Nestled along the stunning coastline of Victoria, Australia, the Bellarine Peninsula is a hidden treasure trove of natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. For those who savour the combination of breathtaking landscapes and convivial libations, this charming region is home to an array of exceptional pubs and bars that embody the spirit of Australian hospitality. In this guide, we invite you to embark on a journey through some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s finest establishments, where craft brews, sumptuous cuisine, and a warm ambience await. From traditional watering holes to modern gems, we’ll showcase the very best, each one a testament to the unique character of this coastal paradise.
Also Read: The Best Pubs in Country Victora
The Bellarine Peninsula’s pubs are not just places to imbibe; they are the heart and soul of the region’s rich heritage. Steeped in history, these establishments have been a cornerstone of community life for generations. Step into their time-honoured interiors, where polished timber bars and friendly locals provide a warm welcome. With roots that stretch back to the early days of European settlement, these traditional pubs offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past while serving up an enticing selection of drinks that cater to every palate.
Portartlington Grand Hotel
Portarlington
Nestled in the heart of Portarlington, the Portarlington Grand Hotel stands as a historical treasure on the Bellarine Peninsula. Established in 1867, it is one of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in the region. However, age has only added to its allure, as the hotel recently underwent a thoughtful refurbishment, transforming it into a haven that seamlessly marries the charm of yesteryears with a modern twist.
The Portarlington Grand Hotel boasts 18 individually decorated boutique rooms, each offering a unique and inviting retreat. Guests are treated to a blend of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort, with king-size beds, designer furniture, and spacious bathrooms that make for a truly restful stay. For those seeking a touch of luxury, some rooms feature balconies that provide sweeping views of the stunning Port Phillip Bay, creating an ambience of serenity that’s hard to match. Beyond its exquisite accommodations, the hotel is celebrated for its delightful bistro, a culinary gem that showcases the flavours of the region. With its historic architecture, boutique accommodation, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and prime location in the heart of Portarlington, the Portarlington Grand Hotel has established itself as a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re seeking a weekend escape or planning a longer vacation, the hotel is ready to offer an unforgettable experience, making it a preferred choice for those exploring the Bellarine Peninsula.
Find out more about the Portarlington Grand Hotel here.
Drysdale Hotel
Drysdale
Situated in the heart of Drysdale, Victoria, the Drysdale Hotel stands as a beloved country pub that has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the pub has established itself as a quintessential gathering place in this charming town, known for fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. It’s not just a place to enjoy a drink or a meal; it’s a place where memories are made and friendships are forged.
The heart of the Drysdale Hotel is its bistro, a culinary hub where patrons can relish a diverse menu that caters to every palate. From traditional pub classics like burgers, steaks, and schnitzels to more contemporary options such as pizzas and pastas, there’s something for everyone. The bistro opens its doors for lunch and dinner seven days a week, ensuring that whether you’re a local popping in for a quick meal or a visitor exploring the region, a delightful culinary experience is always at your fingertips. Beyond its gastronomic offerings, the Drysdale Hotel also houses a TAB and a bottleshop, making it a versatile establishment where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon watching the footy, try your luck with a bet, or pick up your favourite drinks to savor at home. Adding to its appeal, the pub hosts an array of live entertainment events throughout the year, including live bands, DJs, and even karaoke nights, making it the go-to destination for a fun night out with friends. With its friendly atmosphere, good food, live entertainment, convenient amenities, and central location, the Drysdale Hotel is a prime choice for those seeking a place to unwind, indulge in a delicious meal, or soak in the local ambience in the heart of Drysdale.
Find out more about the Drysdale Hotel here.
Barwon Heads Hotel
Barwon Heads
The Barwon Heads Hotel stands as a cherished coastal retreat, drawing both locals and visitors alike to its welcoming ambience and breathtaking views. Its relaxed atmosphere, complemented by good food and stunning vistas, make it a quintessential destination for those in pursuit of a leisurely coastal experience.
At the heart of the Barwon Heads Hotel is its inviting bistro, where guests can savour a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. From classic pub favourites like burgers, steaks, and beloved fish and chips to contemporary options such as pizzas and salads, the bistro offers a culinary journey that mirrors the region’s coastal charm. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a hearty dinner, the bistro opens its doors seven days a week, ensuring that you can indulge in a satisfying meal while overlooking the stunning vistas of the Barwon River and the ocean. The pub’s charm extends outdoors to a spacious beer garden, providing a sun-soaked haven for patrons to relish both drinks and meals with unrivalled views of the surrounding natural beauty. Beyond being a perfect spot for casual dining, the Barwon Heads Hotel also shines as a popular venue for special events, offering an array of function rooms that boast breathtaking panoramas.
Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday celebration, or a corporate function, the Barwon Heads Hotel adds a touch of coastal elegance to every occasion. Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, its culinary delights that bridge classic pub fare with modern options, its large beer garden overlooking the ocean, and its status as a sought-after event venue, the Barwon Heads Hotel presents a multifaceted experience for those seeking a drink, a meal, or an event in the beautiful coastal town of Barwon Heads. It’s a true gem that appeals to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.
Ocean Grove Hotel
Ocean Grove
The Ocean Grove Hotel is a cherished family-friendly establishment that offers a relaxed ambience, delectable cuisine, and live entertainment, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Central to the Ocean Grove Hotel’s appeal is its inviting bistro, where a diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re craving classic pub favourites like burgers, steaks, and schnitzels or prefer more contemporary options such as pizzas and pastas, the bistro ensures there’s something to satisfy every appetite. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, it welcomes guests to indulge in flavorful meals while fostering cherished moments of togetherness.
