Barwon Heads Beach Houses & Accommodation

Barwon Heads is easy to reach from both Melbourne and Geelong. It's a convenient drive from Melbourne CBD to Geelong along the M1. From Geelong, either follow the Princes Highway, then Surf Coast Highway out of town, or follow Settlement Road and cut straight onto Barwon Heads Road at Belmont Wildlife Reserve. Either way, turn left onto the C121 and follow it all the way to Barwon Heads.

If you prefer public transport, the route 55 bus from Geelong to Ocean Grove goes straight through Barwon Heads, dropping you right in the middle of town. Services go from Geelong Station every hour during weekdays between 08:00-21:00, 09:00-20:00 Saturdays, and 09:00-16:00 on Sundays. Rail services from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station connect to Geelong Station frequently throught the day.

At the Heads is a restaurant with a stunning location and reasonable prices. Looking out over the ocean, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can start or end the day happy and full. Items on their menu include Baked Pumpkin Gnocchi and a Beef and Lobster Burger.

Barwon Ebb & Flow is another great local eatery and the ideal place to start the day. Offering a wood fire in the winter, the café has a wide selection of dishes on their menu including pancakes drizzled with lemon and berries and seriously fresh fish and chips. The friendly service and laid-back atmosphere make this a top tip.

Barwon Heads has a similar climate to the rest of southeast Australia, but its south-facing coastal position gives it a few local characteristics. What weather to expect in Barwon Heads depends significantly on when you plan to go. During the winter, Barwon Heads, like the rest of Victoria, has cold, wet weather. However, given its coastal position, it never gets below freezing here, so even if you come between July and September you can still enjoy the Bellarine Peninsula's natural beauty and wildlife in peace and quiet.

If you prefer warmer climes by the sea, summer is the best time to book a beach house in Barwon Heads. From December to February, daily temperatures regularly hit around 30C, and you're unlikely to see a rainy day during this time. Heading into autumn, March and April are also lovely times to visit Barwon Heads. Temperatures are still relatively high, crowds are low, and the rains haven't really arrived yet.

Barwon Heads is an ideal location for families - with so much on offer, children will be able to experience just as much as you. From interactive experiences to the great outdoors, there really is something for everyone, and plenty to keep young travellers engaged.

Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary is just 2.1 kilometres away from the centre of Barwon Heads and is about a 20 minute walk. Looking after more than just koalas, the sanctuary also houses lizards, wombats and snakes. Kids will especially love the informative talks and chance to pet the animals.

No summer holiday would be complete without a fun-filled day at a waterpark. Adventure Park Geelong is 12.3 kilometres away and has water slides galore, including the exhilarating The Tornado. Alongside the different rides, you'll find plenty of food vendors and sun loungers - perfect for chilling out on while the kids conquer the various rides.

You’d better pack some towels because WSUP - Stand Up Paddleboarding is another activity that the children will love. Introduce them to this gentle sport on the beautiful blue sea. Under the guidance of friendly and experienced instructors, your whole family will be pros in no time.

Situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, Barwon Heads is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Get outside and feel the fresh air on your face as you bushwalk or head to one of the many nature reserves in this area of outstanding beauty. Whatever your passion, you’re sure to find something.

Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve lies just 8.8 kilometres away and offers a range of activities to enjoy such as walking and water-based ones such as canoeing and kayaking. Recognised as a sanctuary for endangered birds, the area covers marshlands, swamps, lakes and rivers. Keep an eye out for the amazing 150 bird species and make sure you've got full battery on your camera - you'll need it.

Go organic and take a trip to Lomas Orchards where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables to take back to your holiday letting. Founded in 1938, this family business offers educational workshops and a shop where you can stock up on supplies, including juicy strawberries and tasty peaches.

McGlashan's Wallington Estate is a haven for wine connoisseurs looking to expand their palette. Located 12.7 kilometres away, the ten hectare vineyard produces award-winning wines. Spend a day in the Australian sunshine trying new flavours and indulging in some tasty seafood, cheese and meat platters.

Time it right and you can take part in one of the area’s annual events. Soak up the sun, food and festival atmosphere as you dance, watch shows and cheer on cyclists. Promising a fun family-focused atmosphere, these events are the ideal chances to get to know the friendly locals.

Cadell Evans Great Ocean Road Race is held each year in January, named after Cadell Evans who is the only Australian to have won the Tour de France. Not only can you watch the race at various points along the scenic route, but you can also get involved in one of the races open to the public.

Held in March, Festival of the Sea offers heaps of exciting activities. From duck racing along the Barwon River to music events and a movie night, there isn't a dull moment. Plan ahead and see the full programme at http://www.festivalofthesea.com.au/.

If you really want to live it up then why not head to nearby Geelong for the area's Oktoberfest? Suitable for the whole family, this festival hosts live music, competitions, hearty German cuisine and, of course, plenty of beer halls for the grown ups. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance.