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The White Hat Guide to Bellarine Peninsula and the west coast of Port Phillip Bay

Melbourne-Geelong and the north west coast of Port Phillip Bay

The main highway and the railway take a reasonably direct route between Melbourne and Geelong and this is a major commuter corridor. Many travellers are not particularly aware or interested in what lies on either side of this corridor, and it is true that much of the area is not accessible to the general public being either government land or part of the recycling area of the Werribee sewerage works. However the area does repay closer examination. The coastline of the bay meanders in and out. From the west side of the mouth of the Yarra in suburban Williamstown, the coast line gradually shakes off the suburbs, has the occasional encounter with modern housing developments before heading into territory that is a mixture of market gardens, farms, various forms of government land (including Point Cook Aerodrome with its museum and annual community airshow) and the occasional small town Travellers along the main highway and railway line are rarely aware of the area between themselves and the bay, but White Hat gives occasional examples of the hidden gems in this area in our newsletter.

The major regional centre midway between Melbourne and Geelong is Werribee, and it is outside Werribee you will find the Open Range Zoo, the State Rose Garden and one of Victoria’s most imposing stately homes - The Mansion at Werribee Park.

The rocky outcrops known as the You Yangs are set in a forest park and form a major landmark in this area. Closer to Geelong is the Avalon Airfield which is regularly serviced by Jetstar flights and is the venue for the biennial International Airshow.

Geelong

Geelong is Victoria's second largest city and as such we have included its details on a separate Geelong page.

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Bellarine Peninsula

Life buoy and fishermen on pier, Point Lonsdale Click here to buy this print

This peninsula presents some interesting contrasts. On the north shore, facing the relatively calm waters of Port Phillip Bay are a series of relaxed townships which take advantage of the boating opportunities offered by the sheltered waters. They also offer unique views of the You Yangs and (at night) Melbourne. The largest of these towns is Portarlington. Indented Head is also a settlement that was important in the early white settlement of Victoria.

The southern coast faces onto the open waters of Bass Strait and has a number of destinations popular with holiday makers including Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads became well known to Australian television audiences in recent times when it was used for the highly successful ABC television series Seachange.

At the eastern end and overlooking ‘The Rip’ – the dangerous stretch of water at the entrance to Port Phillips Bay - stands Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Queenscliff was a popular 19th century resort and still retains much of that flavour.

The whole area was central to the wanderings of the remarkable escaped convict William Buckley and visitors with an interest in history will probably want to visit a number of the locations associated with Buckley.

Travellers can catch the ferry to Sorrento which forms a convenient way to complete a circuit of the bay by car. Alternatively, a short distance to the west is Torquay and the Great Ocean Road.

Bellarine Peninsula Half Day Tour

Accommodation

Holiday accommodation in: Queenscliff Barwon Heads Bellarine Peninsula Clifton Springs Ocean Grove Point Lonsdale Portarlington Werribee

Beachscape with Bathers Queenscliff Fred Williams Click here to buy this print

Attractions

Barwon Grange A heritage home from the 1850s with gardens and riverside walks 11am-4pm, Wednesdays & Sundays   Fernleigh Street. - Newtown Enquiries: (03) 5221 3906

Ford Discovery Centre Dedicated to the past, present and future of Ford cars, their production and design. An entry fee applies. 10am-5pm, closed Tuesdays, Christams Day, New Years Day & Good Friday   cnr Gerringhap & Brougham Streets, - Geelong (Mel ref 401 G2) Enquiries: (03) 52278700

National Wool Museum A museum dedicated to the history of the wool industry in Australia and housed in in an 1872 bluestone woolstore 9.30am-4pm daily (except Christmas Day & Good Friday)   cnr Moorabool & Brougham Streets. - Geelong (Mel ref 228 C1) Enquiries: (03) 5227 0701

Portarllngton Mill A four storey sandstone steam mill built in 1856. This venue hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. 12-4pm, Saturdays & Sundays   5 Turner Court. - Portarllngton Enquiries: (03) 5159 2804

The Heights Heritage House & Garden A German prefabricated house and outbuildings constructed in 1855 11am-4.30pm, Wednesdays & Sundays   140 Aphrasia Street. - Newtown Enquiries: (03) 5221 3510

