Avalon Airport is located about a 20 minute drive from the regional city of Geelong.
Geelong and the surrounding Bellarine Peninsula has much to offer visitors to the region.
For further information including what's on in the area, dining options and also accommodation,
please visit the Visit Geelong and the Bellarine Website here.
JACK RABBIT VINEYARD
CURLEWIS WINERY
LEURA PARK ESTATE
SEAROAD FERRIES
FLYING BRICK CIDER CO
GEELONG
Werribee, Point Cook and Surrounds
Avalon Airport is located about a 15 minute drive from Werribee and Point Cook.
Werribee and the surrounding areas have much to offer visitors to the region.
For further information including what’s on in the area, dining options and accommodation, please visit the Experience Wyndham website here.
RAAF MUSEUM
B-24 LIBERATOR MEMORIAL
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
WERRIBEE PARK
VINTAGE JOY FLIGHTS
BIRD WATCHING
Melbourne
Avalon Airport is located about a 45 minute drive from the Melbourne CBD.
Melbourne and the surrounding areas have much to offer visitors to the region.
For further information including what's on in the area, dining options and also accommodation,
please visit the Visit Melbourne website here.
HIDDEN SECRETS TOURS
Jack Rabbit Vineyard
Dining at it's finest on The Bellarine.
Unrivalled views across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne.
Jack Rabbit is a must visit destination on the Bellarine.
Experience the delectable food, take a guided tasting of the diverse stable of sophisticated cool climate wines. Soak up the spectacular and ever-changing views and intimate coastal ambience. The ultimate Bellarine experience awaits...
Jack Rabbit Vineyard is located at 85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine Victoria 3221. Bookings for lunch or dinner are essential.
Airshow patrons would be most welcome to visit and dine at the winery.
Curlewis Winery is located in Curlewis, a region nestled on the Bellarine Peninsula just outside Geelong, about an hour from Melbourne. Pinot Noir was first planted in the region in the mid-eighties, and the Curlewis MV6 vines are amongst the oldest in the region.
The winery first produced its own Curlewis Pinot Noir in 1998. Winemaker Rainer Breit set out to produce a French-style Pinot Noir – similar to the Burgundian wines he and partner Wendy Oliver are partial to. The two had completed winemaking and viticulture courses, but Rainer’s approach to winemaking left much of his Australian training behind, in part because it wasn’t as applicable to cool-climate winemaking, and in majority due to his desire to create a pinot noir which was as yet unseen in Australia. Rainer’s artisan approach, using a blend of methods from France to California and Australia, forms the backbone of Curlewis’ winemaking today.
Blending is also a hallmark of Curlewis Wines. Rainer’s first vintage was, to his mind, undrinkable, but as fate would have it, a perfect marriage for the second vintage when blended. Curlewis wines are hand blended to this day.
Joining Rainer and Wendy around the tasting table these days you’ll find co-winemaker Stefano Marasco and Leesa Freyer, who have owned Curlewis Winery since 2011. Not far away will be son Bas, and a couple of inquisitive hounds named Basil and Pablo. The wines are measured by Rainer’s palate, and combined with input from Wendy, Stefano and Leesa.
For the forseeable future, Rainer and Wendy, Stefano and Leesa will blend the wines together, aiming to improve the quality of each vintage year on year. The winery handover period has long expired – but the friendship and mentorship continues, and Rainer and Stefano remain the Curlewis Winery Winemakers together.
"Winemaking at Curlewis Winery starts in the cool June weather, when cane pruning begins. Stefano takes ‘hands on’ winemaking literally – he wraps each cordon himself."
Whilst blending and bottling are exciting parts of the process - much of winemaking can be classified as farming. Winemaking at Curlewis Winery starts in the cool June weather, when vines are cut back and new cordons are wrapped around the wires. Stefano wraps each cordon himself by hand in a process that takes up to three months. This hands-on, detailed approach is applied to every step of growing, nurturing, protecting and eventually picking the fruit.
