The White Hat Guide to the Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay

 

 

This area of Victoria falls into three main sections: The north-west coast of Port Phillip Bay between Melbourne and Geelong Geelong – Victoria’s second largest city The Bellarine Peninsula

See also: Accommodation Attractions Events Markets

Melbourne-Geelong and the north west coast of Port Phillip Bay

The main highway and the railway take a reasonably direct route between Melbourne and Geelong and this is a major commuter corridor. Many travellers are not particularly aware or interested in what lies on either side of this corridor, and it is true that much of the area is not accessible to the general public being either government land or part of the recycling area of the Werribee sewerage works. However the area does repay closer examination. The coastline of the bay meanders in and out. From the west side of the mouth of the Yarra in suburban Williamstown, the coast line gradually shakes off the suburbs, has the occasional encounter with modern housing developments before heading into territory that is a mixture of market gardens, farms, various forms of government land (including Point Cook Aerodrome with its museum and annual community airshow) and the occasional small town Travellers along the main highway and railway line are rarely aware of the area between themselves and the bay, but White Hat gives occasional examples of the hidden gems in this area in our newsletter.

The major regional centre midway between Melbourne and Geelong is Werribee, and it is outside Werribee you will find the Open Range Zoo, the State Rose Garden and one of Victoria’s most imposing stately homes - The Mansion at Werribee Park.

The rocky outcrops known as the You Yangs are set in a forest park and form a major landmark in this area. Closer to Geelong is the Avalon Airfield which is regularly serviced by Jetstar flights and is the venue for the biennial International Airshow.

 

Geelong

Geelong is Victoria's second largest city and as such we have included its details on a separate Geelong page.

Bellarine Peninsula

This peninsula presents some interesting contrasts. On the north shore, facing the relatively calm waters of Port Phillip Bay are a series of relaxed townships which take advantage of the boating opportunities offered by the sheltered waters. They also offer unique views of the You Yangs and (at night) Melbourne. The largest of these towns is Portarlington. Indented Head is also a settlement that was important in the early white settlement of Victoria.

The southern coast faces onto the open waters of Bass Strait and has a number of destinations popular with holiday makers including Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads became well known to Australian television audiences in recent times when it was used for the highly successful ABC television series Seachange.

At the eastern end and overlooking ‘The Rip’ – the dangerous stretch of water at the entrance to Port Phillips Bay - stands Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Queenscliff was a popular 19th century resort and still retains much of that flavour.

The whole area was central to the wanderings of the remarkable escaped convict William Buckley and visitors with an interest in history will probably want to visit a number of the locations associated with Buckley.

Travellers can catch the ferry to Sorrento which forms a convenient way to complete a circuit of the bay by car. Alternatively, a short distance to the west is Torquay and the Great Ocean Road.

Some places of interest in the Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay:

Queenscliff Maritime Museum White Hat can recommend a visit to the Queenscliff Maritime Museum for any who are interested in the maritime history of Queenscliff, The Heads and Southern Port Phillip Bay. The museum has a fine range of historic items including the lifeboat Queenscliffe which served from 1926 to 1976. A small admission fee applies. The museum is open daily except for Anzac Day, Christmas Day & Good Friday. Opening hours: Mon to Fri - 10.30am to 4.30pm; Sat & Sun - 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Groups and school tours are also available. Wharf Street, Queenscliff

Werribee Open Range Zoo Almost 200 hectares of grassy plains and sweeping river terraces are home to a collection of animals from the grasslands of Africa, Australia and Asia. More info >> Daily 9am-5pm, first tour 10am & last tour 3.40pm K Road, Werribee

