Savour the Bellarine: A Progressive Food & Wine Day Out
Morning: Coffee with a View ☀️
Kick off your Bellarine adventure with a caffeine hit and something flaky from a local favourite like The Bungalow Restaurant in Drysdale or Ket Bakery in Wallington. Grab a table outside in either cafe and enjoy the morning light and people watch (at Ket you are likely to see a Peacock!) — it’s the perfect slow start before the day’s tastings begin.
Late Morning: Farmgate Flavours 🧀
The Bellarine is a treasure trove of local producers. Stop by Lard Arse butter for artisan gourmet butters (e.g. smoky pomodoro, sweet vanilla, black garlic, etc.) located in Wallington a charming and flavourful experience that delights all ages, or Manzanillo Grove for cold-pressed olive oil tastings. Many farmgates also stock jams, honey, and chutneys — perfect to take home for a Sandpiper House breakfast the next day.
Lunch: Bay-View Indulgence 🍷
For lunch, nothing beats a long, lazy meal at a winery. Jack Rabbit Vineyard offers sweeping views of Corio Bay and an elevated seasonal menu. Pair your dish with a crisp Bellarine chardonnay or a local pinot noir while the kids enjoy the wide lawns to roam.
Afternoon: Brews or Bubbles 🍺
After lunch, shift gears with a visit to Bellarine Distillery for a gin flight, Flying Brick Cider Co for a refreshing cider paddle, or Bellarine Estate for boutique beers. These stops often have live music on weekends — a bonus for a relaxed afternoon vibe.
Sunset: Pizza by the Pier
For an easy, family-friendly evening, pick up a wood-fired pizza from Pier Front Pizzeria. in Portarlington Their casual, welcoming vibe and delicious menu make it perfect for multi-generational groups. Grab a table in their beer-garden-style giardino or take your meal down to the pier for a beachfront pizza picnic as the sky turns golden.
Back to Sandpiper House 🏡
After a day of indulgence, head “home” to Sandpiper House. Take a twilight swim in the heated pool, challenge the family to a games room showdown, or simply light the fire pit and sip on that last bottle you picked up along the way.