A Post COVID Guide to Portarlington
If we’ve learnt anything over the past few months, it is that there is so much enjoyment to be had from the simple pleasures in life… the explosions of flavour from a great feed, the much-needed breath of fresh air on a mindful walk and the gaggle of giggles from family time.
Add to your repertoire and sample some more simple pleasures. With regional Victoria re-opening, Port Phillip Ferries invites you to sail across the bay, feel the breeze in your hair and soak up Portarlington’s seaside charm of…
A Great Feed…
It’s been a while since you’ve been able to sit, sip and savour at a dine-in establishment. Well, pop on your loose pants because the time has come! Setting you up for a sensational day of dining, these Portarlington restaurants are ready and raring to fill your bellies AND they are all just a short stroll from the Portarlington ferry dock!
Grand Hotel – The stunning Grand hotel has overlooked Portarlington since 1888. Perched atop Portarlington’s rise, the sweeping views of the bay are, well, grand. Sourcing seasonal food fare from local producers, the menu’s flavours are fresh, fabulous and you guessed it, grand. And stocking wines from their very own surrounds, the drinks are (would you believe it) grand too! Big renovations are commencing on the old dame in 2021, so repeat visits to check on the progress will be necessary.
Pier St. – Water views, wine and wonderful food… now that is a winning combo! From the team behind Noir (Richmond) comes Pier St., an extraordinary dining experience. Located seaside, dining indoors and outdoors sanctions the soaking up of uninterrupted water views and devouring of scrumptious food (including the freshest of fresh seafood dishes).
The Little Mussel Café – When in a town famed for mussels, one must eat mussels of course! And who better to serve you up some succulent morsels than our fabulous friends at The Little Mussel Café. Plucked direct from their farm, these mussel experts know how to deliciously plate up an array of exceptional mussel dishes.
Please remember, bookings at these restaurants are essential to avoid disappointment.
📷 credit @grandhotelportarlington (via Insta)
A Great Walk…
With a belly full of food, take a much-needed walk around the beautiful bayside town of Portarlington. Nestled away on the Bellarine Peninsula, Portarlington is surrounded by stunning coastline and scenic settings, all of which can be discovered at the slow and steady pace of a wandering walk.
Starting at the ferry dock, set off on The Ramblers Walk, a moderately level and easy-going walk that offers spectacular panoramic views of the You Yangs, Melbourne City Skyline and Portarlington’s famed and fabulous foreshore.
Spot and sight heritage homes, surviving mills and grand hotels on the Portarlington History Walk, an all-abilities walk that takes you on a journey past 22 points of historical significance. A copy of the Portarlington History Walk can be found here.
📷 credit @bellarinecatchmentnetwork (via Insta)
And Some Great Family Time…
With an abundance of space, Portarlington affords you the opportunity to while away the day beachside or park side.
Fling out the picnic rug and set yourself up for some park play at the recently redeveloped Portarlington park. This wooded wonderland perfectly blends into its seaside environment with an abundance of nature-based and imagery play opportunities, along with more (and much-loved) traditional play equipment. Perfectly placed hillside, the park is a hop, skip and swing from the ferry dock.
Fling out the beach towel and settle in for some seaside splashing. Step straight off the ferry to the Portarlington main beach. With towering Cypress Pines lining the foreshore, this popular stretch of seaside provides ample shade and cool, calm waters. Relax while the kids build towering sandcastles and frolic in the shallows.
There is so much greatness to be derived from the simple pleasures in life. Take a step (and a ferry) back into regional Victoria and enjoy ours.