Geelong and The Bellarine has been charming summer crowds for generations with golden beaches and water-view wineries, but this all-season destination has just as much to offer in winter. In particular, three ‘best’ experiences are in the spotlight in the region’s new off-season campaign Off-Peak. On Point. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne are Australasia’s best spa, Australia’s best golf town, one of the best wineries in the nation; plus an exhibition celebrating the best portraits in the country.

These experiences are just the start of the many award-winning wineries, distilleries, restaurants and tours that can be enjoyed outside the hustle and bustle of summer.

Some people don’t even know they’re here. That’s the wild part.

To get the word out, thousands of postcards are being distributed to local residents which they can then send to friends and relatives, free of charge, inviting them to enjoy the sweet spot outside the summer peak, while the crowds are busy lining up somewhere else.

BEST EXPERIENCES

The BEST SPA in Australasia isn’t on some faraway island or hidden deep in the rainforest, it’s on The Bellarine. Lon Retreat & Spa claimed the title at the 2024 Spa and Wellness Awards, also scooping Most Unique Property and Best Repurposed Hotel. This luxury, adults-only hideaway is set on a seventh-generation family farm in Point Lonsdale – natural mineral springs are piped into a pool and private in-suite baths. Off-peak means more time to soak, float and fully lean into slow-living.

Idyllic coastal village Barwon Heads has been crowned BEST GOLF TOWN 2025 by Australian Golf Digest. It’s home to 13th Beach Golf Links, with championship-level fairways across two scenic courses, and the proud host of the Vic Open. It’s neighbour is the prestigious Barwon Heads Golf Club which runs alongside the dunes with ocean views. But there’s more to Barwon Heads than a great round of golf. Mornings can start on the green and roll into a surf check, a windswept walk along The Bluff, or a visit to the main street for something warm and delicious. Off-peak means more space to play, shorter waits for a tee time and fireside drinks at the 19th hole.

The BEST WINERY is Lethbridge Wines – it’s no fluke they’ve been ranked #59 in Halliday’s Top 100 Wineries 2024. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret, a slice of Tuscany in Geelong’s Moorabool Valley. Gather by the fire and taste your way through their range of biodynamic and minimal-intervention wines, often poured by the winemakers themselves. Off-peak means more time to enjoy each pour and discover the stories behind this seriously good vino served at top restaurants across the world. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger and you absolutely should.

To round out winter, Geelong will host one of Australia’s BEST ART EXHIBITIONS. The Archibald Prize will open at Geelong Gallery on August 30 – fitting that this esteemed exhibition be held in Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design.

QUOTES FROM TOURISM GEELONG BELLARINE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRACY CARTER:

“The Off-Peak. On Point campaign positions Geelong and The Bellarine as the place to enjoy more of the good stuff – more culture, more food, more nature with less waiting around. It’s about enjoying the sweet spot outside the summer peak.”

“Many of the region’s top attractions are still under the radar for locals and visitors alike, off-season is the best time to visit them. You don’t need a passport for this, just a couple of days and a will to unwind.”

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For further information or images, famil opportunities or interviews please contact:

Yasmin Paton
E: yasmin.paton@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au  (please cc: marketing@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au)
P: +61 478 258 989