Top 10 The Bellarine

Its delectable provedores and farm gates, world-class golf courses, boutique shops and magical beaches just 90 minutes from Melbourne makes it one of the best undiscovered hidden gems in Victoria.

1. Lon Retreat

The seaside region is set to become the state’s newest wellness destination with the much-anticipated opening of the Lon Retreat in October. The luxury accommodation and mineral spa, opening on Friday 5 October, is perched on a hill on the edge of Point Lonsdale with 360-degree views of The Heads, the lighthouse, Ocean Grove and the Bellarine. The lavish new waterfront ultra-private boutique hotel Campbell Point House is also set to open in October. Set on 16 hectares, flanked by Lake Connewarre, the high-end mansion features eight luxury suites.Lon Retreat, 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale, Victoria, 3225. (03) 5258 2990; Campbell Point House, 199 Matthews Road, Leopold, Victoria, 3224.

2.  Merne at Lighthouse  

Opened in April 2017, Merne is operated by former chef at Tulip, Josh Smith and Caleb Fleet from front of house roles at the Vue Grand and Pettavel Winery. The menu is based around share food and uses delicious regional, local, fresh and from the garden food where possible. Merne is indigenous for ‘food from the earth’ and is a further addition to the region’s booming food and wine scene. 648 Andersons Road, Drysdale, 3222. (03) 5251 5541.

3. The Whiskery

The Whiskery is the cellar door/tasting room for Bellarine Distillery. Produced onsite, visitors can sample whiskies and gins, including the original Teddy and the Fox gin, in the tasting room. Set on a former Cobb & Co horse watering hole,  guests can devour small Italian style pizzas and local produce grazing plates in front of the beautiful fireplace or outside. 2102-2120 Portarlington Road, Drysdale, Victoria, 3222. 0410 688 142

4.Curlewis Winery

Curlewis Winery is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines on the Bellarine. Established in 1985, the winery uses an artisan approach to handmade cool-climate winemaking. Curlewis has just opened a new boutique cellar door this year, which is opens on weekends and offers their full suite of wines, food platters and chosen craft beers to have by the fire. Wines are uniquely offered for tasting in a test tube flight. Curlewis owners also hold cooking classes to pass on their grandparents’ and parents’ recipes for Italian salami, cacciatore and sauces.55 Navarre Road, Curlewis, Victoria, 3222. (03) 5250 4567.

5. The Q Train

The Q Train offers a truly unique and moving dining experience – literally. A restaurant on board an historic train made up of Queenslander rail carriages, The Q Train travels along the picturesque Bellarine Railway from Drysdale to Queenscliff return. Showcasing local food, wine and beer from the region, in a delicious six course degustation. 0474 968 309.