Five cool things to do in autumn
Thinking about visiting in the cooler months, but not sure what there is to do? Here are our top five things to do in and around Portarlington this autumn and winter:
1. Portarlington Pier
Take a stroll along the Portarlington pier and enjoy the sweeping views of Corio Bay and the Melbourne skyline, watch people fishing, the boats coming and going, and enjoy some local art and stories.
The recently redeveloped pier features a 120 metre-long mural along a covered walkway leading from the foreshore to the ferry terminal.
The artwork features original illustrations by 105 Wadawurrung artists, capturing local stories of place, water and journey.
2. Bellarine Coastal Trail
Meandering for 17km along the edge of Port Phillip Bay, the trail offers up something new every time you visit. Around every corner is a natural wonderland of flora and flora to be discovered.
The walking track extends from Portarlington to St Leonards, traversing a variety of coastal landscapes and providing breathtaking views.
There are also many important heritage features dotted along the coast, and places that tell the Aboriginal history and continuing connection to Country.
3. Fishing and boating
Portarlington is a renowned fishing hotspot with snapper, garfish, gummy shark, salmon, squid, whiting and flathead among species you’ll find in the bay.
Got a boat? Our holiday park at Portarlington has a boat ramp for the exclusive use of holidaymakers.
The Portarlington Pier rock wall is a popular spot for those who prefer to say on land.
Another option is to join in one of the fishing charters operating on the bay. Apart from the fish, you’ll get to experience Port Philip Bay in a new way.
Ultimate Sea Adventures offers bay tours, private charters and more.
4. Relax and rejuvenate
Rejuvenate after a day on the trail or in the bay with a treatment at one of the many day spas on the Bellarine.
Conveniently located in the heart of Portarlington, Zero Gravity Health is a health, wellness, and recovery clinic offering Float Therapy, Myotherapy, a Sunlighten Sauna, as well as Fire and Ice Therapy, under the supervision of an experienced and qualified therapist.
The region also has a range of other luxurious wellness options.
5. Eat and drink
The air is cool but the welcome is always warm at the Bellarine Peninsula’s world famous wineries and hotels.
There are more than a dozen wineries on the Bellarine and some of our favourites include Scotchman’s Hill, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Terindah Estate, Bellarine Estate and Basil’s Farm.
Beer lovers should check out one of the region’s newest venues, Farm Dog Brewing at McGlashan Estate, nearby in Wallington.
And here’s a little secret the locals know that we’re happy to share… the region’s world-class venues often have great-value specials in the cooler months.
We particularly love Leura Park Estate’s $25 Autumn Temptations lunches which include a choice of six delicious meals, plus a glass of wine, beer or coffee.