Stefano uses his background as an engineer to work out ways to minimise the handling of the wine – whether it be a new approach to syphoning which avoids one movement of the barrels, or creating custom syphoning tools to leave as much sediment behind as possible. The glossy, refined finish on an unfiltered vintage Curlewis Pinot Noir is testament to his attention to detail.
Stefano and Leesa invite members and guests to come and enjoy the winery – whether it be visiting the cellar door for a tasting or at a course to learn how to make salami and sausages the way Stefano’s Italian grandparents made them.
The vision for Curlewis Winery is simple and unchanged - to continue enjoying the beautiful property, entertaining guests, and constantly improving the Curlewis Pinot Noir to make an Australian wine comfortable alongside a French Grand Cru.
Curlewis Winery is located at 55 Navarre Road, Curlewis on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Curlewis Winery would be happy for Airshow patrons to visit the winery, see the vineyard and taste the wines.
Our cellar door is open most Saturdays throughout the year from 12 noon - 4pm and otherwise by appointment.
Established in 1995, Leura Park Estate has firmly established itself as a renowned producer of premium cool maritime climate wines.
Leura Park Estate wines are 100% estate grown and predominantly hand picked. A commitment to grape integrity, voice and ‘methode traditionelle’ is showcased in a stable of wines boasting a distinctive and delightful French-style subtlety.
Specialist Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and the vineyard’s acclaimed Pinot Gris (25 d’Gris) will delight even the crustiest of palates... (that is if you can get past our brilliant stable of sparklings - Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay and Sparkling Blanc de Blanc). Others stalk us for our renowned Pinot Noir and Shiraz... yes, they really do!
Leura Park Estate is located at 1400 Portarlington Road, Curlewis VIC 3222 (Just 15 minutes from Geelong).
The estate is open Thursday - Sunday for Lunch, Coffee and Guided Tastings and also by appointment and on selected public holidays.
Live music every Sunday, all year round – 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s.
To avoid disappointment, booking is highly recommended.
Airshow patrons would be most welcome to visit and dine at Leura Park Estate.
Sailing Port Phillip Bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento, the car & passenger ferry is a relaxing and scenic way to get to Geelong/Avalon and the Bellarine from the Mornington Peninsula. Or vice a versa.
Operated by Searoad Ferries, two ships provide hourly departures from each charming village between 7am and 6pm, seven days a week. There is plenty of space - 75 cars and up to 700 passengers - so this drive-on-drive-off experience is a very smooth and easy way to continue your road trip. Or come as a foot passenger for a walk on/walk off experience.
The ships are modern with relaxed contemporary decor, cafes serving delicious snacks and beverages including barista-made coffee, and a range of regional wines, cider and ales from the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas.
There’s plenty of open deck space to catch the sun and the sea breezes (tip: go towards the bow and you may see Melbourne’s famous bottlenose dolphins playing in the bow waves). Indoors, very spacious lounge areas feature huge floor to ceiling windows to take in the glorious views. Onboard facilities also include free wi-fi, children’s play area & binoculars. Dolphin spotting optional.
Cross Melbourne’s beautiful Port Phillip Bay through pristine waters the 40 minute crossing sure beats the 2-3 hour drive around the bay through city traffic and on toll roads.
The trip reveals views you can only see exclusively from the water.
At the Queenscliff ferry terminal stop by RORO Café on the Beach for a delicious breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Located right on the Beach with absolutely stunning bay views, choose from the daily specials board or seasonal menu. Doesn’t get much better than this.
For further information including booking please visit the Searoad Ferries website www.searoad.com.au
Flying Brick Cider Co
Think innovative space, a spectacular al fresco and lawn area, a tasting paddle of ciders, great food, the best Bellarine wines around, a solid selection of beer, fair trade coffee…
The Flying Brick Cider House is all about fabulous food without the 'fancy'. Executive Chef, Dwayne Bourke, has created a contemporary and distinctively different menu designed to inspire, share and indulge. Local produce and community group partnership are both key features
Hours of operation:
Open 7 days a week from 10am
Lunch from 12 daily
Dinner Friday and Saturday from 6pm
Flying Brick Cider House would love to welcome any Airshow patrons!