The Mansion at Werribee Park A stately home set in an impressive estate and maintained by the National Trust. Built by Thomas and Andrew Chirnside between 1874 and 1877 and surrounded by a grand garden this is one of Victoria's most important surviving stately homes. November-April: 10am - 4.45 pm daily. May-October: 10am-3.45pm weekdays, 10am - 4.45pm weekends. More information on The Mansion at Werribee Park.   K Road, - Werribee (Mel ref 201 D1) Enquiries: 13 19 63

Werribee Open Range Zoo Almost 200 hectares of grassy plains & sweeping river terraces are home to a collection of animals from the grasslands of Africa, Australia & Asia. More information on the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Daily 9am-5pm, first tour 10am & last tour 3.40pm   K Road. - Werribee (Mel ref 201 D1) Enquiries: (03) 9731 9600

Events

The Blues Train One steam, train, 4 carriages, 200 people and blues musicians. Licensed. No BYO. Enquiries (03) 5258 4343 and more information at The Blues Train. Queenscliff Railway Station, Queenscliff - $72 / $65 plus booking fee Bookings: 132 849

Flying Display An interactive flying display at the RAAF Museum which introduces visitors to the history of Australian military aviation and provides an opprtunity to see the aircraft close up and ask questions of the pilot before they take to the skies. 1pm, Tue, Thur & Sun (except Christmas-New Year) RAAF Museum, Point Cook - Free Enquiries: (03) 9526 1300

Wilmington Kindergarten's Fete Wilmington Kindergarten is holding their annual fete. Heaps to see and do, like: Hourly Fancy Dress Prizes, Face Painting, Lucky Dip, Lucky Jars, Games, Mini Jeeps, Jumping Castle, Sausage Sizzle, Stalls, Show Bags, Cake & Refreshments & Demonstrations! A great family day out! Everyone Welcomed! 10am to 3pm, Sunday 19th October 2008 7-13 Wilmington Avenue, Hoppers Crossing - Enquiries: 0425 849 167

The Apotheosis Of The Dance The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Oleg Caetani (conductor) and Susanna Stefani-Caetani (piano) perform: Mendelssohn The Hebrides, Op.26 (Fingals Cave) Bartók Piano Concerto No. 1 Beethoven Sonata No.7 in D major, Op.10 No.3 8pm, Friday 5 December 2008 Costa Hall, Deakin University, Geelong -

Portarlington Mussel Festival This community event showcases local wines, olives, and other produce. Come and enjoy freshly cooked mussels in a variety of ways. Take a trip out to the mussels farms, and see how they are grown. Watch the Dry Boat event on the foreshore, and learn more about Portarlington as a holiday destination. 10th January 2009 Parks Hall and Parklands Newcombe Street, Portarlington - Enquiries: 0432 547 007

Geelong Highland Gathering The 52nd Geelong Highland Gathering, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, will include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of Australia”. It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges. The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually. Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays, Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p> Full information at Geelong Highland Gathering. Sunday 15th March 2009 Queen's Park, Geelong - Enquiries: (03) 5221 7224

Songs Of The Waves, Music Of The Spheres The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Richard Hickox (conductor), Howard Shelley (conductor/piano) and Women of Melbourne Chorale perform: Debussy Nocturnes Eugene Goossens Phantasy Piano Concerto (Australian premiere) Holst The Planets 8pm, Friday 18 April 2008 Costa Hall, Deakin University, Geelong -

National Celtic Festival Celebrating the culture of the Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cornish and other Celtic peoples with music, food, literature, theatre, dance, art and craft 6 to 8 June 2009 (to be confirmed) Portarlington - Enquiries: (03) 5241 2499

