Ocean Grove is a much-loved seaside town for locals and tourists alike. With experiences to suit thrill seekers and those looking to relax, it is in an ideal location to spend your time. Head along the Great Ocean Road where you’ll find the 12 Apostles. Take a stroll down to the local bakery that has previously been awarded the title for “Australia’s Best Pies”. Connect with nature, or enjoy searching for koalas and discovering native plants in the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve.

Live like the locals and surf the waves at the nearby beach or sign up for a round of kitesurfing. Go fishing in the ocean or on the river. Why not gather up your family and learn how to horse ride at the Australian Equestrian Academy? Or get the adrenaline pumping with a trip to Victoria’s largest water theme park, Adventure Park. You can also take relaxing day trips with your friends and family to the Bellarine’s finest wineries, all within the perfect distance from Ocean Grove.

Great Ocean Road

With the Great Ocean Road right on Ocean Grove’s doorstep, why not embark on an adventure down the coast? Providing Victoria’s most scenic views, the Great Ocean Road is home to the 12 Apostles. Erosion of four of the rock stacks over time has left eight remaining, towering a spectacular 45 metres above the ocean. Check out the scenery at the Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto, or make your way through the tranquil rainforest at Great Otway National Park.

Adventure Park

Set on 52 acres of picturesque parkland, Adventure Park has a wide range of activities for families, including a 115-metre raft water slide, go-karts, jumping castles, volleyball, a merry-go-round, paddle-boats, the Big Bouncer, flying foxes, an archery range, Adventure Island mini-golf, aqua bikes, moon bikes, jumping jets and canoes, the Paddle Pop Express Train and the Adventure Playground. You are sure to be entertained throughout the day in Victoria’s largest water theme park.

Restaurants & Cafes

Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music across Ocean Grove’s popular eateries. Enjoy a coffee and fresh local produce at Driftwood Cafe or feed your belly at the Beach Terrace Cafe with some great food. You can also enjoy a burger at Piping Hot Chicken Shop and Blackmans Brewery or indulge in delicious Thai cuisine at Chang Noi. You might even like to round up your own produce by heading to the local markets or go strawberry picking at Wallington’s very own strawberry farm.

Wineries

The famous wineries of the Bellarine are favourites of locals and tourists alike. A short drive from Ocean Grove will take you to Oakdene Vineyards and One Day Estate, where you can enjoy the great range of wine amongst eclectic art pieces. Enjoy the scenic views provided at Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Terindah Estate over a delicious lunch or head to Curlewis Winery for cellar door sales and wine tastings. Or take a tour with Franscene or Epic Taste Experiences to see all that we have to offer on the Bellarine.

Horse riding

For those that hold a special place for horse riding in their heart or those that are eager to take a lesson, The Australian Equestrian Academy is located at 1625 Bellarine Highway (just east of the intersection of the highway and Grubb Rd). Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre is located 1.5 km north of Ocean Grove at 365 Wallington Rd. It offers horse riding and tuition and is open by appointment.

Endless Beaches

Walking in one direction along the stretch of golden sand of Ocean Grove beach will take you to the beautiful neighbouring coastal town of Barwon Heads; the other direction stretches through to the town of Point Lonsdale. Just to the north-west of town are Lake Connewarre and Reedy Swamp, which are important migratory bird habitats, meaning they are havens for waterbirds such as bitterns, swamp hens, ibis, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants and herons.

Golf Courses

You will find various golf courses scattered throughout the Bellarine. Head to 13th Beach, host of Australia’s featured Victorian Open, or to the Barwon Heads Golf Course for its old-world charm and historical architecture. Other popular golf courses on your to-do list may include Clifton Springs Golf Club, Portarlington Golf Club, Curlewis Golf Club as well as Anglesea Golf Club.

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve and Other Parklands

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve (143 ha) is the only remaining section of substantial native bushland on the Peninsula. It fosters she-oak, tea-tree, banksia and wattle and is home to a community of koalas. It is also home to the Illidge’s ant blue butterfly, which was only discovered this century. This nature reserve is a popular with birdwatchers, providing a home to over 57 bird species.