French-inspired accommodation with vineyard and valley views and a heritage green grocer reimagined into a luxury city apartment are among a raft of high-end new openings in Geelong and The Bellarine. Michelin-trained chefs have flown out from France to helm a fine dining restaurant in Highton; a charming cellar door has opened in the Moorabool Valley; and a silo has been recast as a boutique bar on The Bellarine.

JEFFIE'S
Michelin-trained chefs are behind an exquisite French restaurant in Highton. Owner Jean Francois (Jeff) Saurel sharpened his skills at Le Louis XV in Monaco (3 stars), Pied à Terre in London (2 stars) and Le Saint-Martin in France (1 star). He's joined by two top French chefs Ophélie Violette and Yoann Musa (also Michelin-trained), who've relocated to Australia especially for Jeffie's. They have an in-house pastry chef too – Dat Nguyen. Beef Rossignol; cheese fondue; and Ratatouille Niçoise sit on the menu alongside Beef Tartare; as well as seared scallops served with béchamel, mushrooms and comte cheese. Opened August 28.
Where: Shop 14, 65-71 Barrabool Road, Highton
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VINTNERS LODGE @ CLYDE PARK
For the first time, you can stay on site at one of Victoria's best vineyards - Clyde Park. They've opened Vintners Lodge – French-inspired accommodation with the most superb vineyard and valley views in the region. This artfully restored century-old house is a stone's throw from the vines and each of the three creative bedrooms (The Baroque Room, La Rose and The Stag Room) have their own bold personality. Original Italian art works adorn the walls alongside modern prints in this eclectic, fun and luxurious residence decorated with European antiques and a 120-year-old mirror from Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne. There are two wood fireplaces inside, the original flooring has been preserved and the outdoor bath and fire pit complete the picture. Complimentary homemade baked goods, orchard fruit and Clyde Park wine on arrival. Sleeps 6 (+ an extra 2 if you use the sofa bed). Lodge opened August.
Where: 2490 Midland Hwy, Bannockburn
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SILO BAR X BAIE WINES
In a field on The Bellarine sits a silo - inside it's a stylish and sophisticated bar, located on site at popular watering hole The Whiskery. Book in for the Silo Salute where you'll be guided through tastings of BAIE and LUME wines. You can add 'small bites' to your experience and enjoy six creative canapés, curated to match each varietal. Sign up for the 'signature cocktail' and you'll be taken into The Whiskery's cosy bar area to enjoy a special silo cocktail crafted by Indra Saryani (one of Australia's top 25 bartenders). Opened July.
Where: 2102-2120 Portarlington Road, Drysdale
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BLAME MABEL
A new cellar door has opened in the Moorabool Valley at Blame Mabel – but this is only part of this pretty storybook picture. Blame Mabel is a charming boutique getaway with three cabins and a farmhouse set on 30 acres among the vines on Mount Anakie – there are chooks, an outdoor bath, sunset picnic spots and of course Mabel – the resident Boxer. The pet-friendly cellar door is open to the public but if you book to stay on site, you get your own key so you can come and go as you please. The cellar door offers Blame Mabel wine as well as local drops; it has an indoor fireplace, small farm shop, board games and books - everything you need to embrace slow, simple, country living. One of the oldest existing vineyards in the region, the rich black clays over basaltic rocks provide a picturesque setting and perfumed wines. Cellar door opened April.
Where: 20 Staughton Vale Rd, Staughton Vale
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88 RYRIE STREET
A shining example of Geelong's beautiful old buildings being given new life. The W Leggo & Son Grocers Building, a 1930's Edwardian style corner store, has been recreated into a stylish inner-city apartment - the original red brick and heritage features thoughtfully preserved. In the heart of Geelong, it looks out to the historic Geelong post office and is around the corner from Little Malop Street's much-loved dining, coffee and bar precinct, the Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery and the waterfront. Sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms. Opened May.
Where: No surprises here, 88 Ryrie St, Geelong
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COOMBE LODGE
Historical Coombe Lodge has been immaculately restored into a quintessential Queenscliff retreat with all the trimmings. The Lodge sits majestically on the town's wide, charming main street. The 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom Victorian-era home has 4 king beds and 1 queen (+ 2 single sofa beds). A bath, hydronic heating, outdoor entertainment area, and outdoor shower are luxurious finishing touches. Opened June.
Where: 90 Hesse St, Queenscliff
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THE ROYAL QUEENSCLIFF
Six boutique suites have opened at a seaside mansion in Queenscliff, with another three opening soon. This luxurious accommodation is adults-only, some rooms have balconies, water views and baths. The Royal Hotel, built in 1854, is an opulent three-storey beauty with sunny tropical garden courtyards and elegant salons. The interior rivals the most fashionable bars across the globe with vibrant modern art placed alongside antique furniture and exotic heirlooms. It operates as a gallery during the day and the cocktail lounge is open Tuesdays to Saturdays serving charcuterie and pizzas. Live music on Saturdays. Accommodation opened May. Where: 34-36 King St, Queenscliff
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MEXICAM'S RESTAURANTE + FIESTA
Think tacos and tequila plus karaoke booths and bowling lanes at this bright, up-beat Mexican restaurant. It's the latest venture by Hamilton Group (Hamo Hospitality) - the team which restored the Federal Mills precinct. The group opened The Paddock Bakery last year plus Woolstore and The Retreat this year. Now MexiCam's brings fun and flavour to Federal Mills with shuffleboards, electronic darts and live DJs thrown in the mix. Opened August 29.
Where: Federal Mills, E17, 33 Mackey St, North Geelong
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ARCHIBALD PRIZE
Geelong Gallery is currently hosting one of Australia's most prestigious art exhibitions, the Archibald Prize. Since 1921, the Archies have highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times. This touring exhibition is an opportunity to see the 2025 finalists with the grand prize awarded to the best portrait painting. Exhibiting until November 9.
Where: Little Malop Street, Geelong
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COCKTAIL + FRAGRANCE EXPERIENCE
Geelong's first fragrance and cocktail pairing is a collaboration between some of the best operators in the city - Woolstore Restaurant + Bar, Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrance and Anther Distillery. During this special, sensory experience guests can order one of three bespoke cocktails which are served with a fragrance card, custom created to match. The 'Cherry On Top' cocktail (Anther Cherry, Lemon Juice, Pavan, Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Aquafaba) is paired with the 'Girls Night Out' fragrance (amber, floral notes, white musk, vanilla, spun sugar and leather). While the 'Red Brick' cocktail (Anther Floresence Gin, Campari, Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, Cynar, Aperol, Peychauds, Angostura) is paired with the 'Innovation' fragrance (wool, smoke, leather, pipe tobacco, vetiver, cedar wood, frankincense, hay, eucalyptus).
Where: 400 Pakington Street, Newtown (enter via Rutland Street)
Cocktail x Fragrance Photos (Commenced June)
Aysha Hansen Photos (Geelong's first parfum atelier, opened January)
Woolstore Photos (New restaurant in an old woolstore, opened February)
Anther Photos (Gin distillery which launched a new vodka line August 2024) 