Markets White Hat - THE place to find markets in Victoria Over the years White Hat has become recognised as THE place to list and find markets in Melbourne & Victoria and our markets pages consistently receive over 1,000 visitors a day with over 3,000 a day at weekends. Unlike many websites which merely LIST markets, White Hat VISITS markets as witnessed by the photographs. Although we visit hundreds of markets every year we can never cover all of them so please let us know if any of our information is out of date. With details on over 400 markets, users regularly tell us that the White Hat listing is the best and most comprehensive source of markets in Victoria available either on the web or in print. Drysdale Community Craft Shop Inc We have a range of Unique Handcrafted Goods made by our members, Specialised Baby Wear, Hand Embroidery, Unique Jewellery, Folk Art, Hand Made Cards, Wedding Charms, Australiana, Paintings, Patchwork & Quilting. We also have a Lay-by and Order Service. 18-20 High Street, Drysdale, 3222. Ph: 5251 1605 Open 11 – 4 Seven days a week Baby & Kids Market (Geelong) The Baby & Kids Market offers a huge range of gorgeous & excellent quality preloved baby & kids goods. From prams, cots, toys, books, clothes, shoes. Plus ‘handpicked’ local designers featuring their unique and stylish baby & kids goods. Plenty of free parking. Always indoors. Cash sales only. Entry $3, kids free. 9am to 1pm, Saturday 16th August 2008   Barwon Valley Activity Centre, 1 Barwon Heads Road - Belmont Enquiries: 1300 55 44 76 Barwon Heads Market An indoor/outdoor village market with an emphasis on fresh local produce. Also local art & music. Accommodation near this market >> 9am-1pm, Saturdays Dec-March   Community Hall, Hitchcock Ave - Barwon Heads Enquiries: (03) 5254 2698 Belmont Market A large indoor/outdoor market featuring craft & bric a brac. A small entry fee applies 8am to 1.30pm, Sundays   Barwon Valley Community Centre, Barwon Heads Road - Belmont Enquiries: (03) 5243 7718 Central Geelong Farmers' Market A farmers' market selling fresh local produce, cheeses and honey. Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment throughout the morning. If you are looking for a farmers' market that is particulalry child-friendly, White Hat can recommend this one. 8.30am - 12.30pm, 2nd Saturday of month   Little Malop Street - between Moorabool and Yarra Streets - Geelong Enquiries: (03) 5783 3114 Crafters’ Market Stall holders selling: Quilting fabrics, backing & wadding.Hand Dyed Fabrics. Japanese fabrics. Exclusive greeting cards & wraps. Exclusive Bead supplies. Scrap booking supplies. Mohair bears, embroidered hand towels, face washers. 10am to 2pm, 2nd Saturday of month   Masonic Hall, Regent Street - Belmont Enquiries: (03) 5229 4075 Drysdale Community Market An indoor/outdoor market featuring homemade, home grown and home produced goods and craft. This fair has buskers, a country fair atmosphere, and claims to be the largest in the Geelong/Bellarine area. 9am to 1pm, 3rd Sun of month (October - May)   Drysdale Reserve - Drysdale Enquiries: (03) 5253 2388 Geelong Computer Swap Meet A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. 9am—4.30pm, Sundays (except Christmas Day and Nrew Years Day)   YMCA Hal - Geelong Enquiries: (03) 9886 1466 Geelong Greyhounds Saturday Community Market at Beckley Park. A large indoor/outdoor market with variety stalls, produce and food. 8.30am to 1pm, Saturdays   Beckley Park, off Princes Highway - Corio Enquiries: (03) 52 752298 or 0409 432 044 Geelong Mill Markets Until recently, this location hosted a large and popular market. That market has relocated to Newcomb (see below). A smaller set of stalls remain at this venue selling mainly antiques. 10am to 6pm, 7 days a week   3 Mackey Street - North Geelong Geelong Showgrounds Market An outdoor/indoor market with variety stalls, new and used goods. Casual stallholders welcome. 8am - 2pm, Sundays (except during Geelong Show)   Cnr. Breakwater Road and Carr Street - East Geelong Enquiries: 0417 759 777 Laverton Rubble & Riches Market A large indoor/outdoor market with trash & trasure, produce, clothes, furniture, hardware and a range of other goods. White Hat guarantees that if you are looking for a drive shaft for a 1983 Monaro or a missing pice of that Royal Doulton tea set then it will be there. We're just not quite sure where. 7am - 4 pm, Saturdays & Sundays   8-18 Leakes Road - Laverton Enquiries: (03) 5466 7367 Mill Markets Newcomb A large indoor market with permenant and casual stallholders selling antiques,collectables, vintage clothing, homewares, memmorabilia and retro fashions. 