The Ocean Grove Hotel goes beyond its culinary offerings, boasting a large beer garden complete with a playground, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy quality time. Moreover, the beer garden is a vibrant hub for live music, featuring regular performances that infuse the atmosphere with an added layer of entertainment. As a favoured venue for special occasions, including weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions, the Ocean Grove Hotel offers a selection of function rooms, each exuding a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its family-friendly setting, delicious cuisine that marries pub classics with contemporary options, a spacious beer garden with a playground and live music, as well as its status as an in-demand event venue, the Ocean Grove Hotel has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a drink, a meal, or a place to celebrate life’s special moments in Ocean Grove, this welcoming establishment is a prime choice that embodies the essence of coastal charm and hospitality.
Noble Rot
Point Lonsdale
Noble Rot is a hidden gem found in Point Lonsdale. Noble Rot is not just a wine bar but an experience that encapsulates the essence of relaxed coastal living. It’s an informal yet exquisite wine bar and restaurant that prioritises local and seasonal produce. Here, wine enthusiasts can revel in an extensive selection of wines available by the glass or bottle, offering a tantalizing journey through the region’s best vintages. Complementing the wines is a menu that offers a delightful mix of small plates and larger dishes, ensuring a perfect pairing for every palate.
Dining at Noble Rot is a true privilege, and it’s an experience that awaits guests for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, as the cozy yet welcoming ambience of Noble Rot attracts discerning locals and visitors eager to savour the coastal charm and culinary delights that this Point Lonsdale wine bar and restaurant has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a memorable evening of wine and cuisine or a leisurely lunch overlooking the picturesque Point Lonsdale, Noble Rot is a destination that promises a uniquely enjoyable experience that captures the heart of coastal Victoria.
Vue Grand
Queenscliff
The Vue Grand is an award-winning boutique hotel, occupying a heritage-listed 100-year-old building that exudes timeless elegance. The hotel offers a selection of refined accommodations, ranging from classic rooms to upscale suites. What sets the Vue Grand apart is its attention to detail, with some rooms featuring balconies that open to picturesque views of Swan Bay or Hesse Street, immersing guests in the scenic beauty of the coastal town. Moreover, the hotel offers a captivating experience from its rooftop bar, where panoramic views of Queenscliff unfold, making it the perfect spot to savour a drink while taking in the town’s splendid vistas.
Dining at the Vue Grand is nothing short of exquisite, with two distinctive restaurants to choose from. The Grand Dining Room serves modern Australian cuisine, allowing guests to indulge in a culinary journey that mirrors the hotel’s commitment to quality and sophistication. For a more relaxed dining experience, Vue Street Bar offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. As the Vue Grand is ideally situated in the heart of Queenscliff, it offers easy access to a multitude of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, its proximity to the beach and the iconic Queenscliff Pier ensures that guests have a delightful array of recreational options at their doorstep. Known for its heritage-listed building, award-winning boutique accommodations, rooftop bar with sweeping views, two exceptional restaurants, and prime location in the heart of Queenscliff, the Vue Grand is a premier choice for those seeking stylish and comfortable lodgings in this charming coastal town. It provides an exceptional base for exploring the beauty and culture of Queenscliff.
Queenscliff Brewhouse
Queenscliff
Perched on Gellibrand Street in Queenscliff, Victoria, the Queenscliff Brewhouse stands as a beloved 1878 pub, attracting both locals and visitors alike to its historic charm, friendly ambience, and sweeping panoramic views of the bay. Known for its inviting atmosphere, delectable fare, and picturesque surroundings, this pub has become a cherished destination for those seeking a memorable coastal experience.
One of the standout features of the Queenscliff Brewhouse is its expansive beer garden, a sun-drenched haven that invites patrons to savour a drink and a meal while soaking up the coastal ambience. Beyond the garden, the pub’s on-site brewery and distillery provide a unique opportunity to sample their own crafted beers and spirits, ensuring that enthusiasts of both can relish an authentic taste of the local brews. The Brewhouse is also a hub for entertainment, hosting a diverse range of events throughout the year, including live music to set the mood, trivia nights to challenge the mind, and sporting events to fuel the competitive spirit. With rave reviews on Google Maps testifying to its great food, exceptional beer selection, and warm service, the Queenscliff Brewhouse is more than just a pub; it’s a destination that captures the essence of a perfect coastal outing. So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink, a delicious meal, or a place to enjoy the serene bay views, this historic gem is the ideal spot to relax, unwind, and appreciate the coastal beauty of Queenscliff.
St Leonards Hotel
St Leonards
The St Leonards Hotel stands as a family-friendly haven celebrated for its stunning food, sensational beer garden, and breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. This charming hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations, offering beach enthusiasts the perfect combination of motel-style rooms and accommodation that’s right on the bay’s doorstep. Its history stretches back to 1858, making it an integral part of the town’s heritage, and its location is truly a gem, with the bay on one side and the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula on the other.
The St Leonards Hotel presents a range of accommodation options, from motel-style rooms to family suites and apartments, each featuring private balconies that open to spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay. The heart of the hotel is the Bay View Bistro, a dining destination where guests can relish a diverse menu encompassing both pub classics and delectable local seafood dishes. The bistro’s large outdoor dining area is the ideal setting to enjoy a meal with friends and family while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The hotel’s extensive beer garden has gained a reputation as a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering ample seating and even a dedicated children’s play area. Conveniently situated close to beaches, golf courses, wineries, and just a short drive from the Queenscliff ferry, Geelong, and the Great Ocean Road, the St Leonards Hotel offers a prime location for exploring the treasures of the Bellarine Peninsula. Guests are drawn to this exceptional destination for its stunning bay views, spacious and comfortable accommodations, mouthwatering food and beverages, friendly staff, and its unbeatable location, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an unforgettable stay on the Bellarine Peninsula.