Flying Brick Cider House is located at 1251 – 1269 Bellarine Hwy Wallington VIC 3222.
Old, industrial spaces are being transformed into creative hubs, urban precincts and fabulous eateries. From the conversion of an old mill into the East Coast headquarters of Little Creatures brewing to the transformation of the Waterfront into a spectacular place to stay and play, Geelong has changed. See for yourself.
WHAT'S HOT?
Discover these recommended local gems during your stay to Geelong.
Only 25 minutes from Melbourne CBD and 30 minutes from Avalon Airport.
You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours at the RAAF Museum so don’t rush your visit.
The RAAF Museum is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force and tells one of Australia’s most important aviation stories, being the second oldest air force in the world. It is home to the largest collection of Australian military aviation memorabilia in the world and the largest collection of historic military aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere.
You will discover priceless artefacts and fascinating stories of past deeds.
Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, the museum conducts an exciting interactive flying display at 1pm, featuring a heritage aircraft in flight. Visitors learn about the flying process up close and personal. You can even ask the pilot questions and hear the pilot’s radio calls during flight.
According to David Gardner, Director at RAAF Museum, visitors to the RAAF Museum are not limited to wandering through a hangar surrounded by vintage aeroplanes – the central path through the museum takes guests on a tour through the development of the Air Force, its involvement in major 20th-century conflicts and the basics of life in the service.
Address: Point Cook Road, RAAF Base Williams, Melbourne, VIC 3027 Phone: (03) 8348 6692 Website:www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm. Weekends and public holidays 10.00am -5.00pm. Note that photo identification is required for all visitors over the age of 16 to gain entry to the Base.
B-24 LIBERATOR MEMORIAL
A 15 minute drive from the RAAF Museum is the B-24 Liberator Aviation Museum. If you are an Aviation enthusiast you will need to allow yourself 1 to 2 hours or more here.
The B-24 Liberator is an American heavy bomber, built for use in World War II.
The Aviation Museum has the only remaining Liberator in the Southern Hemisphere, one of only eight still in existence in the world. In a World War II hanger situated on an old Werribee airfield, intricate restoration work continues on to restore Australia’s only surviving B-24 Liberator.
The restoration work is completed by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Address: Corner Farm Road and Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 Phone: (03) 9731 1263 Website: www.b24australia.org.au Hours: 9.30am – 3.30pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
The perfect start to any day and possibly the #1 family destination in Melbourne. Start with a stroll around Werribee Open Range Zoo walking paths to see the gorillas, monkeys, lions, hippos and cheetahs. Be enthralled by the African themed safari wildlife. Hop on the Safari Bus and take a tour among some of the world’s most iconic grassland animals.
Go on an Australian Journey where you can spot Kangaroos, Emu, Brolga, Koalas, Eastern Barred Bandicoots and other Australian natives on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands. There is so much to see and do at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Make time to get to one of the “Meet the Keeper” experiences.
Would you like to be completely immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa? Book into a Wild Encounter experience!
Wild Encounters - Experience an African adventure. There are so many encounters to choose from!
Off Road Safari – head onto the savannah on your own guided safari.
Slumber Safari – stay overnight in luxury at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Shadowfax & the Savannah – after a day on the Savannah, relax at nearby Shadowfax Windery for a rustic-Italian two course lunch and a glass of wine.
African Cat Encounter – Get up close to the Servals, come face to face with the incredible cats.
Gorilla Behind the Scenes – Meet the gorilla bachelor boys in this behind the scene encounter.
Tall Order – see eye to eye with giraffes.
Bookings are essential for Wild Encounters zvsales@zoo.org.au or call 1300 966 784
The Zoo opens at 9am. Buy your tickets before 3.30pm for last entry. Children under 16 receive free general entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and public holidays.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away is the magical, whimsical and historic Werribee Park Mansion. Explore the Victorian era in the Italianate-style architecture and interiors of Werribee Mansion. Built in the 1870s, the Werribee Mansion has been a home to the Chirnside family, a Catholic seminary and featured in many television series and movies.
