Mamma loves the little bayside town of Portarlington and is not surprised it recently won BEST small tourism town in Victoria at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

With amazing places to dine, including stunning wineries with bay views, a gorgeous central playground, a mini rail of its own and the best country bakery, all easily accessed by Port Phillip Ferries and only a little over an hours drive from the inner west, the small town packs a big punch and is definitely worth a trip with the fam!

Here are some of our fave places!

eats

portarlington grand hotel, portarlington

The historic Portarlington Grand Hotel on the Bellarine Peninsula in Melbourne's West has completed her full make over recently and it is STUNNING. This old girl has been transformed from an old tired institution to the jewel of Portarlington. The menu is full of favourites and it is sooo tasty - Portarlington is famous for its mussels so Mamma says you must try them! Such an amazing place to enjoy with friends and family.

bellarine estate texan bbq, portarlington

A Texan BBQ at a winery? Of course!
We love a delicious feast from the smoker, and when it’s paired with a Bellarine wine then that is even better!
The Bellarine Estate in Portarlington is where the wine labels Bellarine Estate and Portarlington Ridge are created as well as their gin – Thirty Acres Distillery. It sits amongst the vines and just near Corio Bay.

arlo pasta and wine bar, portarlington

Pasta and wine - need Mamma say more? Two of the best things in life!

Arlo Pasta and Wine Bar is one of Mamma’s favourites when visiting Portarlington - it’s such a great spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing views!

hounds of the vine, bellarine

Hounds of the Vine is such a beautiful vineyard on the Bellarine - really family friendly, and the food and wine is delicious too! Located just out of Portarlington, Hounds of the Vine is just the perfect place to meet some friends and relax with a glass (or two). Your little ones will LOVE the animals that are on the property - cows, goats and roosters - and the outdoor games on the grass area!

terindah estate winery, bellarine peninsula

Yet another fantastic Bellarine Winery - with water views, stunning vineyards, great food in a stunning and open space. Terindah Estate is definitely on the must do winery list! So there are a few options for your visit here - firstly, the restaurant The Shed, with kids menu and highchairs, and both indoor and outdoor seating options. Or if you are kid free, the cellar door and deck is the spot, with couch and table options.

portarlington mussel tours, portarlington

Well this is something very special. Mamma has made no secret of her love of the Bellarine and all it has to offer - the wineries, the foodie destinations, the beaches and ferry, and well, this combines ALL of that into one unforgettable experience and a very cute boat called Valerie.

bennetts on bellarine winery, bellarine peninsula

We love Bennetts on Bellarine Winery! Rustic, relaxed, fun and delicious. You can choose to sit inside at the tables, or the old leather couches, but we love to get a table outside under the gums with glimpses of the bay. There is a cubby house here and a tyre swing which is part of the neighbours property but can be used by those dining here. Fantastic!

the portarlington bakehouse, portarlington

The Portarlington Bakehouse is the PERFECT place to grab a bite to eat after a nice long walk along Portarlington beach and a play at the park!

scotchmans hill, bellarine peninsula

Scotchmans Hill Winery in the Bellarine Peninsula is a STUNNING bistro with an outdoor space to enjoy a delicious meal too. This winery is less kid friendly than some others on the Bellarine - only because there is no kids menu, so it’s more suited to older kids and teenagers - otherwise ideal for a date day or time with friends. There is plenty of outdoor grassy space to relax and enjoy, with a charcuterie board and a glass of wine.

pier st, portarlington

Eating anywhere near the water is amazing and Pier St is no exception! Sitting at the bottom of the hill in Portarlington and right next to the pier is this lovely cafe where you can sit outside under the festoon lights and umbrellas, dine on some amazing seafood and feel the gentle sea breeze.

jack rabbit winery, bellarine peninsula

Jack Rabbit in Portarlington is an award winning winery and is one of the most popular spots to visit on the Bellarine Peninsula. The House of Jack Rabbit (cafe) is for more relaxed dining with access to the deck and that wonderful grassy expanse for rolling, playing and hopping down. They also have a kids menu too! There is also the restaurant located here too - perfect for a special occasion.

The Best Pubs and Bars in Melbourne's West

the whiskery @ bellarine distillery, drysdale

Housed in a rustic old farm shed and nestled under the grand old trees is The Whiskery. It is basically a cellar door - but it’s not basic - you can grab a table and spend some time here at this lovely spot taste testing the amazing gins they make here, plus they have started their own whiskey range of course! There are other whiskies to sip on plus gin based cocktails and also beer and wine.

places to go

port phillip ferries @ geelong, portarlington and docklands

Port Phillip Ferries have been jetting people up and down the bay for many years now. A great way to avoid the traffic and head down to Portarlington and Geelong, and back up to Docklands.

portarlington bayside mini rail, portarlington

Mamma really does love a mini rail! They are a perfect adventure for the little ones, with pretty scenery and a gentle ride. The Portarlington Mini Rail is right on the water, so it is different from all the other ones Mamma has been to. It is a short track here, so they take you around twice so be sure to wave at the conductor and the other train as you pass! There is also a little playground here and BBQs or dip your toes in the water in the warmer months!

parks & playgrounds

portarlington park playground, portarlington

This park has had a relatively new makeover and it is stunning. This nature inspired play space has all the faves like flying fox, climbing structures, swings and pump water play - but Mamma really loves the ocean themed carved tree sculptures that really capture the feel of the area

There are also some extra places we love here like Jenkins Seafood, Staple Eatery and Deli, The Ducks Nuts Gift Shop, and the monthly markets PLUS the ice cream, donut and mussel vans by the water. The annual festivals like the Mussel Festival and Celtic festival just add to the fun in this town too!

For ALL the Bellarine fun click here!