What's new in Geelong and The Bellarine

Point Lonsdale

Come to Geelong to enjoy many new places that aim to please you.

Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrance

Aysha Hansen has opened Geelong's first parfum atelier (perfume workshop) after perfecting her craft at exclusive perfume houses in London, Grasse and Paris. During the workshop she shares her knowledge and helps guests compose a scent, to keep, that is unique to them. Opened January.
Address: 5 Rutland St, Newtown

Meredith Farm Produce

Meredith Dairy, internationally renowned for its goat cheese, has opened its first farm store and café. It's a celebration of local farming, offering all Meredith Dairy products and a range of fresh produce as well as meals, pastries and coffee. Visitors can enjoy dishes featuring Meredith goat meat which is lauded by top Australian chefs – you'll find it pride of place on menus at Florentino, MoVida, Otto, Pilu at Freshwater, Farmer's Daughters, and Morena. Opened October.
Address: 30 Staughton Street, Meredith

Sensori Japanese Head Spa

Ancient Japanese techniques are used to create a feeling of deep calm and relaxation while rejuvenating the scalp and hair. Sensori aims to help people slow down with soothing head massages and mindful rituals. Opened May.
Address: 172 Willis street, Portarlington

Ket Baker

Geelong Waterfront

Popular Bellarine bakery Ket Baker has opened a second location in Belmont, bringing its cult-favourite sourdough, flaky pastries with house-made fillings, and quality coffee to Geelong. Known for slow-fermented loaves (up to 72 hours) and pastries which take five days to make, Ket Baker's commitment to craft has earned it a loyal following. Opened May.
Address: 1/174A High Street, Belmont

Red Park

Red Park serves coffee and lunch by day and woodfired pizza by night. A favourite is the porchetta Red Park roll—slow-roasted free-range porchetta with slaw, salsa verde, sambal and mustard. Popular with locals and visitors. Opened February.
Address: 24 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove

Lard Ass Butter

The Bellarine's much-loved artisan butter maker has opened a tasting room and shop. Try fresh, handcrafted, slow-churned butters in creative flavours such as chilli peppers with lime, sweet vanilla or smoky pomodoro. The cream comes from grass-fed western Victorian cows. Meet the butter-making team and watch the process through the viewing window. Tasting room and shop opened December.
Address: 10 Sykes Place, Ocean Grove

Barwon Heads Caravan Park

Two new waterfront beach houses have opened at Barwon Heads Caravan Park. Affordable and accessible, they're built on the idea that holiday accommodation with prime water views should be available to everyone. Opened December.
Address: 1 Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads

The Paddock Bakery

The Paddock Bakery

The Paddock Bakery hosts 'High Tea At The Milkbar' on the first Sunday of every month. Guests are served a curated selection of delicate savouries, artisan pastries, and handcrafted sweets with barista-made coffee, loose-leaf teas, and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival. Kids welcome.

Portarlington Mussel Tours

Portarlington Mussel Tours have added a Deluxe Seafood Tour to their offering. Guests cruise on Port Phillip Bay aboard a beautifully-restored Huon pine boat enjoying mussels, oysters, scallops and abalone accompanied by ocean-aged vintage cuvée – cellared under water at their mussel farms. The tour includes cooking demonstrations and local produce tastings. Deluxe Seafood Tour commenced December.
Address: Portarlington Pier, 2A Harding Street, Portarlington

Port Phillip Ferries

Port Phillip Ferries has launched a ferry spa day package in partnership with Lon Retreat and Spa (Australasia's Best Spa 2024). Cruise from Melbourne to Portarlington, enjoy a private transfer to Lon, then unwind with mineral bathing and a massage or facial. Feast on a seasonal grazing platter and sparkling wine before cruising back to Melbourne. Commenced May.
Address: Victoria Harbour, Docklands

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

An escape room has opened at the museum providing a fun, interactive activity. The experience is based on the local legend of Pirate Benito who buried his treasure in Swan Bay, Queenscliff.  Players work together to locate the treasure chest and escape. At the museum itself, see the 100-year-old Lifeboat Queenscliffe, used in the search for Prime Minister Harold Holt; antique diving equipment and shipwreck artefacts; and learn about adventurer Paul Caffyn's circumnavigation of Australia by kayak. Escape room opened January.

Archibald Prize

Geelong Gallery will host one of Australia's most prestigious art exhibitions, the Archibald Prize, from 30 August to 9 November.
Address: Little Malop Street, Geelong