Seafood lovers, grab your keys and head out, just 90 mins south-west of Melbourne to The Bellarine.
Love mussels? The Portarlington Mussel Festival is just your thing. Image:Tourism Geelong/Bellarine
Here you'll find yourself surrounded by water on everywhere, which also means you'll find plenty of fresh seafood on offer. In fact, some of the country's best. Here there's an abundance of fresh seafood available, restaurants serving up delicious fare and passionate producers selling local mussels, oysters and abalone especially in January when the region celebrates its love affair with seafood at the Portarlington Mussel Festival.
This year, the event celebrates 10 delicious years with chefs, music, market stalls, cooking demonstrations and of course tonnes of mussels!
Last year more than 10 tonne of mussels were sold at the festival and this year promises to be even bigger.
Can't wait until January? Visitors can purchase sweet, succulent mussels direct from the farm gate at Advance Mussel Supply in Portarlington. A family owned and operated business, oysters are also on the menu here, with the company growing and selling these delicious fresh local oysters direct to the public. The café also serves up mussels in a variety of tasty ways.
Visit The Shed at Terindah Estate and you can see the mussel farmers hard at work from the outdoor seating or through the floor to ceiling glass walls. The Shed is open every day from 12 noon and offers succulent local seafood.
Can't wait until January to enjoy mussels? Pop into Advance Mussel Supply. Image: Tourism Geelong/Bellarine
The Bellarine also boasts a range of restaurants and takeaway shops utilising the local produce including Scully's Oyster Bar & Grill at Queenscliff Harbour. With it's marina views, a large portion of the menu options showcase the regions seafood. You can also pop into the onsite provedore for buying takeaway seafood, fresh or frozen.
You'll be spoilt for choice as well as views when you visit The Bellarine.Image: Tourism Geelong/Bellarine
Keen to make a weekend getaway? Accommodation of all types can be found on The Bellarine and in nearby Geelong from hotels, luxury apartments, boutique B&B's and award winning holiday parks.
This summer, enjoy the freshest seafood, just a short drive away from the city!
