Here’s why basing your next golf trip in the Bellarine Peninsula is a hole-in-one

A golf trip isn’t really just about golf, is it? If you’re plotting your next golf getaway, you want a destination that combines great food and drink, and unforgettable off-course experiences, as well as top-tier courses. Luckily, you need to look no further than Victoria’s stunning Bellarine Peninsula — just over an hour drive from Melbourne, and even closer to Avalon airport near Geelong. This is a golfing region that delivers both on and off the fairway.

This part of southern Victoria is a golfer’s dream thanks to a mix of classic links and challenging parkland layouts — all within easy driving distance of one another. And its 19th-hole experiences are completely up to par, meaning that the trip’s fun doesn’t stop when the last ball has sunk.

Barwon Heads Golf Course

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Arguably one of Australia’s most iconic courses, Barwon Heads is defined by its vast fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning coastal views. Often rated among the nation’s best public layouts — with an historic clubhouse that’s just undergone a stunning refurbishment — the main course demands thoughtful tee shots and precision around the greens, while its nine-hole, par 3 course and practice areas make it perfect for warm-ups or shorter games, or even for those of different skill-levels.

Curlewis Golf Course

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Once a real “if you know you know” course, Curlewis has undergone significant enhancements and is now right up there with some of the best. With a sandy base, open fairways and firm surfaces influenced by coastal winds, it delivers a true links-style experience for golfers of all levels — and that’s not even getting into the excellent clubhouse hospitality and practice facilities.

Lonsdale Links

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A beautifully remodelled course set among coastal dunes and salt marshes, Lonsdale Links offers a refreshing and strategic test with unique square greens framing every hole. Its thoughtful design promises memorable shots against a dramatic backdrop — the type of shots you’ll reminisce over when the trip’s long over.

But, the fun doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve conquered the greens, you need to explore the Bellarine Peninsula’s food and drink scene, sourced from fresh regional produce and with plenty of wineries and distilleries to choose from. Take it a step further and head out to the hub of Geelong while you’re at it — the world’s your oyster on a golf trip.

Oakdene Winery

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Oakdene is a boutique vineyard producing delicious handcrafted wines among signature architecture (don’t tilt your neck too hard). Its cellar door and restaurant offer the perfect spot to unwind with a tasting of pinot gris, chardonnay or shiraz paired with a relaxed lunch or grazing board. It’s the ultimate choice for those looking to unwind and relax after a day on the green.

The 18th Amendment Bar

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Swing by this stylish speakeasy-inspired bar in Geelong for an evening of creative cocktails and a vibe that feels lost in time. With a huge list of drinks and a 1920s prohibition-style flair, it’s the ideal place for a post-round debrief or celebratory nightcap after a big day on the course.

Arborist

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If you’re looking for something a little more refined, The Arborist in Geelong blends contemporary food and drink with a laid-back style. Its well-crafted lunch and dinner menus — plus rooftop drinks — make it a favourite among locals. What better place to toast to your trip and your mates?

Portarlington Mussel Tours

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As far as unique 19th hole experiences go, you can’t go past this one. This one invites you aboard a restored vessel to harvest blue mussels straight from Port Phillip, often served with local wines and paired produce. It’s a refreshing way to actually immerse yourself in what the area has to offer, and do so with unbeatable views.

Tackling world-class courses in the morning, sample boutique wines in the arvo, and cap the day with cocktails or a waterfront seafood tour — where else but the Bellarine Peninsula? It’s a complete golf escape where every part of the itinerary feels like a win.

Fancy planning your next golf break? The Bellarine Peninsula might just be the perfect tee-off point.