For many, the Victorian city of Geelong is synonymous with AFL superstars the Geelong Cats. But if you were thinking that was all there was to this coastal region you would be sorely mistaken.

It’s a place with world-class wineries, glamping, helicopter tours, craft beer, green rolling hills and sparkling ocean views. In short, Geelong is a city on the rise.

Stay: The Novotel Geelong

With huge renovations wrapping up in November of 2018, this waterfront property has that fresh feel every guest is looking for in a hotel and is the ideal base to explore everything this region has to offer.

The linen is soft and luxurious, the bathroom and shower modern, and the waterfront facing rooms have a stunning view overlooking the bay.

Play: The Range @Curlewis

Blow all your preconceptions about golf out of the water with a trip to The Range @Curlewis. This interactive restaurant is the perfect place to while away a couple of hours with friends, family or as a solo traveler.

Patrons are spoiled for choice with activities and can choose to have a whack on the freshly minted driving range, the 18-hole mini golf course, or even the X-Golf stimulator which lets players tee off at over 80 of the world’s most famous courses.

Players can then relax in the Clubhouse and order a bite to eat from the Bistro, with delicious offerings such as the Crispy duck & spring onion croquettes, pea puree, salad leaves, grain mustard dressing – It’s not just sandwiches around here!

Enjoy a tipple on one of the large wrap-around deck areas or rug up in front of the fireplace in colder months.

Get luxe at: Terindah Estate 

Add a dose of glamour to your Geelong itinerary with a visit to Terindah estate. Already a highly coveted location for weddings and intimate celebrations, Terindah has a few new tricks up its sleeve.

The Terindah Glamping experience is the perfect blend of nature and luxury with 19 brand new bell tents catering for up to 30 guests.

Glampers can enjoy access to their own private beach, where pristine waters make for an inviting morning dip. Then dine picnic style on a delicious hamper prepared by the Terindah estate chefs, best paired of course with some of the home-grown vino. We recommend the gold-medal-winning Zinfandel, a variety of black-skinned grape only produced at Terindah.

Enjoy the view at: Jack Rabbit Estate

Since 2010 The Jack Rabbit Estate has held its enviable position, atop the hills looking out onto the stunning panorama of the Bellarine Bay. If the main café is full, patrons can take their bottle of wine and sit picnic style on the grass while little ones can roam.

Jack Rabbit has a distinct aesthetic, a more modern take on a traditional winery with quirky art and light fixtures threaded throughout the interior design.

The newly renovated Heli-Pad is what’s taking off here, complete with fully functioning bar and coffee machine this new addition transforms from wedding venue to events space to heli-pad with ease.

Get cozy at: The Whiskery

Nestled at the base of three valleys this sheltered spot is certainly worth a visit. Open from April last year The Whiskery will be enjoying it’s first summer season

The Whiskery has a welcoming feel with its lilac painted chairs dotted underneath a big tree. It’s almost as if you’ve been invited to a private garden party, and in a way, you have – The Whiskery is run by a local couple with a knack for distilling some beautiful Gins namely their Teddy & The Fox Gin.

Learn a little at: Scotchman’s Hill Estate

With its first vines planted in 1982’ Scotchman’s Hill is one of the original vineyards on the Bellarine, they take the art of the grape very seriously, and you can taste it.

At Scotchman’s Hill patrons are spoiled for choice in where to sit and enjoy. From the cozy front room which feels like the eclectic lounge of your well-travelled aunt to the huge outdoor area over-looking the vineyard through to their new cellar door which is a beautiful French provincial farmhouse.

Chief winemaker Robin Brockett ensures that the focus for Scotchman’s Hill has and always will be the wine. Here, the food is an accompaniment, not the other way around. There really is a complexity of flavor to each wine, you can get a glimpse into this skill by taking one of the many master classes hosted around the property.

Explore at: Little Creatures Brewery & White Rabbit

One of Australia’s most notable craft beer companies founding partners stumbled upon the Geelong location through a chance stop over. With hop flowers growing by the plenty in Victoria, the old mill in Geelong was the perfect fit.

Little Creatures brewery is such a unique and dynamic space with so much to offer any punter. The indoor canteen space is rustically decorated with trinkets and an assortment of art – local artists are encouraged to display their art here each month.

Launching in summer will be the Furphy Open air cinema with an inflatable screen, bean bags and an awesome selection of cult classics.

In the adjacent White Rabbit Brewery, the playful interior is swapped out for a more modern paired back feel with plush leather couches, exposed brick and copper piping

Go for a joyride: Geelong Helicopters

Appease the thrill seeker within on a scenic flight in one of these nifty little helicopters.

The panoramic windows give the sensation of floating high above the world inside a glass bubble – It may sound a tad daunting but once you settle in this is a truly spectacular experience.

Simply cruise above the Bellarine or venture further with one of their scenic flights to Torquay, Bells Beach or the 12 Apostles.