Enjoy a laid-back chic coastal vibe and explore the twin towns of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
There are experiences on and by the water and some of The Bellarine’s best places to eat. Picturesque views, top-notch dining and drinking experiences go hand in hand.
It’s the quintessential coastal break. The sound of crashing waves is never far away. You’ll feel rejuvenated by the ocean and enjoy the comforts, quality and indulgence of the local experience. Located just 30 minutes from Geelong, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads is simply stunning.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
World-class beaches
Offering beaches perfect for water-based adventures from paddling and swimming in the gentle waters to surfing and boarding at the popular surf breaks. Nestled in between the Barwon River Estuary and the open ocean of Bass Strait, Barwon Heads is uniquely positioned to provide a range of beach options. Avid surfers can visit the popular surf breaks of 13th Beach or Raafs Beach in Barwon Heads. Beginner surfers can enjoy a surf lesson at Ocean Grove with Go Ride a Wave, Sea Earth Adventures or Great Ocean Road Surf Tours.
Families can take advantage of the pristine sand and gentle waves at the Ocean Grove Main Beach. It’s renowned as one of the safest family surf beaches in Victoria. The sandy shoreline stretches for two stunning kilometres and the rolling waves are perfect for catching a wave or diving under safely. The mouth of the Barwon River at Barwon Heads is also great for paddling. The sandy areas of the river on either side of the bridges are favoured by families with young kids.
Coastal dining
The casual yet sophisticated atmosphere continues into the restaurants and eateries around Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Wallington. Décor is relaxed and understated, while the food is fresh and nourishing. It’s not Barwon Heads without the lasting impression or experience of dining at At the Heads, the most iconic building in the region, strutting out over the Barwon River.
The Dunes is a beautiful modern restaurant overlooking the Ocean Grove beach. Combining fresh local and sustainable ingredients, it’s the perfect lunch destination with breathtaking views of the waves rolling in.
Over in Barwon Heads you’ll find Annie’s Provedore, set amongst an eclectic abundance of food offerings where you can enjoy delicious meals or take away your favourites including local oils, preserves , heat and eat meals and some of the world’s best cheeses.
Ten minutes inland at Wallington, you’ll find the likes of Ket Baker, an artisan bakery, with a cult following. People seek out their goods including 100% sourdough croissants that take five days to hand-craft, breads and small batch pastries that deliver the unmistakable Ket Baker hit. Nearby, grab a bite to eat and some local wine at Oakdene’s Mr Grubb Café where you can sit, relax and take in the garden views or dine outside amongst the magnificent birch trees.
Refresh with a wine, beer or cider
From grape to bottling and tasting to boxes, Banks Road Vineyard wines travel approximately 400 metres! This boutique vineyard at Marcus Hill produces beautiful estate grown wines. Tastings are available in the cellar door and there is also a restaurant onsite.
Delight in a guided cider tasting at Flying Brick Cider House. Enjoy its 100% natural and traditionally crafted beverages including exclusive boutique batches crafted in the onsite cidery. Nearby at Oakdene Vineyards relax with a seated tasting experience inside the cellar door and create your own selection of five premium wine samples from the entire Oakdene range. A visit to the Oakdene ‘Upside Down House’ Cellar Door is a unique and wondrous journey where things may appear a little bit different.
Also in Wallington, a visit to FarmDog Brewing is a must. Here, they brew their FarmDog label beer and also FarmDog gin, pour the McGlashan’s Estate award-winning wines and serve delicious, fun pizzas made onsite in the pizza oven.
In Ocean Grove, discover the newly opened and aptly named Covenant Wine Bar with an interesting story linked to the town’s unusual history of alcoholic premises and prohibtion. Also in town is BrewiColo – a start-up craft brewery. Owners Chilla Tuicolo and Kay Godfrey styled the brewery’s bar on Chilla’s Fijian background. It has a relaxed family-friendly island theme and produce a fabulous array of easy drinking beers including Palm Ale (Aussie Pale Ale), Island Red Ale and Kabu IPA to name just a few.
Chilled out shopping
A visit to these twin towns isn’t complete without a spot of shopping. Whether you’re grabbing a book to read on the beach, a new pair of shoes, something to brighten your home, or wine to crack open at the end of the day.
The main streets of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are both lined with independent homewares, fashion and food stores. There are surf stores with the obligatory racks of boards on the street, and bakeries where glass cases are stocked with thick vanilla slices and award-winning pies.
Wander Hitchcock Avenue to discover the boutique shops along the strip including Kiitos and Barwon Heads Winestore. The retail area is full of independent and bespoke stores who can help find something to remember your trip by – for your home, your wardrobe or your belly.