10am to 6pm, daily   114 Bellarine Highway - Newcomb Enquiries: (03) 5248 2390 Ocean Grove Market An outdoor market selling new and original arts and crafts with some produce and plants. Accommodation near this market >> 9am to 1pm, first Sun of month (Oct to March) plus Easter Monday   Kingston Park, Adco Grove - Ocean Grove Enquiries: 0401 606 036 Point Cook Market Art and craft market including quality stalls, fresh produce, free children's entertainment and activities. Stall holder enquiries always welcome. Come along and "catch the colour" of the Point Cook Market 9am to 2pm, 1st Sunday of month (except Jan)   Jamieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way - Point Cook Enquiries: (03) 9395 3777 Point Lonsdale Primary School Market An indoor/outdoor markwt with home made goods and craft. Accommodation near this market >> 9am to 2.30pm, 2nd Sun of month (plus Easter Sat and 1st Sat in Dec?)   Point Lonsdale Primary School, Bowen Road - Point Lonsdale Enquiries: 0417 037 970 Portarlington Community Market An indoor/outdoor market with a wide range of goods. Stallholders welcome with casual insurance available on request. Accommodation near this market >> 9am to 2pm, last Sunday of month   Ian Parks Hall, Newcombe Street - Portarlington Enquiries: 0408 108 869 Queenscliffe Community Market An indoor/outdoor market featuring homemade goods. Accommodation near this market >> 9am - 2pm, last Sunday of month (Sept - May)   Lower Princess Park - Queenscliff Enquiries: 0408 340 932 St Leonards Market An outdoor market with a wide range of goods and refreshments. Possible dates include 7th March 2009 and 11th April 2009 9am to 1pm, selected days in summer - ring for dates   Foreshore - St Leonards Enquiries: 0415 854 220 Steampacket Gardens Art & Craft Market A quality market on the picturesque waterfront at Geelong. With a large array of arts, crafts, clothing, gifts and food stalls. Even if you are not a confirmed shopper, White Hat can recommend this market as a pleasant place to stroll and browse on a Sunday sfternoon. 10am-3pm (2pm in Winter), 1st Sunday of month   Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach - Geelong Enquiries: (03) 5229 0764 Werribee Computer Swap Meet A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. (Note - the dates and venue of this event can vary. Click here to confirm the current information on this event. 9am—4.30pm, 3rd Saturday of even numbered months   Wyndham Leisure & Events Centre. 80 Derrimut Rd - Hoppers Crossing Enquiries: (03) 9886 1466 Werribee Racecourse Market An outdoor market with home made and home grown goods. Parking fees apply. Accommodation near this market >> 8am to 1pm, 2nd Saturday of month (Sept, Feb - May), 3rd Sat in Oct   Werribee Racecourse, Ballan Rd - Werribee (Mel ref 205 F8) Enquiries: (03) 5974 4710 Werribee Undercover Market Undercover market held on the first Saturday of every month. Spaces available; have to supply own trestle. Accommodation near this market >> 9am—1pm, 1st Sat of month   601 Heaths Road - Werribee Enquiries: (03) 9741 1225 (bh) Please note that the above are the official trading hours. At many markets, a number of stalls close early, so you need to be there well before official closing time. 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Forthcoming Events These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne". All Ford Day Festival An annual event featuring everything Ford including trade displays, entertainment, competitions and the RAAF Roulettes. February 2009 ? Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong Australian International Airshow The largest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this biennial event brings aircrafts from all over the world to Avalon Airport. The initial days are for the trade and the public events commence on the Friday evening.. Full details at www.airshow.net.au. March 2009 ? Avalon Airport Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea A community festival celebrating the links between Barwon Heads and the sea. March 2008 ? Various location around Barwon Heads Beating the Retreat at Fort Queenscliff An evening of free performances in the historic grounds of Fort Queenscliff culminating in the 1812 Overture complete with fireworks. March 2008 ? Fort Queencliff Children's Picnic Day An annual event at Werribee Park. There is a free bus shiuttle service Werribee & Hoppers Crosssing Stations. Bring your own food or purchase at the event. October 2008 ? Werribee Park Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff Fair Trash & treasure, bric-a-brac, produce and more. January 2008 ? 