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

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 forthcoming events in Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay:

Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Experience Werribee Open Range Zoo in a whole new light with Sunset Safari.

In this new and exclusive after-hours event, spend a night out with some of the world’s most iconic animals. Start the evening with a complimentary drink on arrival at the pop-up bar then set off on one of the night’s three experiences. Adventure onto the Savannah for a guided sunset tour, feast with friends at an intimate dinner of African cuisine, and enjoy an immersive performance that showcases the rhythm and soul of Africa.

Proceeds from Sunset Safari help Zoos Victoria support international conservation partners such a Rhino Fund Uganda. Help fight wildlife extinction and be among the first to experience Werribee Open Range Zoo like never before.

Ticket prices and Bookings on Zoo website
6pm to 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays November to March
Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Road, Werribee

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So Frenchy So Chic - Melbourne

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 (date tba) January 2020
Werribee Mansion

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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 22nd March 2020 (tbc)
Pirra Homestead, 108 Windermere Road, Lara

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Portarlington Mussel Festival

This community festival is one of the most popular bayside holiday festivals in Victoria attracting around 30,000 people and is also a White Hat favourite. 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. Details at Portarlington Mussel Festival >>

Our rating - 4 Hats

9.30am to 5pm, Saturday 9th January 2021
Portarlington

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Selected places to stay in Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay: