While this education centre is aimed at schoolchildren, it's worth popping in to have a gawk at the local species that live in the sea and lakes. Display tanks often contain seahorses, fish and the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus, and there's a touch pool where you can handle aquatic creatures. It's only open school holidays, and for feedings on Monday morning – but call ahead to confirm.
Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre
Bellarine Peninsula
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
3.28 MILES
Commanding expansive ocean views, this windswept national park on the peninsula’s western tip was a seasonal base of its traditional owners, the Boon…
Mornington Peninsula National Park
20.29 MILES
Stretching from Portsea along a long sliver of coastline to Cape Schanck and then inland to the Greens Bush area, this national park showcases the…
25.41 MILES
One of the largest vineyards on the peninsula, Pt. Leo Estate has a magnificent setting overlooking Western Port Bay. Its winery complex is state of the…
Australian National Surfing Museum
17.91 MILES
The perfect starting point for those embarking on a surfing safari is this superbly curated museum that pays homage to Australian surfing. Here you'll see…
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
22.65 MILES
One of Victoria's most impressive regional galleries, the MPRG has a permanent collection focusing on the cultural heritage of Mornington Peninsula as…
8.95 MILES
Set up by a local family who know their stuff, this gin distillery produces everything on-site and has a tasting room to sample the goods, accompanied by…
16.36 MILES
Geelong's botanic gardens (established in 1851) are the fourth oldest in Australia and make for a peaceful stroll or picnic. Aim to get here for a…
17.27 MILES
Geelong's sparkling revamped waterfront precinct is a great place to stroll, with plenty of restaurants set on scenic piers, plus historical landmarks, a…
Nearby Bellarine Peninsula attractions
1.16 MILES
Queencliff's fort was first used as a coastal defence in 1882 to protect Melbourne from a feared Russian invasion. It remained a base until 1946, and was…
1.22 MILES
Pop by this lovely main-street gallery to see works by established and emerging Australian artists.
1.26 MILES
A lovely space inside a historic stone church (c 1868), this worthwhile gallery exhibits works by contemporary Australian artists who work on paper…
4. Queenscliff Historical Museum
1.3 MILES
This small museum on the main strip is dedicated to the area's rich local history. Exhibits change every few months, but its catalogued historical…
1.36 MILES
Within a heritage building on the main street, this quality gallery focuses on the work of contemporary Australian artists, including pieces by Indigenous…
6. Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
1.66 MILES
Home to the last lifeboat to serve the Rip (the treacherous stretch of water linking Port Phillip Bay to Bass Strait) , this recommended museum has…
1.89 MILES
Check out incredible 360-degree views from this tower at Queenscliff's harbour.
1.95 MILES
Take a tour to the top of this atmospheric – and still operational – lighthouse, which dates to 1902. Tours run every 30 minutes.