From vineyard-dotted hillsides to soul-soothing spas and galleries buzzing with bold creativity, the so called “off peak” season brings a different kind of energy.
One that’s spacious, seasonal, and unmistakably special. Whether you’re a local ticking off long-promised plans or a visitor seeking something with a little edge and elegance, minus the summer queues, now is the moment.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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First stop: Lon Retreat, where stillness feels luxurious
Tucked behind the dunes in Point Lonsdale, Lon Retreat offers a coastal sanctuary that continues to turn heads for all the right reasons. Most recently named Australasia’s Best Spa at the 2024 Spa Wellness Awards, Lon is more than a destination, it’s a mood.
Soak in mineral-rich waters, indulge in treatments rooted in nature, and breathe in the coastal air that feels tailor-made for reset and renewal. With summer’s bustle behind us, now is the perfect time to experience the serenity that has earned this retreat national recognition.
A world-class wine experience, just off the beaten track
If a glass of something exceptional is on the agenda, Lethbridge Wines deserves your attention. Recently ranked #59 in the Halliday Top 100 Wineries in Australia for 2024, it delivers not just award-winning wines, but an atmosphere of genuine warmth and expertise.
Their Moorabool Valley cellar door balances sophistication with approachability, where every pour tells a story and the passion is as rich as the pinot. It’s the kind of place that rewards a slower pace, and perhaps a second glass.
Be sure to pay a visit to nearby award-winning and highly-ranked Moorabool Valley wineries including Clyde Park Vineyard, Austin’s Wines, The Moorabool Valley Wine Collective, Spence Wines and Barwon Ridge Wines.
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Barwon Heads: Australia’s best golfing town, officially
It’s no longer just a well-kept local secret. Barwon Heads has been named Australia’s Best Golfing Town for 2025 by Australian Golf Digest, and for good reason. With the iconic Barwon Heads Golf Club and 13th Beach Golf Links at its heart, this coastal gem blends championship-level play with a thriving food and wine scene.
Home of the Vic Open and set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, 13th Beach Golf Links is famously known for its two award-winning public courses, with its beautiful Beach Course ranked No. 7 of Public Access Courses in Australia by Golf Australia.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just tagging along for the après-game atmosphere, the town’s mix of heritage charm and high-end hospitality makes it a standout winter escape.
This coastal town balances laidback charm with a quiet vibrancy that shines through in every season. Mornings might begin on the green, but can just as easily drift into a windswept walk along the Bluff, a quick surf check, or a visit to the main street for something warm and indulgent. The cafés are lively, the ocean air is energising, and there’s a sense of rhythm here that invites you to slow down and savour.
Geelong Gallery brings the Archibald Prize to town
This winter, Geelong Gallery plays host to one of the country’s most prestigious art events: the 2025 Archibald Prize, on display from August 30. Known for its captivating portraiture and cultural buzz, the exhibition offers a front-row seat to some of Australia’s most compelling artistic talent.
Visiting in the cooler months means more room to linger with the work and a chance to see Australia’s artistic elite without the crowds. After such impressive visuals, head to nearby Little Malop Street and choose from a melting pot of global cuisines and hidden bars to impress some of your other senses.
So, what’s the verdict?
Geelong and The Bellarine don’t need a summer spotlight to shine. In the cooler seasons, the region reveals its more sophisticated side; slower, yes, but never sleepy. Think open bookings at sought-after venues, crisp air that sharpens the senses, and experiences that feel curated just for you.
Whether you’re arriving from Ballarat, Bendigo, Daylesford or just across town, this is your invitation to explore somewhere remarkable. Not because it’s “better than expected,” but because it’s genuinely world-class, and right on your doorstep.
This isn’t a hidden gem, it’s a seasonal essential. Start planning your next visit here.
