ACTIVITIES
Why Portarlington Stands Out
Portarlington is known for its stunning waterfront views, gentle beaches, and laid-back coastal village atmosphere. With the Melbourne-to-Portarlington ferry arriving daily, it’s never been easier to escape the city and step into a world of fresh sea air, historic character, and hidden gems.
The town is famous for its annual Mussel Festival, celebrating the local aquaculture industry, and it boasts one of the best vantage points for panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay to the You Yangs and Melbourne skyline.
EXPLORE THE REGION
From this prime location, you’re just moments from the Bellarine’s best offerings. Take a scenic drive or cycle through charming nearby towns like Queenscliff, Drysdale, and St Leonards, or catch the ferry to explore the Mornington Peninsula. Golf lovers can tee off at the renowned Portarlington Golf Club, while nature enthusiasts can hike the Bellarine Rail Trail or birdwatch at nearby Edwards Point Reserve.
CELEBRATE WITH THE LOCALS: FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Portarlington is known for its community spirit and vibrant local festivals. Key annual events include:
Portarlington Mussel Festival (January) – A must-see event celebrating the town’s seafood heritage, with live music, cooking demos, over 200 stalls, and plenty of mussels to go around.
National Celtic Festival- Held each June in Portarlington, the National Celtic Festival is Australia’s leading celebration of Celtic culture, featuring a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary music, dance, art, storytelling, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment.
DINING & CULINARY DELIGHTS
Portarlington’s dining scene is a growing hub of regional excellence. Local favourites like Pier Street offer modern Australian fare with a focus on fresh seafood, while casual cafés serve up artisan coffee and pastries perfect for slow mornings.
For a truly special experience, enjoy a seafood platter overlooking the bay, sample locally made gelato, or treat yourself to dinner with wine pairings at a nearby winery restaurant.
EAT & INDULGE: LOCAL DINING
Portarlington is a rising star on the Bellarine food scene. From seaside bites to fine dining, there’s something for every palate:
Pier Street – An elegant bistro just steps from the beach offering seasonal dishes and fresh local seafood, including the famous Portarlington mussels.
Harvester Moon – A rustic-chic venue serving woodfired pizzas and live music on weekends, located in nearby Drysdale.
Portarlington Hotel – Great Food, Relaxed Vibe
A historic hotel offering classic pub fare with a modern twist. The bistro serves up hearty meals, fresh seafood, and local produce, with indoor and outdoor seating options, including a sunny beer garden.
Portarlington Kitchen & Bar - A premier dining destination offering stunning water views of the Bellarine Peninsula. The restaurant proudly represents the best of Bellarine, sourcing fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, and wines from local Bellarine producers.
The Q Train - Is Australia's premier rail restaurant, operating on the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Guests embark on a journey through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, enjoying a five-course degustation crafted from the region’s finest local produce. The refurbished dining carriages provide a comfortable and elegant setting, complete with heritage charm and panoramic views of Swan Bay and the surrounding countryside.
FARMGATE & FRESH PRODUCE STALLS
The Bellarine is alive with farmgate experiences—many of them just a short drive from Portarlington:
Tuckerberry Hill (Drysdale – 10 mins drive)
A must-visit for berry lovers! Pick your own blueberries (summer) or strawberries, grab a coffee, and shop local preserves and jams. There's also a mini nursery and BBQ facilities.
Bellarine Fresh Produce (Wallington – 20 mins)
A roadside market stall offering a colourful array of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruit grown on-site and nearby. Stock up on tomatoes, zucchinis, leafy greens, garlic, and more.
Lonsdale Tomato Farm (Point Lonsdale – 30 mins)
Famous for heirloom and truss tomatoes, this small farm supplies many local restaurants and also sells direct to the public when in season.
Kardinia Olives (Indented Head – 10 mins)
Producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil with tastings and bottle sales direct from the farm.
WINERIES
Terindah Estate - Just a 10-minute drive away, Terindah Estate offers breathtaking views over Port Phillip Bay, a modern cellar door, exceptional cool-climate wines, fine dining at The Shed, and vibrant events throughout the year.
Scotchmans Hill: - Just 15 minutes away, Scotchmans Hill is a renowned historic winery on Mt Bellarine, offering premium cool-climate wines, daily tastings, and relaxed platters in a scenic setting.
Jack Rabbit Vineyard - Just 15 minutes away, Jack Rabbit Vineyard pairs striking bay views and sleek design with standout wines, elegant dining, and a relaxed café—perfect for weddings or long, scenic lunches.
