Barwon Heads Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Geelong - Bellarine Peninsula featuring a bridge and general coastal views as well as an individual male
Barwon Heads showing general coastal views and a bridge
Barwon Heads showing a bridge and a sandy beach
Barwon Heads which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Barwon Heads

Spend a holiday in this seaside town, playing golf in picturesque coastal landscapes, sampling upmarket gourmet dining and experiencing the wildlife of the Barwon River Estuary.

Aquatic activities and wildlife experiences abound in Barwon heads, a holiday destination nestled between lagoons, farmlands and the mouth of the Barwon River. The town started in the 19th century as a small fishing settlement, but quickly attracted wealthy Melbourne holiday-makers with its stunning natural beauty.

Get your bearings at Barwon Head's commercial centre, along Hitchcock Avenue. Join a population of around 3,500 permanent residents mingling around this collection of shops, cafés and restaurants.

After breakfast, spend the heat of the day by the water. The Barwon River shoreline has the best swimming, with calm, cool waters lapping against its sandy banks. Alternatively, tackle the waves at beaches along the Bass Strait coastline. Sign up to a local surf school and learn how to ride the waves.

Walk to the Bluff Lookout on Point Flinders for a panoramic view of the township and the Bass Strait. Otherwise, enjoy the view from the Barwon Heads Golf Course, located along the foreshore reserve.

For a foodie experience, take a winery tour of the surrounding vineyards. Local grapes are paired and complemented with cheese platters. See stretches of farmland from above with an adventure flight in a supercharged military fighter plane. Hold your stomach these pilots love to pull some heart-pumping aerobatic manoeuvres.

Shift gear with a relaxing tour of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, which hosts a thriving diversity of water plants and fish. See one of Australia's iconic native animals being nurtured at the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spend a day enjoying the marshy vistas of Lake Connewarre, just outside town. Go boating, fish for bream and mulloway or camp by the water. This area is also perfect for birdwatching, with ibis and spoonbill amongst the most regular winged visitors.

Barwon Heads is located on the south coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, 90-minutes’ drive southwest from MelbourneOpens in a new window. Visit in March to see the Festival of the Sea, an annual celebration of the town's history, environment and culture.

Seahaven Village

Seahaven Village

4 out of 5
3 Geelong Road, Barwon Heads, VIC
The price is ₹17,404 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹17,404
per night
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Barwon Heads. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Frank Ellis Reserve Beach and Raffs Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
This cute apartment was just what we needed for a short break.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Seahaven Village
Wyndham Resort Torquay

Wyndham Resort Torquay

4 out of 5
100 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC
The price is ₹11,581 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
₹11,581
per night
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
Room was a little dated , phone was dusty , neighbours next room were very loud & noise . Did not use anything as it was one night only , had trouble parking car , had to go back to reception to ask for help , others had the same issue, Carl park was full .

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Admiralty Inn

Admiralty Inn

3 out of 5
66 Mckillop Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is ₹5,758 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
₹5,758
per night
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geelong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
When arrived received a welcome with a smile from receptionist who was very hellpful and courteous. Room was very clean and bed comfortable. Motel situated in a great position and was convenient for the purpose of our stay.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Admiralty Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Seahaven Village

Seahaven Village

4 out of 5
3 Geelong Road, Barwon Heads, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Barwon Heads. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Frank Ellis Reserve Beach and Raffs Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
This cute apartment was just what we needed for a short break.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Seahaven Village
Quest Geelong Central

Quest Geelong Central

4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (226 reviews)
. A good clean room. .Quite. .It would be good to have bath for children, but too hard for us older ladies to have shower in the bath.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Quest Geelong Central
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,467 reviews)
Unfortunately we only spent 1 hurried night. Hopefully we'll get back to take advantage of the hotels amenities & explore the area. Room was lovely and bright. Very clean. Comfy bed. Easy to access the car park.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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