Barwon Grange A heritage home in Geelong from the 1850s with gardens and riverside walks. White Hat can recommend a visit to this this property for two reasons. Firstly it is is only fashionable mid 19th century valuable river frontage residences built along the Barwon River which remains intact. Secondly, while most homes change and evolve over time, it has been decided to maintain this property as a time capsule of 1855-6 which again makes it unusual among heritage homes in Victoria. A small entry charge applies. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting Barwon Grange you are also likely to be interested in visiting The Heights Heritage House & Garden (see below) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Sundays. 1pm to 4pm, Wednesdays & Sundays (opens at noon Sept to May) Fernleigh Street, Newtown

National Wool Museum A museum dedicated to the history of the wool industry in Australia and housed in in an 1872 bluestone woolstore 9.30am-4pm daily (except Christmas Day & Good Friday) cnr Moorabool & Brougham Streets., (Mel ref 228 C1)

Portarllngton Mill A four storey sandstone steam mill built in 1856. This venue hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. More info >> 12-4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 5 Turner Court, Portarllngton

The Heights Heritage House & Garden A German prefabricated house and outbuildings in Geelong constructed in 1855 then later refurbished in 1930s style. A small entry fee applies. The house is surrounded by impressive gardens and and the grounds contain stables, the groom's cottage and other outbuildings suited to a wealthy family in the late 19th century. White Hat particularly recommends you visit the dovecot (one of the few of its type remaining in Victoria to our knowledge) as well as the delightful one-off Standard motor car which is housed in the stables. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting The Heights you are also likely to be interested in visiting Barwon Grange (see above) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Wednesdays and Sundays. 11am to 4.30pm, Wednesdays & Sundays 140 Aphrasia Street.,

The Mansion at Werribee Park A stately home set in an impressive estate and maintained by the National Trust. Built by Thomas and Andrew Chirnside between 1874 and 1877 and surrounded by a grand garden this is one of Victoria's most important surviving stately homes. November-April: 10am - 4.45 pm daily. May-October: 10am-3.45pm weekdays, 10am - 4.45pm weekends. More information on The Mansion at Werribee Park. K Road,, (Mel ref 201 D1)

Some markets in the Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay:

Belmont Market A large indoor/outdoor market featuring craft & bric a brac. A small entry fee applies. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy garage sales then Belmont Market is like having 20 or 30 garage sales in the one location. In addition the indoor space has a range of low priced merchandise. 8am to 1.30pm, Sundays Barwon Valley Community Centre, Barwon Heads Road, Belmont

Ocean Grove Market An outdoor market operated by Rotary and selling new and original arts and crafts with some produce and plants. Around 80 sites available (Please note the Rotary Winter Market will no longer be held.  Full details at Ocean Grove Rotary Market 9am to 1pm, first Sun of month (Oct to March) plus Easter Monday Ocean Grove Park, 81 The Avenue, Ocean Grove

Barwon Heads Market An indoor/outdoor village market with an emphasis on fresh local produce. Also local art & music. The Barwon Heads market operates all year, the last Saturday of the month Feb – Nov. Weekly Dec and Jan but for 2010, not on Dec 25, or Jan 1st Last Sat of month Fen to Nov then selected Saturdays through Dec & Jan Community Hall, Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads

Drysdale Community Craft Shop Inc The Drysdale Community Craft Shop has a range of unique uandcrafted uoods made by their members, Specialised baby bear, band bmbroidery, bnique jewellery, folk art, fand made cards, wedding charms, Australiana, paintings, patchwork & quilting. They also have a Lay-by and Order Service. 11am to 4pm daily 8-20 High Street, Drysdale

Drysdale Community Market An indoor/outdoor market featuring homemade, home grown and home produced goods and craft. This fair has buskers, a country fair atmosphere, and claims to be the largest in the Geelong/Bellarine area. 9am to 1pm, 3rd Sun of month (October - May) Drysdale Reserve, Drysdale

Frankly My Dear Vintage Fair A new vintage fair is now happening in Geelong at the Nash Hotel, on the first Saturday of each month. Lots of stall holders selling Vintage Mens, Womens Clothing and Accessories, Soul DJ’s spinning records, 11 to 5pm, First Saturday of month The ‘NASH’ National Hotel, Moorabool St, Geelong