Bellarine Estate - Just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne, Bellarine Estate is a boutique, family-run winery offering rich Shiraz and Bordeaux-style blends, complemented by the Bellarine Brewing Company on-site.
Yes Said the Seal – at Flying Brick Cider House
Just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne, Yes Said the Seal offers premium, small-batch cool-climate wines crafted onsite at Flying Brick Cider House.
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES & CIDER HOUSES
The Bellarine Peninsula also offers a growing number of craft breweries and distilleries, many with on-site food and entertainment. Great for casual afternoons and group outings.
Bellarine Brewing Company (Located at Bellarine Estate) - A boutique brewery crafting small-batch pale ales, amber ales, and seasonal brews, often paired with BBQ-style fare in a relaxed vineyard setting.
Flying Brick Cider House (20 min drive, Wallington) - A lively, family-friendly venue offering house-made apple and pear ciders, craft beers, and a gastro-style menu perfect for groups, with indoor and outdoor seating.
The Whiskery – Bellarine Distillery (20 min drive, Drysdale) - Set in a rustic farm shed, The Whiskery offers tastings of Teddy & The Fox Gin and other craft spirits, cozy fireside drinks in winter, and garden lounging in summer.
Queenscliff Brewhouse (25 min drive) - A historic hotel turned craft haven, featuring house-brewed beer, a whisky bar, local wine tastings, and hearty meals, all in one atmospheric destination.
WALKING, CYCLING & NATURE TRAILS
The Bellarine Peninsula is a haven for walkers and cyclists, offering scenic trails, coastal strolls, and nature reserves teeming with wildlife and stunning views.
Trail highlights:
Bellarine Rail Trail – A picturesque cycling and walking route stretching from Portarlington to Queenscliff, weaving through vineyards, farmland, and coastal landscapes.
Portarlington Foreshore Walk – A relaxing bayside path ideal for sunrise strolls or sunset views.
Edwards Point Nature Reserve – A nearby sanctuary for birdwatching, bushwalking, and experiencing native flora and fauna.
BEACHES & SWIMMING
Portarlington Beach - Right at your doorstep, is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, family picnics, and fishing, featuring calm, shallow bay waters, a clean sandy shoreline, grassy foreshore with BBQs and picnic tables, a children’s playground, and walking trails, while the nearby pier is a popular spot to fish or watch ferries and yachts, with plenty of cafes and ice cream stops just a short walk away.
Indented Head Beach - Just a 10-minute drive away, is ideal for snorkelling, paddleboarding, beach walks, and relaxed swimming, offering soft sandy stretches and clear, often glassy waters with fewer crowds than Portarlington, plus the unique opportunity to explore the Ozone Shipwreck offshore while enjoying stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline on clear days.
St Leonards Beach - A peaceful 15-minute drive away, offers long stretches of safe, shallow water perfect for beachcombing, fishing, and quiet relaxation, with picnic areas, playgrounds along the foreshore, and excellent spots for launching kayaks or paddleboards for a laid-back coastal escape.
Clifton Springs Beach - About an 18-minute drive away, is perfect for photography, short walks, and exploring local history, featuring a rocky shoreline with the picturesque remains of an old pier, stunning scenic views, memorable sunsets, and charming coastal walks—though it’s less suited for swimming, it’s full of unique character.
Queenscliff Front Beach - Just a 25-minute drive away, is perfect for day trips, swimming, dining, and family fun, featuring calm waters, excellent facilities, and surf life-saving patrols in summer; visitors can also enjoy boutique shopping, galleries, and cafes in historic Queenscliff, explore the Harbour and Marine Discovery Centre, or book dolphin and seal swim cruises.
Ocean Grove & Barwon Heads - About 30–35 minutes’ drive, offer classic surf beaches with open ocean waves, patrolled surf zones, and are ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and beach walks, complemented by great coastal dining, coffee spots, and a vibrant summer vibe.
GOLFING
The Bellarine Peninsula is a golfer’s delight, featuring the beautifully maintained 18-hole Portarlington Golf Club with an onsite bistro and regular events; the nearby Curlewis Golf Club, known for its challenging course and modern driving range; and Clifton Springs Golf Club, which offers stunning bay views—perfect for casual players and serious golfers alike.
Whether you’re a casual golfer or serious player, the Bellarine offers some of Victoria’s best-kept golfing secrets.
WATER ACTIVITIES & PADDLEBOARDING
Portarlington’s sheltered bay setting makes it perfect for water activities like beginner-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing off the historic pier or via local charters, and boating or sailing from its modern marina and yacht club, where you can also enjoy short cruises and sailing lessons.