Karrie's favourite things

“By far, one of the best aspects of the Bellarine is its array of spectacular courses just an hour from Melbourne,” says World Golf Hall of Famer, Karrie Webb. “Barwon Heads Golf Course alone is home to three of the top 50 Australian public access courses.

“Thirteenth Beach Golf Links has courses designed by Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore. It’s one of the places I look forward to playing when I’m here, plus it has accommodation if you’re keen to wake up overlooking the greens.”

Best of the Rest

Barwon Heads Golf Club has an old-world charm and Lonsdale Links has great views of Lake Victoria and pristine Moonah forest. But peel away and you have more options.

“On the other side of the peninsula is Clifton Springs Golf Club, with its 18-hole course right on the water,” says Karrie. “And Queenscliff Golf Club is set on Swan Island – if you hook it on the 11th, you’ll end up in the bay.”

Between Holes

Away from the courses, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink.

“One of the best spots to relax is Jack Rabbit Vineyard,” says Karrie. “There are two restaurants there serving up delicious food. The Portarlington mussels basically come from the water you’re staring at.”

Meeting the locals

Set on sprawling bushlands, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is an award-winning wildlife park home to more than 70 Australian species, including endangered animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with kangaroos and wallabies and meet adorable critters like wombats and dingoes. 

At Ballarat Wildlife Park, the kangaroos roam more freely and you'll also find the largest colony of koalas in Victoria residing here too. There are daily presentations where you can learn more about meerkats, little penguins, Tasmanian devils, and even see Sumatran-Siberian tigers in their state-of-the-art sanctuary.