Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula is making a real name for itself as a go-to destination and it’s not just the golf courses that have visitors flocking. While it doesn’t get the same media exposure as the revered Melbourne Sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula regions, the Bellarine’s Top 100-ranked golf courses, five-star restaurants, wineries and, more recently, distilleries and craft breweries opening up makes this patch of paradise the perfect long-weekend escape.
And if catching the occasional wave is your thing, packing the surfboard is highly recommended as after enjoying the oceanside views on many of the courses, you can cap off the day by riding some of Australia’s best surf breaks.
There can be no denying, though, the stunning landscapes that litter this region are tailor-made for world-class golf. Visitors to Barwon Heads swear they could be on the coastline of Scotland, and yet here they are, a quick 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s one of the many links-style offerings found in the region.
With courses like Barwon Heads, Curlewis Golf Club, 13th Beach (Beach and Creek) and the newly transformed Lonsdale Links by the team at Ogilvy Cocking Mead all within a short drive of each other, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better collection of affordable courses so conveniently positioned.
Add to this list Queenscliff Golf Club and Portarlington Golf Club and it’s easy to see why a four-day weekend may not be enough time to truly experience all the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer.
Plan your weekend escape now at visitmelbourne.com/golf
• Need another reason to visit the Bellarine? The Vic Open returns from February 10-13 at 13th Beach with free entry!
PLAY:
1 Barwon Heads Golf Club
2 13th Beach Golf Links (Beach)
3 13th Beach Golf Links (Creek)
4 Lonsdale Golf Club
5 Curlewis Golf club
6 Queenscliff Golf Club
7 Clifton Springs Golf Club
8 Portarlington Golf Club
STAY:
13th Beach Golf Links Lodges 13thbeachgolf.com/cms/13th-beach-golf-lodges
Barwon Heads Resort (13th Beach) barwonheadsresort.com.au
The Lon Retreat lonretreat.com.au
DRINK:
Scotchmans Hill scotchmanshill.com
Jack Rabbit jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
Flying Brick Cider Co. flyingbrickciderco.com.au
Nicol’s Paddock nicolspaddock.com.au
Provenance Wines provenancewines.com.au
The Whiskery bellarinedistillery.com
Queenscliff Brewhouse queenscliffbrewhouse.com.au
EAT:
House of Jack Rabbit jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
At The Heads attheheads.com.au
Annie’s Provedore anniesprovedore.com.au
Terindah Estate terindahestate.com