Geelong Computer Swap Meet A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. 9am—4.30pm, Sundays (except Christmas Day and Nrew Years Day) Geelong Clearance Centre, 7 Malop St, Geelong

Geelong Greyhounds Saturday Community Market at Beckley Park. A large indoor/outdoor market with variety stalls, produce and food. 8.30am to 1pm, Saturdays Beckley Park, off Princes Highway, Corio

Geelong Mill Markets Until recently, this location hosted a large and popular market. That market has relocated to Newcomb (see below). The remaining Geelong Mills Matket now has a large array of retro advertising signs, furniture, and larger and quirky mechanical and industrial equipment. White Hat can recommend this market as a good source for those looking to do a quirky fitout as well as to theatre companies and film-makers looking for genuine period props. It now functions more as a warehouse so give a ring before making a special trip. various hours, Monday to Friday 3 Mackey Street, North Geelong

Geelong Night Market Based on the successful Night Market at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, the Geelong Night Market features stalls with everything from a well-being area to eclectic wares and artisans to live entertainment. Street food showcases cuisines from around the world and there are activities for families to enjoy. White Hat can recommend this market as an atmospheric contribution to the relaxed atmosphere of Geelong over the summer holiday period. Fridays Jan & Feb 2015 (tbc) Johnstone Park, Cnr Mercer & Gheringhap Streets, Geelong

Geelong Showgrounds Market An outdoor/indoor market with variety stalls, new and used goods. Casual stallholders welcome. 8am - 2pm, Sundays (except during Geelong Show) Cnr. Breakwater Road and Carr Street, East Geelong

Golden Plains Farmers Market A genuine farmers market promoting the gorgeous local produce of the Golden Plains region. 9am to 2pm, 1st Saturday of month , Bannockburn (near Geelong)

Laverton Rubble & Riches Market A large indoor/outdoor market with trash & trasure, produce, clothes, furniture, hardware and a range of other goods. White Hat guarantees that if you are looking for a drive shaft for a 1983 Monaro or a missing pice of that Royal Doulton tea set then it will be there. We're just not quite sure where. 7am - 4 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 8-18 Leakes Road, Laverton

Mill Markets Newcomb A large indoor market with permenant and casual stallholders selling antiques,collectables, vintage clothing, homewares, memmorabilia and retro fashions. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy the Chapel Street Bazaar in Melbourne you will find a similar range of items at the Newcomb Mill Market but with more space to move. 10am to 6pm, daily 114 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb

Newtown Farmers Market Featuring a wide range of fresh local produce direct from the Farmer/Producer to you. Fall in love with local food. Full information at Regional Farmers Markets. 8am to 1pm, 4th Saturday of month Barwon Edge Restaurant Carpark, Windsor Road, Newtown, Geelong (Mel ref 451 F7)

Osborne House – Makers & Growers Market In the grounds of historic Osborne House overlooking Corio Bay. Arts, crafts and fresh produce, with sausage sizzle, coffee and hot soup. 9am to 1pm, 3rd Sunday of month Osbourne House, Swinburne St, North Geelong

Point Cook Market Art and craft market including quality stalls, fresh produce, free children's entertainment and activities. Stall holder enquiries always welcome. Come along and "catch the colour" of the Point Cook Market 9am to 2pm, 1st Sunday of month (except Jan) Jamieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook

Point Lonsdale Primary School Market An indoor/outdoor markwt with home made goods and craft. Accommodation near this market >> 9am to 2.30pm, 2nd Sun of month (plus Easter Sat and 1st Sat in Dec?) Point Lonsdale Primary School, Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale

Portarlington Community Market An indoor/outdoor market with a wide range of goods. Stallholders welcome with casual insurance available on request. Accommodation near this market >> 9am to 2pm, last Sunday of month Ian Parks Hall, Newcombe Street, Portarlington

