The Bellarine Peninsula is one of Victoria's most storied and sought-after regions, stretching between the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged coastline of Bass Strait.
At its tip sits Queenscliff, a town that has captivated visitors since the gold rush era, when grand Victorian hotels, a strategically important fort and one of Australia's busiest lighthouses made it a place of genuine national significance.
Today, the heritage streetscapes and sweeping bay views remain largely unchanged, sitting alongside a thriving food and wine culture, cool climate wineries, acclaimed seafood, pristine beaches and a pace of life that Melburnians have been escaping to for generations. Connected to the Mornington Peninsula by the iconic Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry, and just 90 minutes from the city, the Bellarine is a destination that rewards those who take the time to explore it properly, and Suma Park sits right at its heart.
The Bellarine Rail Trail
The Bellarine Rail Trail is at our doorstep, just head down to Suma Park Station and safely cross onto the track. The scenic trail, follows the former Geelong-Queenscliff railway line, reaching for 35 kms linking South Geelong & Queenscliff, and offers an idyllic experience for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.
Queenscliff Maritime Museum
Discover the treasures of Queenscliff's rich maritime heritage, shaped by its proximity to the entrance of Port Phillip and its notorious ‘rip’. From sea pilots to sailors, fishermen to boat builders, light keepers or ferry captains, the sea has created a world full of stories of boats and maritime industry.
Activities
Fun for all
Adventure Park
1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222, Australia
Victoria's biggest water theme park, with waterslides, rides and dry attractions for all ages (seasonal opening hours, check before visiting).
Around town
Barwon Heads
Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads VIC 3227, Australia
Hitchcock Avenue, the village's main strip, lined with boutiques, homewares, gift stores and cafés.
Eat & Drink
Basil's Farm
43/53 Nye Rd, Swan Bay VIC 3225, Australia
Family-friendly cellar door and farmhouse café on the shores of Swan Bay, with potager gardens, llamas and sweeping water views to Queenscliff.
Eat & Drink
Oakdene
255 Grubb Rd, Wallington VIC 3221, Australia
Boutique cellar door, restaurant and café set in lush gardens, known for its quirky "upside-down house" tasting room and award-winning cool-climate wines.
Around town
Point Lonsdale
Point Lonsdale VIC 3225, Australia
Point Lonsdale Road, a relaxed seaside shopping strip; don't miss Dougal, a father daughter produced local label with fashion and homewares.
Fun for all
Queenscliff Maritime Museum
2 Wharf St E, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia
Discover the treasures of Queenscliff's rich maritime heritage, shaped by its proximity to the entrance of Port Phillip and its notorious ‘rip’. From sea pilots to sailors, fishermen to boat builders, light keepers or ferry captains, the sea has created a world full of stories of boats and maritime industry.
Fun for all
The Range @ Curlewis
1345 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis VIC 3222, Australia
Driving range, two-tier mini golf course and golf simulators, great for a couple of hours with the kids.
Eat & Drink
Van Loon’s
405 Grubb Rd, Wallington VIC 3222, Australia
Relaxed all-day café in Marcus Hill with garden seating. Known for big breakfasts and house-made scones.
Get into nature
Walk or birdwatch
Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve, Leopold VIC 3224, Australia
Walk or birdwatch at Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve - an internationally significant wetland right next to Marcus Hill, home to over 150 bird species. Best access via Taits Point or Staceys Road.
Festivals
Autumn
Bellarine Agricultural Show
Labour Day weekend, March
Drysdale VIC 3222, Australia
Traditional country show celebrating rural and community life on the Bellarine. Features livestock exhibits, carnival rides, baby animal farm, showbags, pony rides and trade displays.
Winter
Low Light Queenscliff
June (month-long program)
Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia
Boutique fringe-style arts and culinary festival celebrating the off-season. Features art exhibitions, film screenings, live music, spoken word, degustation menus, wine tastings and whisky education across venues throughout Queenscliff.
Winter
Winter Shiraz Festival
Late July to early August - 1 to 3 August 2025
Bellarine Peninsula, Wallington VIC 3222, Australia
Wineries across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley
Winter
National Celtic Festival
June long weekend - 5 to 8 June 2026
Portarlington VIC 3223, Australia
One of Australia's premier Celtic music and culture festivals. A four-day program of over 60 events across 10+ venues including live music, traditional dance, workshops, storytelling and street theatre featuring national and international artists.
Spring
Queenscliff Music Festival
Late November - 27 to 29 November 2026
Princess Park, Queenscliff Foreshore Reserve, 1 Tobin Dr, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia
One of Australia's most respected coastal music festivals. Multiple stages, food trucks, pop-up bars and late-night sets with a strong lineup of national and international artists across the long weekend.
Spring
Toast to the Coast
October (one day event -- most recently October 2024)
Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
Annual wine festival showcasing 60+ cool-climate wines from the Bellarine Peninsula, Moorabool Valley and Surf Coast. Ticket price includes tastings, a snack and a Plumm glass to take home. Features live entertainment and guest distilleries and breweries.
Spring
Royal Geelong Show
October - 16 to 19 October 2025
79 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219, Australia
Four-day agricultural show featuring livestock competitions, stunt shows, equestrian events, trade displays, carnival rides and family entertainment. One of the major events on the Greater Geelong annual calendar.
Summer
Festival of Glass
Third Sunday of February - 15 February 2026
21-27 Eversley St, Drysdale VIC 3222, Australia
Annual community expo celebrating glass art. Includes a glass art Treasure Hunt, exhibitions, live demonstrations and classes for both beginners and experienced artists. Run entirely by volunteers.
Summer
Festival of Sails
Late January around Australia Day weekend - 24 to 26 January 2026
25 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta, dating back to 1844. Combines racing with waterfront concerts, markets and fireworks, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually.
Summer
Portarlington Mussel Festival
Early January -10 January 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm
W G Little Reserve, 8 Fisher St, Portarlington VIC 3223, Australia
Annual celebration of locally farmed Portarlington mussels. Features 200+ market stalls, live music across three stages, cooking demonstrations and kids' entertainment. Adults $10, children under 16 free.
Autumn
Pako Festa
Third Sunday of February - 15 February 2026
Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia
Victoria's largest free multicultural street party, drawing over 100,000 people. Features the TAC Pako Festa Street Parade (11am), international food stalls and cultural performances across six world music stages over one kilometre of Pakington Street. Organised by Cultura.
The Bellarine Railway & Suma Park Station
A unique and historic feature of Suma Park is our connection to the Bellarine Railway.
The railway currently operates a Heritage Train Service between Queenscliff and Drysdale, along the southern shoreline of Swan Bay, with a station at Suma Park. Carriage hire is available as part of the Heritage Service.
Experiences and events offered include:
School holiday programs, Locomotive Cab rides, Steam and Diesel Train Driver Experiences, Day out with Thomas weekends, Special occasion and wedding charters, Mid-week tailored group and school tours, Blues Train with live music on most Sat evenings August to May
Get in Touch
For reservations or enquiries, please contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
We look forward to helping you create amazing memories at Suma Park.