We’re deep into summer, and if you’re looking for a new coastal town to explore, why don’t you head on over to Portarlington? Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, this seaside town can be reached by car or by a ferry. Known as the ‘mussel capital of Australia’, this coastal spot harvests 60 per cent of the country’s blue mussels. It also received the bronze award as a Top Small Tourism Town in Victoria last year. Spend a sunny summer’s day exploring the town, which is blessed with a thriving foodie scene, picturesque bay views and plenty of historic charm. There’s lots of great things to do, so let’s get started!
Portarlington
Portarlington Mussel Festival
This street festival launched in 2007, and has since grown into a beloved annual event that welcomes over 30,000 people each year. Celebrate the local mussel industry by tasting these famous morsels. Learn how to make them at home, check out cooking demonstrations and enjoy local beer and wine tastings. There’s over 200 market stalls for you to explore this year, as well as live entertainment, art exhibitions and fun activities for the kids. The Portarlington Mussel Festival will take place on Saturday January 10, and run from 9:30am to 5pm. Entry is $10 for visitors over 16. Learn more here.
Mad for mussels
Can’t make it to the festival? That’s ok! You can still enjoy the thriving mussel scene throughout the year by booking a trip with Portarlington Mussel Tours. Hop on a luxurious small boat and learn more about the mussel farming process. Watch the masters at work, enjoy cooking demonstrations and taste produce from around the Bellarine. If you’re lucky, you might even see some dolphins while you’re out on the water. Learn more about it here.
Food and wine
For mussels and more seafood on dry land, you’ll find them cooked in a number of ways at Pier St Cafe. Taste them in a chowder, in either a Sri Lankan or Thai curry, with smoked bacon and more!
Sample more tasty treats at Arlo Wine Bar, which makes pasta from scratch every day. Take in scenic views of the bay while you sip on local wine.
For a classic bakery experience, swing by the Portarlington Bakehouse, which has been in operation since 1880.
If wine is what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of options, thanks to the rich soils and cool climate. Wander over to Jack Rabbit and take part in a wine tasting. Then, grab a bite to eat at their cafe or their award-winning restaurant. Other wonderful wineries nearby include Bellarine Estate, which has a hearty Texas BBQ as well as great wine, Terindah Estate, which has a tram bar and Scotchmans Hill, which is rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries.
Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway
Portarlington is great for the whole family too! Bring the kids along to Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway for a cute coastal adventure. Located by the beach, you’ll steadily trundle along through native parklands, while feeling the ocean breeze. After going for a ride, pop by the kiosk for refreshments, drinks and souvenirs. There’s also undercover barbecues, picnic tables and a playground nearby. Rides are $4 per person. Do check the timetable before you go. Trains typically run on Sundays, and generally run on Wednesdays during the school holidays. Learn more here.
Outdoor adventures
Hang out by the beach on a hot summer’s day, and go for a swim in the relatively calm waters. Take in gorgeous views of the bay and the You Yangs, and stretch your legs or ride your bike on the 17km trail to St Leonard’s. For a bit more fun in the sun, practice your swing at the Portarlington Golf Club.
Portarlington Grand Hotel
This little town is great for a day trip, but if you’d like to make a weekend out of it, why don’t you stay at the Portarlington Grand Hotel? This historic venue was first established in 1888, and was refurbished just a few years ago. Stay in one of the heritage-inspired rooms, and grab a bite to eat in their restaurant, atrium or beer garden. Mussels are on the menu, and you can also enjoy favourites like pizza, parmigiana, pasta, steak and burgers. After a long day, unwind with a drink at the bar.
Getting there
You could make the 90 minute drive from Melbourne to Portarlington. If you’re coming in from the other side of Port Phillip Bay, hop on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, then drive 20 minutes to Portarlington. If you’d like to leave the car at home, hop on the ferry from Docklands, which will take you to the town in 70 minutes.