29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta Blessing of the Fleet, exhibitions and racing of the elegant couta boats. February 2009 ? Queenscliff Geelong Film Festival June 2009 ? Performing Arts Centre, 50 Little Mallop Street, Geelong Geelong Week Geelong Week, goes above and beyond sailing, with sensational racing, a gala like atmosphere and an abundance of waterfront activities and entertainment. It attracts over 100,000 visitors and boasts over 450 competing yachts with over 5000 sailors taking part. January 2009 ? Waterfront Geelong Heathdale BBQ Festival Clebrating Australia's love affair with the BBQ with lots of family activities February 2009 ? Kookaburra Ave, Werribee JAWS (Jazz, Art, Wine & Seafood) Festival Jazz, local wines & seafood. April 2008 ? Queenscliff Lara Heritage Festival A biennial festival with family activities, sidewalk sales and market stalls, street parade and fireworks. March 2010 ? Lara Leopold Art Show & Fair One of Geelong's most prestigious Annual Art Shows, celebrating landscapes, seascapes, still life and contemporary art. Art Show opens on Friday night and continues on Saturday and Sunday. The Fair runs on Saturday with market stalls, food and entertainment including rides and finishes with fireworks. Art Show Fri night 8pm-10:30pm Sat & Sun 10am-4pm ** Fair Sat 11am-7pm August 2009 ? 1 Kensington Road, Leopold Maude Ute Show Many Categories, visit website for details. Trophy for First, Second & Third place. New Judges will be used this year. Other activities include Fire truck pull, Secret Event, Live Band and other events. Run by the Maude CFA to raise money for new equipment. $8.00 per class or $15.00 for up to 3 classes ($5.00 for extra classes). More information at Maude Ute Show. November 2008 ? Maude Recreation Reserve, Steiglitz Road, Maude Pako Festa A multicultural festival with entertainment, demonstrations and stalls. February 2009 ? Packington Street, Geelong West Queenscliff Music Festival A large popular music festival with 10 stages and 200 perforrmances over 3 days. November 2008 ? Queenscliff Reining Horse Derby & State Championship Show Western Dressage ridden to country and western music and a little bit of rockabilly. Saturday is Derby night. It's fast, it's precise, it's fun. The people are friendly and you'll see a few white hats amongst the crowd and out in the area. Come along to stamp your feet, hoot and whistle encouragement to some of Australia's top reining horse riders. More information at Victorian Reining Horse Association.. March 2008 ? Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, Indoor Arena, K Road, Werribee South Rhythmic Africa Live entertainment at the Werribee Open Range Zoo.. Sat & Sun, early 2009 ? Rock & Roll Festival Geelong Jukebox Rockers host an annual Rock & Roll Festival in January. January 2008 ? White Eagle House, Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater, Geelong Rock and Roll Fesitval Three day rock and roll festival. January 2009 ? White Eagle House, Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater (Geelong) Royal Geelong Show The Royal Geelong Show is held over 4 days. Come along and see Horse events, Prime Lamb and Beef Carcase Judging, Cattle and Sheep judging, Homecraft, Woolcraft and Horticulture exhibits and demonstrations. Enjoy attractions and entertainment galore, trade sites, rides and side shows. Spectacular fireworks Friday and Saturday night. Adult $14; Concession $12; Student child 5-15 yrs $6; Family (2Adults & up to 3 Child) $34. Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October 2007. Open 9am - 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm Sunday. October 2008 ? Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong Scotchmans Hill Summer Festival This event uually involves an outdoor performance with notable performers. Bring a picnic or pre-order a hamper. February 2009 ? Spray Farm, Portarlington Road, Scotchmans Hill Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park Food & wine producers from throughout Victoria display their wares. With activities, entetainmnts and stalls. Music and dance all day together with family activities. November 2008 ? Werribee Park Estate The Battle of Bannockburn Country Fair The day is planned to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn (34-24 June 1314) Our Lions Club will be holding our inaugural fair which we plan will become an annual event at the Bannockburn football ground. The day is planned to be a celebration of our districts achievements with a touch of Scottish flavour to keep in theme with the event. Our aim is to have something of interest for all patrons and a list of events is as follows; June 2008 ? Bannockburn (near Geelong) The Bunyip Festival Join the bunyip for family fun and activities. March 2008 ? Clifton Springs Primary School, Bellarine Peninsula The Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Awards The richest annual prize for sculpture in Australia designed to foster and promote contemporary Australian sculpture April 2009 ? The Mansion at Werribee Park Weerama Festival A festival with large numbers of activities, events, demonstrations and fireworks. March 2008 ? Werribee Werribee Orchid Spring festival Orchids from around the world with advice and potting demonstrations. September 2008 ? Werribee Racecourse, Werribee Werribee Orchid Spring Festival Orchids from around the world with exhibitions and demonstrations. July 2009 ? Werribee Racecourse, Werribee These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".

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