Fishing

Beachlea Boat Hire
Indented Head
No Boat License required.
If you are after for boat hire for the hour or the day then this is the place to go. The business operates in Batman Park just across the road from the Indented Head General Store.
If you have any equipment, don't worry Rod will even supply you with bait, and tell you all the good places to fish.
When you return from your trip, he will set up an old ironing board and fillet your fish while you unpack the boat.
The Pelicans who have been watching from a distance will glide in for a feed of fish. Across the road at the General Store you can purchase a nicebottle of white wine to go with your fish. You can book ahead to save time.
Phone 5257 2074 or 0403890565

Bellarine Fishing Charters
The Bellarine Fishing Charters operate two vessels around Queenscliff and Bass Strait. While specialising in Snapper, Sharks, King George Whiting and Calamari they also fish Bass Strait in the summer months for Mako and Sharks.
The 26 foot boat is licensed to carry up to 8 people and is fully equipped with DGP and fishing tackle is supplied. A BBQ is also on board, as well as toilet facilities.
Bookings are essential so contact Mark or Michelle on 5253 1431 or email: info@bellarinefishingcharters.com.au

Rotary Children's Park, Portarlington Well worth a visit is this quiet park which is ideal for family use. The park is located alongside the parking area for the Point Richards boat ramp and provides a nice safe picnic and relaxation spot for families. There is plenty of grassed area for playing cricket or other ball games and public toilets are close by.
There are free electric BBQ shelters with good seating scattered around for that BBQ or picnic lunch. There is also an adjacent free playground for kids. This playground and the BBQ shelters are the result of a recent community service project of the Rotary Club of Drysdale.
The park is also home to the Portarlington Miniature Railway which runs from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm on the first and third Sundays of every month - and every Sunday and Wednesday from Ist January. Proceeds go to local Rotary projects.
In addition one can walk along the foreshore from here to the Portarlington Pier area (approx 20 minutes) or simply sit on the beach and look across to the You Yangs across the bay.

Portarlington Historic Mill
This fully restored property is built from stone quarried on site in 1857.Originally a flourmill it now operates under the umbrella of the National Trust. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 pm, or other times by appointment.
Phone 5259 3847

The Bellarine Peninsula Railway is a truly unique heritage railway experience, featuring a collection of steam and diesel trains and rolling stock from every state in Australia. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway operates 16 km of restored railway across Victoria's beautiful Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong. Staring from the historic town of Queenscliff, the railway winds around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale.
If you wish to cycle from Drysdale to Queenscliff, then leave your car and follow the trail to Queenscliff, have lunch and catch the train back to Drysdale. There is no charge for bikes, and this way it is mostly downhill.
Refreshments are available at Queenscliff or Drysdale Station. For more information phone 03 5258 2069

Horse Riding
Although there is a pony club at Portarlington there is no venue where you can go horse riding. However, at Ocean Grove a mere 15 minutes drive away you can learn how to ride, or even bring your own horse. For more information please phone 03 5255 1020.

Golf
Portarlington Golf Course
Golf has been played in Portarlington for well over ninety years. The game was first introduction by a visiting relative who used to play at St Andrews, Scotland. Now this 18-holed course is one of the best in the region.

St. Leonards Golf Course
This is a great course for those who are beginning the game or for those who like to play at leisure and without the golf traffic. This is an 18-holed course that is maintained by volunteers.

Wineries

This family owned vineyard and restaurant, commenced in 1989 with plantings of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Over recent years a gradual expansion has enabled Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and merlot planting to grow to over 25 acres. Warm autumns ensure long ripening periods. Enjoy a glass or two of the Kilgour Estate Shiraz on a cold winter's day relaxing in front of an open log fire. The owners of Kilgour have maintained the country feel of the vineyard with the road leading to the estate unmade as you curl you way up to the car park. You may be met by one of the very friendly Kilgour dogs who seem to laze away around the property. Take a walk amongst the vines, and enjoy a free tasting on offer.