Jump on board the Little Red Train, taking children and adults for a tour around the grounds area. Enter the world of outdoor contemporary art by taking the Werribee Park Sculpture Walk. Featuring a selection of work by some of Australia’s leading sculptor, 29 pieces of work are exhibited and ready for your discovery.
Just next door is the Victoria State Rose Garden which boasts over 5000 roses which are at their most magnificent from November to April.
One of Victoria’s most popular destinations to stay or for a touch of pampering is the Mansion Hotel and Spa, the supreme escape for luxury seekers. For blissful rejuvenation and an exquisite escape, enjoy the experience of the exotic Turkish Hamman chamber.
Located in the heart of Werribee Park is the award-winning boutique Shadowfax Winery. Enjoy a glass of wine, indulge in some gourmet food and be treated to great service. The cellar door is open from 11am with the opportunity of tastings and to learn about the winemaking process. The kitchen opens from 12noon. Enjoy the live music that is on every weekend. Shadowfax Winery is renowned for its Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Time to Eat… You are spoilt for choices out this way!
Joseph’s Restaurant and Bar at the Mansion Hotel & Spa
Address: K Road, Werribee South Phone: (03) 9731 4140 Website: lancemore.com.au
Offering modern European cuisine with an emphasis on local produce, together with over 200 wines from the extensive wine list for an enjoyable lunch or dinner experience.
Wyndham Cache
Address: 243 K Road, Werribee South Phone: (03) 9742 1526 Website: wyndhamcache.com.au
Drop by for a casual yet scrumptious lunch. Visit the onsite gourmet local produce from the store.
Jackson’s on K
Address: 275 Duncans Road (Cnr Duncans & K Roads), Werribee South Phone: (03) 9731 1415 Website: jacksonsonk.com.au
A fabulous place for breakfast, overlooking the famous Werribee market gardens. Or, enjoy fine-dining for lunch or dinner.
A relaxed dining experience with spectacular views overlooking Werribee Park Golf Course, Werribee River, K Road Cliffs and You Yangs.
“SocieTEA: High Tea” at the Mansion Hotel
Address: K Road, Werribee South Phone: (03) 9741 4000 Website: lancemore.com.au
Be treated to a lavish spread of sweet and savoury delicacies, served in the historic Library with the ambient warmth of an open fire. If you would rather be outdoors, can you imagine afternoon tea on the balcony of The Mansion Hotel? Yes, it is possible!
VINTAGE TIGER MOTH JOY FLIGHTS
Based at the historic RAAF Williams Point Cook airfield, Vintage Tiger Moth Joy flights specialise in scenic and aerobatic flights around Melbourne in a fleet of Tiger Moths and Yak 52 russian military aircraft. As the co-pilot, you will have control over how much aerobatics you do. Your 25 minute flight path will take you on a scenic journey over the beaches and hills of the south western suburbs of Melbourne.
Address: Williams road, Point Cook, VIC 3030 Phone: 1300 138 207 Website:tigermothjoyflights.com
BIRD WATCHING
Each year thousands of migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Japan and Alaska make their way to Wyndham, in southern Australia. This incredible journey is made to escape the northern hemisphere winter and enjoy the wetland habitats on offer in Wyndham.
Wyndham has a number of sites that appeal to birdwatchers. Of particular significance are the Point Cook Coastal Park, considered one of the top ten wetlands in Australia by environmentalists, and the impressive Western Treatment Plant, considered second to only Kakadu for birdwatchers.
Attracting a variety of birdlife, the area hosts over 300 species of birds including several rare and endangered species. The variety of birdlife in the region and the area’s close proximity to Melbourne make Wyndham a must-see destination for both budding and seasoned birdwatchers.
Hidden Secrets Tours is a Melbourne touring business whose mission is to share a unique walking tour experience that you will only find in Melbourne. The best secrets are sometimes just hiding ready to be shared...
Our hero’s are the Laneways, the local characters, the creative heart and of course the city herself...
Founded in 2004 and established to showcase the urban vitality to locals and visitors alike. We seek to share with our clients a quintessential insider experience of Melbourne. Touring around the city we focus beyond the tourist traps, and celebrate all things Melbourne.