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM
The National Wool Museum's current exhibition 'Quilts, Wool, Use' explores the artistry, sustainability and social history of Australia's wagga quilts. The quilts were crafted from recycled materials during the settler, wartime, and Depression eras – these pieces tell stories of the working-class women often left out of official records. Visitors are invited to reconsider how fashion is created, valued, and consumed in contemporary culture. The museum is located in a restored 1872 bluestone woolstore and explores 60,000 years of the region's history. Opened August.
Where: 26 Moorabool St, Geelong
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WATHAURONG BOOLN BOOLN CULTURAL CENTRE
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative has opened a new cultural centre, café and shop in Geelong. Join in a cultural awareness session, wander the gardens and feed the emus, kangaroos and wallabies. Admire or buy creations made by local artists then head to the café run by Blak Brews founders Troy and Cerisa Benjamin (Troy won Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars Australia in 2024). They're serving up Blak Brews tea and coffee of course, and pastries made by a Michelin-trained chef including lemon myrtle tarte, Davidson plum slice, macadamia pralines and pepperberry macarons. Native ingredients star on the menu which features meals and snacks such as kangaroo and beef sausage rolls and slow cooked kangaroo ragu jaffles. Booln Booln means lyrebird, the speaker of all languages, and is symbolic of the many mobs which make up the Wathaurong community. This is a place for all people to gather and connect. Cultural centre opened March 31, café opened June 14.
Where: 410 Surfcoast Highway, Geelong

FORE FUN GOLF CLUB
Mini golf, private karaoke rooms and colourful cocktails in the heart of Geelong. Whether you're into margaritas, craft beer, wine, or creative non-alcoholic sips, every pour is made to match the vibe - try the 19th Hole Punch or the Sand Trap. Each mini golf hole is themed – 'Breaking Putt' is a splatter-filled lab or chaos and chance while 'Geelong Kit-tee Cats' is inspired by hometown AFL heroes Geelong Cats. A space filled with energy, creativity, and community spirit, a venue for all the family. Opened August 22.
Where: 154A Moorabool Street, Geelong
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EMERGE DINING
Geelong's best steakhouse has moved to a new location in the centre of Geelong. Emerge is certified by Coeliac Australia and specialises in premium steaks such as Wagyu cross, full-blood Wagyu and grass-fed. Many of these cuts are dry-aged on-site for at least 30 days to enhance flavour and tenderness. Mondays are “hold the gluten” parmi night or choose the “meat me for lunch” weekday special. The menu also includes seafood and vegetarian meals with locally sourced produce. Children are welcome for lunch service but for dinner seatings guests must be 12+. New location opened August.
Where: 31 Little Ryrie Street, Geelong
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For further information, famil opportunities, interviews or images please email yasmin.paton@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au and cc: marketing@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au