Manzanillo Olive Grove
Located in Drysdale, the Grove produces some of the best extra virgin olive oil on the Bellarine Peninsula. Give them a call on 03 5251 3621 to arrange a visit.

Bowls
The Portarlington Bowling Club introduced a synthetic playing green last year and now you can bowl all year round.

There is both ladies and men’s competition, and new members of all ages are welcome.

Swimming
A 25 metre heated pool, plus sauna and spa are located at the complex in Smythe Street, for those who like to do laps, or just relax in the spa or sauna. There are conference facilities available and a Barbecue area (fee) plus tennis courts.

Beach Swimming
During the summer months there are endless places to swim along the foreshore. A favourite spot is to the west of the pier that is mainly a sandy beach with trees for protection from the sun.
For those with children then the perfect place is by the Pier in front of the Spanish Cafe. There is ample parking, and shade is about 50metres away. At low tide the water level is very low which makes it safe for children. As we all are aware never take your eye off your child as it only takes a few inches of water for children to drown.

Snorkelling
To the east of the Pier are many suitable spots for snorkelling as the rocky formations attract many types of fish and interesting underwater sea plants. You can snorkel from the Pier right around to Steele's Rocks to capture underwater gardens, and different types of fish. There is also an abundance of stingrays near Steels Rocks as they seem to enjoy this particular rocky area.

Indented Head
Wreck of the Ozone
This little corner of the Bellarine Peninsula has a variety of attractions. If snorkelling is your interest then this is the place to be. Only a few metres from the shore the wreck introduces you to an underwater world where kelp, and other varieties of seaweed dance to the movement of the waves. It seems that this is a breeding ground for toadfish, as they are in abundance here. There are other marine species such as Whiting, Stingrays, Angelfish, and small flathead fish. An ideal time is at low tide, and it is very safe for children, but be careful if you climb over the wreck, as there are some rusty sharp pieces. If one of the hired boats comes in be sure to observe the pelicans s they wait patiently for fishy bits.

Tennis. Cricket Nets. Netball, Children's Playground
For those who enjoy a social game of tennis, visit the public courts on Boat Road off Sproat Street.
There are cricket nets, and a children's playground nearby. If you enjoy a game of kick to kick then the football oval is for you.

Skate Park
The skateboard park is located in Newcombe Street just opposite the school. There is ample room for those who are young at heart to practice. Please note those under the age of ten years of age must be supervised by an adult.

Walking/Cycling Trails

The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is on the west side of Grubb Road between the Bellarine Highway and Ocean Grove. The Reserve is accessible from Grubb Road and there are picnic facilities within the Reserve.
There is a network of walking tracks open in all seasons, and bird observation hides at appropriate sites.

Edwards Point is near St Leonard's on the Bellarine Peninsula and was established in 1971 to protect natural vegetation and significant wildlife.
This reserve is easy with bird watchers and as you walk the round trip you are likely to see groups of Red-necked Stints Crested Terns, Spinycheeked and singing Honeyeaters, Fairy Wrens, Golden Whistlers,and Pied Oyster Catchers. The round trip takes about 1-2 hours over sandy terrain through a range of coastal habitats.

Fort Queenscliff
The fort dates from the Crimean war of 1853 when Great Britain and her allies were at war with Russia.
The construction of the fort was carried out by local fishermen and farmers who were employed on the building .While the fort was built between 1882 and 1885 the Black Lighthouse was design by the scots and built in 1863, as were the terraced houses that held the lighthouse keepers, court house and the Telegraph Office.

Geelong & Bellarine Mopeds
You can hire these wonderful electric and petrol motorised bicycles and scooters to tour around the tranquil towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington and the beautiful Bellarine Hills.
They say you can travel a long way on the smell of an oily rag, (100 klms)with the price of petrol leave your car behind and hire one of these.As they are also pedal powered you are also thinking of your health.The rental includes fuel and helmet, and include free delivery to certain areas on the Bellarine Peninsula. For inquiries phone,
mobile:0409 234 300 or email: gbmopeds@pipeline.com.au