Outdoors and Rejuvenation One Hour from Melbourne

Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, Geelong, The Bellarine, and its surrounds is a convenient and exhilarating choice to embrace the outdoors and enjoy a range of wellness offerings. Test your legs on a hike in the You Yangs or take a leisurely bike ride along a rail trail. Stay overnight and enjoy the luxurious and private surrounds of small boutique accommodation offerings and wander the kilometres of beaches the region has to offer.

Move those legs

Explore the You Yangs Regional Park where you can not only explore some wonderful hikes, but you can also bring your dog. A beacon in the distance, the dominant mountain range from afar, the Park is located only 45 minutes from Geelong, or an hour from Melbourne. Wander the array of day walks on offer.

Highlights include the Flinders Peak walk which will take you to the highest point in the You Yangs. Climb 450 steps to reach the lookout and enjoy the view of the western volcanic plains, Geelong and Melbourne. Bring a picnic or barbecue to enjoy after your walk. For more of a challenge, the Northern Range Circuit is a 12.3km moderate grade walk that takes in the quieter northern section of the Park with views of the vast countryside.

Another great day hike is the 13.4km Brisbane Ranges Loop in the Brisbane Ranges National Park located about 80km from Melbourne near the town of Meredith. This hike should take about 6 hours and traverses through rich wildflower habitat.

For a walk that is closer to civilization try the Barwon River Trail in Geelong which includes more than 20km of sealed paths following the Barwon River with varying vistas of dense vegetation and open vistas. Alternatively try the Geelong Bollard Trail Walk with the family, a fun exploration of the unique characters who played a part in Geelong's history, sans selfie's along the way. This walk features 48 sites and more than 100 bollards and will take about two hours one way.

On your bike

Geelong and The Bellarine is home to a number of enticing cycling trails. The You Yangs are perfect for mountain biking, boasting two designated mountain bike areas with 50 kilometres of track. All trails are clearly sign posted with directional information and gradings.

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a scenic and enjoyable 35-kilometre trail that winds from South Geelong to Queenscliff. The surrounding reserve includes areas of remnant indigenous vegetation offering a tranquil environment for cyclists.

For a more challenging ride try the Barrabool Hills Tour. At 73km and 176m elevation, this ride will take you through the picturesque Barrabool Hills with breathtaking views across Geelong. The 64km Barwon Heads Tour is an easy relaxed ride that loops through Geelong to Barwon Heads.

Rest your head

The region has a range of unique and luxurious boutique accommodation venues. These properties offer privacy, wide open spaces and bespoke experiences.

Lon Retreat and Spa allows guests to slow down and relax. Set on 200 acres overlooking the ocean, the adult only exclusive retreat features seven luxurious suites and a mineral spa. Suites at Lon are spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each individually designed with its own unique character and connection to the ocean, lakes and surrounding farmland. Each is a personal sanctuary combining earthy tones with contemporary luxury.

Lon Spa, located onsite at Lon Retreat and Spa, is open to the public for day visits. Lon Spa is a small and exclusive space, consisting of three unique treatment rooms featuring mineral water fed soaking tubs, steam rooms and breathtaking views to the ocean, lighthouse and coastal landscape. Water therapy is sourced from natural mineral springs running beneath the farm. Bliss.
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2hjt8ytq5u7j5uj/AADaNKsMl_kmL04HiO6zbezha?dl=0

The Nest is located on a hill outside Point Lonsdale and offers panoramic views from Portsea to Port Phillip Heads, Barwon Heads to the distant Otways. The Nest offers three luxurious, modern and purpose built 'pods' ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or a solo place to retreat, soaking in the stunning views. Each Nest has been built sustainably and features a king size bed, bath robes, Bluetooth music, smart television, a coffee machine, along with quality fittings and furnishings. After a day's exercise and outdoor activity, relax in your private spa bath, located on the balcony allowing you to gaze at the stars, watch the sunset, take in the fresh air and view the vast expanse before you. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/die7469h8diqfxp/AABX40qa8rJoN0Z-DGA0iRAGa?dl=0

Nestled in the vines at McGlashans Estate are brand new eco villas. The stylish villas are filled with natural light and accommodate two guests. They are spacious and relaxed and offer the perfect place for a Bellarine getaway. Each villa has a fully covered private alfresco space that overlooks the vineyard. Spend the day exploring the Bellarine Taste Trail or enjoy a wander along the nearby beaches of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale before resting with a glass of McGlashan's Rose.
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Website: www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/

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