Five reasons why Bellarine Bayside is the perfect base for your next family holiday
Looking for the perfect Victorian beach escape that’s close enough, yet still feels a world way? A stay-cation at Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park could just be the best family getaway you’ll have this year.
Planning the perfect family holiday can be tricky. Especially if you want to bring the whole crew – from babies and kids through to grandparents – and keep them all happy.
Well, we’ve got it sorted! Here are five reasons why Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park at Portarlington is the perfect base for your next family holiday.
1. Unbeatable bayside location
The Bellarine is just an hour from Melbourne via road or ferry. And it’s less than two hours from Ballarat and three hours from Bendigo. So, wherever you live in Victoria, getting here is easy. Open all year-round, the sprawling Portarlington holiday park is right on the north-facing bay, with gentle lapping waters and spectacular views. The town’s shops and cafes, playgrounds and parks are all within easy strolling distance.
2. Accommodation for all families and budgets
Whether staying for a long weekend or an extended break, Bellarine Bayside holiday park at Portarlington is open all year round and offers a range of affordable accommodation options*. Pitch a tent and enjoy some of the best views anywhere, or bring your own van or RV along with all the toys the family will need for a fun getaway.
If travelling light is more your thing, book a self contained cabin, pack just what you need and hit the road. Travelling from Melbourne? The Port Phillip Ferry is a great option and makes the journey part of the experience. However you get here, we’re pretty sure you won’t want to go home.
3. Action and adventure aplenty
Do as much (or as little) as you’d like. There’s always something to see, do or experience on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula – even in the cooler months. Dip your toe in the water or build the biggest sandcastle. Throw a line in off the Portarlington pier or drop your boat in the bay. See more about fishing and boating here.
If land-based activities are more your family’s thing, the northern Bellarine has picturesque nature walks. Click here for information about nature walks . There’s also bike riding around the park, along the beach or for longer rides, try the Bellarine Rail Trail or the coastal trail from Point Richards to Edwards Point. With spacious parkland, a football ground and tennis facilities nearby, as well as the long stretches of beach, there are plenty of places for sports or a casual kick of the footy.
Holidaying with toddlers? Watch their eyes light up as they ride the miniature railway at Point Richards. The charming little train winds through picturesque parkland and has been delighting young and old since 1999. See the timetable at miniaturerailway.com.au. While we’re talking trains, the historic Bellarine Railway is another must-do family activity, offering scenic journeys and special events on heritage trains, running between Queenscliff and Drysdale. See more information at bellarinerwailway.com.au.
4. Fabulous food for all tastes
Did you know that 60 per cent of Australia’s mussels come from Portarlington? The town even has a festival celebrating these delights from the sea. Buy them fresh off the boat and cook them up at camp. Or you could go out and sample the local produce at one of the many fine Bellarine Peninsula wineries and eateries – check them out here.
The region is renowned as a food and wine lover’s haven, but it’s also well-geared for family friendly dining. Options including the Portarlington Golf Club bistro or try the nearby Clifton Springs and Curlewis golf clubs. It’s an easy walk into town for fish and chips, pizza, bakeries and cafes. And for a real sugar rush, there’s Daniel’s Donuts and the Pier Lolly Shop.
5. Picture Perfect views
Have we mentioned the views? From anywhere on the long stretch of sandy north-facing beach you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views across the bay to the Melbourne city skyline as well as the distinctive shadowy peaks of the You Yangs. On a clear night the city lights twinkling across the bay are just magical. Yes, it’s instagram-worthy, but we really recommend switching off devices – at least for a while – and just experiencing it. Take a few minutes to breathe in the fresh air and connect with your self, notice your surroundings, taste or discover something new and spend quality time with your family. Now, doesn’t that sound like the perfect family holiday?
*Bellarine Bayside also operates seasonal parks at St Leonards and Indented Head. See https://www.bellarinebayside.com.au/accommodation/camping/ for information.
