There is so much to explore on the Bellarine Peninsula... you really need to plan several trips which could involve anything from waterparks, mini golf, wineries, galleries, homewares, Bakeries, cafes, restaurants and fashion. Here's a small selection (you could describe as 'off the beaten track!') to get you started....
This is one of my favourite breaky spots when meeting friends from Barwon Heads or Point Lonsdale...
Elkhorn Roadhouse - Wallington
420A Wallington-Ocean Grove Rd, Wallington VIC 3221
(03) 5250 6056
It's out of the hustle and bustle, no issues with parking, and lovely to be surrounded by farmland for a change. Elkhorn is very kid friendly with a small outdoor play area, and high chairs. I haven't done lunch here often, but have had plenty of breakfasts - and they never disappoint. One of the smartest breakfasts offerings I've seen in a while is their half and half (you know when you can't decide if you feel like a sweet or savoury breaky? Well they have an answer to that dilemma!)...
Elkhorn Half and Half – Poached Moriac free range egg and Istra Pork sausage, Or a piece of Istra Bacon, Slice of Organic Zeally Bay Sourdough, with a half serve of Elkhorn breakfast crunch, Local honey, Love Chai infused Drysdale goat’s yoghurt and fruit
KYO - Ocean Grove
26 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove, VIC 3226
03 5255 2444
If you've never been to KYO you're in for a surprise. If you have, you'll know that every visit is just as exciting as the next because they are importing new container-loads of goodies from Asia all the time - so it's worth popping in every few months to see what's in store. I have things dotted all around my house from KYO, it's very hard to leave without something (big or small) from this out-of-the-way homewares extravaganza. Again, the pictures will do all the talking here...
Venturing further onto the peninsular there is a wonderful cafe called Pik Nik hidden amongst some the the Bellarines best wineries.
Pik Nik - Drysdale
1195 Queenscliff Road, Swan Bay
(03) 5258 5155
Pik Nik is located in a converted roadhouse right next to Swan Bay in Drysdale. They started out making preserves from forgotten fruit they 'picked' and 'nicked' from backyards around the Bellarine Peninsula, which they sold at local markets. You can now drop into their cafe for breakfast and lunch, a home-churned ice-cream (inspired by flavours from the orchard next door), an Allpress coffee... or to buy their produce including their gluten free quince baked muesli!
I hope you find the time to indulge in the yummy local produced at either of these cafes - you will not be disappointed! And if you get lured into buying something from KYO, leave a comment below and let us know what it was!
Until next time,
Your Neighbour!