an abundance of locally made cheese and wines for you to indulge in.
Get set for discovery as you explore the historic city of Geelong just a 30-minute drive from Queenscliff. Kick up your heels in Geelong's waterfront precinct or deep dive into a plethora of museums, galleries and historical buildings including the National Wool Museum, the Old Geelong Gaol and the Botanic Gardens at Eastern Park. The White Rabbit Brewery is just outside the city centre and with its small shop, and cosy fireplace is an excellent ease into your Bellarine visit. Just next door is the Instagram-worthy Little Creatures brewery.
The Bellarine Region is also the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road, which begins just south of Geelong at Torquay. Explore this region of natural wonders taking in this regions idyllic towns of Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and culminating at the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Prefer to play with Penguins? Why not detour east before or after your trip to camp. Take a short ferry ride across the bay, and a scenic two hour drive from the ferry terminal in Sorrento along the Mornington Peninsula to the sweet seaside spot of Phillip Island. Known for its 'fairy' penguins, endless family fun, pristine white beaches and surf breaks, there is a fine array of restaurants and cafes dotted around the island. The Phillip Island Nature Park offers nightly viewing of the penguins as they waddle up the beach returning to their burrows.
For more information about Things To Do in the region head over to Visit Victoria.