Famous for its beaches and wine, The Bellarine is a stand-out summer destination but winter brings its own unique charm – a rugged coastline, spectacular sunsets, cosy fire places and a free flowing pour of the shiraz and pinot noir it’s known for across the world. There are whimsical winter solstice events – think ice baths, burning of the canes, whisky and bonfires. Take advantage of off-season room rates and mid-week specials, grab your jackets and scarves, here’s some ideas for a fun and revitalising winter escape to Geelong and The Bellarine.

There’s no better place to start than these James Halliday 5-star-rated wineries. They each boast a soul-warming fireplace where you can settle in and enjoy the region’s decorated reds. 

• Clyde Park Vineyard – Sweeping vineyard and valley views from this cellar door and restaurant in Bannockburn. Top picks include the single block pinot noir and shiraz.
• Provenance – A truly magical building. The cellar door, winery and restaurant are located at the Fyansford Paper Mill. Provenance has repurposed heritage-listed 1870s bluestone buildings and internationally acclaimed artist RONE has painted an exquisite mural. The pinot is spicy with beetroot notes while the shiraz combines blackberries and blueberries with cool climate spice.
• Oakdene – The upside-down cellar door is one of the eye-catching features of this sprawling property. The restored 1920’s homestead houses an excellent restaurant too. Try the NV Sparkling Shiraz.
• Scotchmans Hill – Admire the views of Melbourne’s city skyline from the oldest winery on The Bellarine. Try their award-winning Cornelius Strathallan syrah and Cornelius Armitage pinot noir.

And we could go on… the list of snug spots to sip fire side in Geelong and The Bellarine is long. Here’s some top picks:

• Austin’s Wines – Enjoy views of the vines from the cellar door – converted from an old shearing shed in 2022. Fun events and rotating chef residencies. Their pinot noir highlights the distinct terroir of the vineyard or try the dark chocolate and white pepper flavours of the shiraz.
• Nicol’s Paddock – Charming family-run winery and restaurant serving locally sourced and seasonal food.
• Geelong Cellar Door – All the best drops from the region in one place, right in the heart of Geelong.
• OneDay Estate – Open 'OneDay' a week. Enjoy paella and live music on Sundays at this Bellarine winery which has been constructed from recycled treasures such as bridge timbers and church roof trusses.
• Bennetts on Bellarine – The outdoor fire at this family-owned winery is the perfect place to enjoy a wine and woodfired pizza with a group of friends.
• Portarlington Grand Hotel – A truly grand experience, exquisitely refurbished historic hotel in the heart of town (opened 2023).
• Basil’s Farm – Take in the sweeping views over Sway Bay as you explore the gardens at this family-friendly Bellarine restaurant. Much of the delicious food served is grown in their own kitchen garden.

Time your trip to catch these imaginative winter events:

National Celtic Folk Festival, Friday 7 to Monday 10 June (King’s Birthday long weekend)

Caber tossing, Irish hurling, tartan kilts and a good dose of Guinness – this much-loved event celebrates the Celtic nations. Four days of live music, bars, markets, workshops, food, dances, theatre, shamrock handicrafts and children’s entertainment.
Where: Portarlington Foreshore

Adventure Park Winter Glow, Saturday 22 June to Sunday 21 July, 3.30pm-8.30pm
Usually operating as a water theme park in the warmer months, Adventure Park turns into a glowing wonderland for winter. Take a spin on theme park rides, play mini-golf or build a snowman in the snow play zone. Roast marshmallows over the open fire and warm-up with delicious hot chocolates, spiced cider and mulled wine. Live ice-sculpting and fire-twirling plus millions of dazzling lights and glittering installations.
Where: 1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington

The Polar Express Train Ride, June 29 & 30; July 1,5,6 & 7
Something a little different to entertain the children this winter school holidays. They’ll love a ride on the historic Bellarine Railway train, themed around beloved children’s book The Polar Express.
Where: Queenscliff

Winter Solstice Dinner at 1915 Restaurant, Friday 21 June, 6:30pm

1915 Restaurant and Anther Gin are collaborating to celebrate the winter solstice with a magical candlelit dinner, inspired by the element of water. The three-course menu will be paired with cocktails designed by Anther’s chief distiller who is also a scientist.
Where: Federal Mills Precinct, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong

Nightide Fringe, Friday 21 June, 6:30pm-11pm

Under the gentle gaze of a Queenscliff full moon, rug-up and celebrate the winter ‘soul’stice' at this adults-only evening ahead of Nightide Festival (see details below). Jump in the sauna and ice bath, try yidaki healing or just watch-on and enjoy the DJ, food trucks and bar.
Where: Secret location in Queenscliff

Nightide Festival, Saturday 22 June, 5pm-9pm

Embrace the dark heart of winter at Nightide, Queenscliff’s winter solstice festival. Fireworks, ice bath, bonfires, live music and mystical tarot readings.
Where: SeaRoads Ferry Terminal, Queenscliff

Burning of the Canes, Saturday 3 August, 5pm-9:30pm

This annual bonfire at Austin’s Wines marks the end of the grape harvest and the beginning of a new season. Live music, warming food, award-winning drops, mulled wine and winter cocktails. This all-weather event promises an unforgettable night.

Where: 870 Steiglitz Road, Sutherlands Creek

Après ski vibes at Tulip Restaurant, Fridays during winter, 4pm-6pm

Feel as though you’ve stepped into a Euro ski resort as Tulip Restaurant brings an après ski vibe to their outdoor courtyard. Sip on warming hot toddies and mulled wine as you tuck into brioche toasties with gruyere cheese; black garlic and quince chutney; baked Brie with truffle honey; or crab bisque with a Parmesan crisp. 

Where: 9/111 Pakington Street, Geelong