The Bellarine
Giving the Mornington Peninsula, its cousin across the bay, a run for its money, The Bellarine boasts four courses in Golf
Australia’s Top 100, along with stellar wine, restaurants and cafés and beautiful beachscapes. There’s also a hive of offcourse activities: you can ride a stand-up paddleboard on the river at Barwon Heads, cycle through pastureland on the Bellarine Rail Trail or stroll the buzzy enclaves of Barwon Heads, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. No wonder this region is fast becoming one of Australia’s golfing go-tos.
PLAY
The Barwon Heads Golf Club (barwonheads.golf) is perfect for purists: 18 holes of undulating terrain and speedy greens. The signature 13th is picturesque – and often cruel. Nearby, Thirteenth Beach Golf Links (13thbeach.net) has two championship courses: The Beach, where accuracy is a must, and The Creek, with a slightly more forgiving roll.
Further north, Curlewis’s clubhouse exudes laid-back ease (curlewisgolf.com.au); its sandbelt 18, however, is anything but. Pro Steve Brodie calls it “hard and fast”; that means lots of run. Strategic play is rewarded. Want more? Try the sweeping fairways at Portarlington GC (portarlington golf.com.au) – “player friendly”, according to pro Matt Milne – or cross the bridge to the unique Queenscliff GC (queenscliffgolfclub.com.au) on Swan Island, which has sensational views of the bay.
STAY
Traditionalists will admire the feel of Barwon Heads’ heritage-listed clubhouse , with its stately lounge and lobby, plaid carpets and formal dining room. Each of the 19 rooms is light and comfortable; facilities include tennis courts, a billiards room and an extra nine-hole parthree course. As with most private clubs, strict dress codes apply.
For something more extravagant, book the Starhaven Retreat (hotel.qantas.com.au/ starhaven), a guesthouse and B&B at Indented Head that features a cinema room, jet-stream spa and stunning views over Port Phillip Bay. One suite even has an infinity bath and a personal steam room.
EAT & DRINK
Your must-visit list is a diverse mix of standout cellar doors at Leura Park Estate (leuraparkestate.com.au) and Scotchmans Hill (scotchmans. com.au), charming Barwon Heads café Annie’s Provedore (annies provedore.com.au) and fresh seafood at Advance Mussel Supply (advancemussel.com.au) – try the more-ish mussel risotto balls. Enjoy lunch in the garden at Basils Farm winery (basilsfarm.com.au) or on the deck of Mr Grubb at Oakdene (oakdene.com.au).
For regional food with glorious vistas, look no further than Jack Rabbit (jackrabbitvineyard.com. au). Finally, book the peninsula’s hottest addition, Merne at Lighthouse (merne.com.au), for a showcase of seasonal produce overlooking a pretty olive grove.