Queenscliffe Community Market An indoor/outdoor market featuring homemade goods. Accommodation near this market >> 9am - 2pm, last Sunday of month (Sept - May) Lower Princess Park, Queenscliff

St Leonards Market An outdoor market with a wide range of goods and refreshments. Possible dates include 7th March 2009 and 11th April 2009 9am to 1pm, selected days in summer - ring for dates Foreshore, St Leonards

Steampacket Gardens Art & Craft Market A quality market on the picturesque waterfront at Geelong. With a large array of arts, crafts, clothing, gifts and food stalls. Even if you are not a confirmed shopper, White Hat can recommend this market as a pleasant place to stroll and browse on a Sunday sfternoon. 10am-3pm (2pm in Winter), 1st Sunday of month Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach, Geelong

Werribee Central Farmers Market Food lovers can find a wonderful array of goods including olive oil, a variety of gluten free goodies that will send your tastebuds into a frenzy. Gorgeous artisan products include, breads, baked goods, jams, relishes, boutique beer and many more unexpected gastronomically pleasing delights. And for the green thumb, we can only delight – from native plants to herbs. Full details at Werribee Central Farmers Market 8am to 1pm, 4th Saturday of month Kelly Park, Synnot Street, Werribee

Werribee Computer Swap Meet A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. (Note - the dates and venue of this event can vary. Click here to confirm the current information on this event. 9am to 4pm, 3rd Saturday of even numbered months Wyndham Leisure & Events Centre. 80 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing

Werribee Park Market An occasional craft market run about for times a year. Current available dates are 10th December 2011 9am to 1pm The Mansion at Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee

Werribee Undercover Market Undercover market held on the first Saturday of every month. Spaces available; have to supply own trestle. Accommodation near this market >> 9am—1pm, 1st Sat of month 601 Heaths Road, Werribee

What's on and things to do in the Bellarine Peninsula and west coast of Port Phillip Bay:

Werribee Park Mansion Night Tour The Werribee Park Mansion Night Tour  takes place on selected dates and uncovers the lives of the Chirnsides, the family that built Werribee Park Mansion, in a theatrical experience. For details of dates and prices click on the image to the right, Werribee Park Mansion Night Tour Werribee Park

Flying Display An interactive flying display at the RAAF Museum which introduces visitors to the history of Australian military aviation and provides an opprtunity to see the aircraft close up and ask questions of the pilot before they take to the skies. Free 1pm, Tue, Thur & Sun (except Christmas-New Year)

Portarlington Mussel Festival This community festival is one of the most popular bayside holiday festivals in Victoria attracting around 30,000 people. As you might guess the chief focus is on the locally produced mussels, but other attractions grow year by year including: Live entertainment Kids activities Cooking demonstrations Art & Photo exhibitions Classic car displays Food & Wine producers Products to try and buy And needless to say, plenty of mussels. Congratulations to the volunteers who make this happen each year. Our rating - 4 Hats   9.30am to 5pm, Saturday 13th January 2018 Portarlington

So Frenchy So Chic - Melbourne e> This event seems a wonderful match of venue and entertainment. Our heritage homes can often be pigeonholed as places for historic re-enactments, but they are very young in European terms and were usually created as places to entertain and host cultural activities. So Frenchy So Chic provides the opportunity to picnic with choice deli foods, entertain the kids, dance on the grass listen to French bands and all in civilised surroundings. 30-somthings with children and a taste for the good life - this is particularly for you. More info & booking details Our rating - 5 Hats 11.30 to 9, Sunday 14th January 2018 Werribee Mansion

Lara Food & Wine Festival Join us in tasting an array of produce. All from over 60 of our regions gourmet food and wine producers. Bring a rug and picnic on the lawns of the historic Pirra Homestead. White Hat suggests you bring a picnic rug. Sunday 24th March 2018 (tbc) Pirra Homestead, 108 Windermere Road, Lara