04 Jun 2025
A parfum atelier and Japanese head spa are among a suite of new openings in Geelong and The Bellarine. Wine bars, cellar doors, restaurants and cafés are popping up as well as beachfront accommodation; plus there are new offerings from much-loved makers Ket Baker, Meredith Dairy, Lard Ass Butter and Anther Gin.
Aysha Hansen has opened Geelong's first parfum atelier (perfume workshop) after perfecting her craft at exclusive perfume houses in London, Grasse and Paris. During the workshop she shares her knowledge and helps guests compose a scent, to keep, that is unique to them. Opened January.
Address: 5 Rutland St, Newtown
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Meredith Dairy, internationally renowned for its goat cheese, has opened its first farm store and café. It's a celebration of local farming, offering all Meredith Dairy products and a range of fresh produce as well as meals, pastries and coffee. Visitors can enjoy dishes featuring Meredith goat meat which is lauded by top Australian chefs – you'll find it pride of place on menus at Florentino, MoVida, Otto, Pilu at Freshwater, Farmer's Daughters, and Morena. Opened October.
Address: 30 Staughton Street, Meredith
Ancient Japanese techniques are used to create a feeling of deep calm and relaxation while rejuvenating the scalp and hair. Sensori aims to help people slow down with soothing head massages and mindful rituals. Opened May.
Address: 172 Willis street, Portarlington
Woolstore is the go-to spot in the heart of Newtown's river-end precinct. It's the work of Hamo Hospitality - the creators of 1915 Restaurant and The Paddock Bakery at Federal Mills. Set in a century-old woolstore, the space is a masterclass in sympathetic restorations. The venue has 7-metre-high industrial glass windows and the original tallowwood flooring – including old lanolin markings – has been preserved. Head chef is Eli Grubb (Regional Chef of the Year 2024 Golden Plate Awards) and executive chef is Cory Hyde. Centred around a Parilla Grill, the menu is modern Australian share plates. Opened February.
Address: 400 Pakington Street, Newtown (enter via Rutland Street)
Another new offering from Hamo Hospitality, The Retreat is a small French restaurant located in an historic post office. Head chef Eli Grubb has curated a French à la carte menu, a Menu Du Jour, and a relaxed cheese and wine hour. The Retreat joins an expanding portfolio for Hamo Hospitality that includes Woolstore Restaurant + Bar; 1915 Restaurant; and The Paddock Bakery. Opened May.
Address: 9 Retreat Road, Newtown
The Birch is an Asian fusion-inspired café where classic favourites meet signature dishes such as the breakfast banh mi; chicken katsu roti tacos; and honey gochujang southern fried chicken tater tot waffles. Designed as a cosy, nature-inspired space, it's both family and pet friendly, with respective menus for both, along with a kids' playground. Remote workers are welcome with plenty of power outlets available. Head Chef Joel Jenkins (formerly of Eddy & Wills) curates the creative menu. Opened April.
Address: 359 Pakington St, Newtown
Circulus Wine is the latest cellar door to open on The Bellarine. By appointment, the owner guides guests on a walk through the vines, tasting cool climate drops as they meander. The wine is small-batch with minimal-intervention. The off-grid vineyard is solar-powered and certified sustainable, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible winemaking. Opened February.
Address: 145 Coatsworth Road, Portarlington
Pop's Wine Bar is the new kid on the block in Portarlington, offering a rotating list of Bellarine and Victorian wines and cocktails. It's a relaxed spot for drinks and small bites, with a focus on quality and community. Opened March.
Address: 52 Newcombe Street, Portarlington
Popular Bellarine bakery Ket Baker has opened a second location in Belmont, bringing its cult-favourite sourdough, flaky pastries with house-made fillings, and quality coffee to Geelong. Known for slow-fermented loaves (up to 72 hours) and pastries which take five days to make, Ket Baker's commitment to craft has earned it a loyal following. Opened May.
Address: 1/174A High Street, Belmont
Red Park serves coffee and lunch by day and woodfired pizza by night. A favourite is the porchetta Red Park roll—slow-roasted free-range porchetta with slaw, salsa verde, sambal and mustard. Popular with locals and visitors. Opened February.
Address: 24 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove
The Bellarine's much-loved artisan butter maker has opened a tasting room and shop. Try fresh, handcrafted, slow-churned butters in creative flavours such as chilli peppers with lime, sweet vanilla or smoky pomodoro. The cream comes from grass-fed western Victorian cows. Meet the butter-making team and watch the process through the viewing window. Tasting room and shop opened December.
Address: 10 Sykes Place, Ocean Grove
Two new waterfront beach houses have opened at Barwon Heads Caravan Park. Affordable and accessible, they're built on the idea that holiday accommodation with prime water views should be available to everyone. Opened December.
Address: 1 Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads
Having perfected its gin game, Anther Distillery has branched into vodka. Craft spirits are created by a scientist in a charming distillery at Geelong's historic Federal Mills precinct. The vodka has been named Queen Maeve after a fierce Celtic warrior queen. It's made for the smoothest dry martini or the crispest vodka soda. Vodka line commenced August.
Address: PH3 Federal Mills, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong
The Paddock Bakery hosts 'High Tea At The Milkbar' on the first Sunday of every month. Guests are served a curated selection of delicate savouries, artisan pastries, and handcrafted sweets with barista-made coffee, loose-leaf teas, and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival. Kids welcome.
Portarlington Mussel Tours have added a Deluxe Seafood Tour to their offering. Guests cruise on Port Phillip Bay aboard a beautifully-restored Huon pine boat enjoying mussels, oysters, scallops and abalone accompanied by ocean-aged vintage cuvée – cellared under water at their mussel farms. The tour includes cooking demonstrations and local produce tastings. Deluxe Seafood Tour commenced December.
Address: Portarlington Pier, 2A Harding Street, Portarlington
Port Phillip Ferries has launched a ferry spa day package in partnership with Lon Retreat and Spa (Australasia's Best Spa 2024). Cruise from Melbourne to Portarlington, enjoy a private transfer to Lon, then unwind with mineral bathing and a massage or facial. Feast on a seasonal grazing platter and sparkling wine before cruising back to Melbourne. Commenced May.
Address: Victoria Harbour, Docklands
An escape room has opened at the museum providing a fun, interactive activity. The experience is based on the local legend of Pirate Benito who buried his treasure in Swan Bay, Queenscliff. Players work together to locate the treasure chest and escape. At the museum itself, see the 100-year-old Lifeboat Queenscliffe, used in the search for Prime Minister Harold Holt; antique diving equipment and shipwreck artefacts; and learn about adventurer Paul Caffyn's circumnavigation of Australia by kayak. Escape room opened January.
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Geelong Gallery will host one of Australia's most prestigious art exhibitions, the Archibald Prize, from 30 August to 9 November.
Address: Little Malop Street, Geelong
For further information, famil opportunities, interviews or images please contact:
Yasmin Paton
E: yasmin.paton@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au (please cc: marketing@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au)
P: +61 478 258 989
