Fresh February offers outdoor fun

Was it just me or has this summer been even more packed with happy holiday crowds across the Bellarine? The secret is definitely out about what a grand place we live in!

Apparently our local regions per capita have the most events and festivals in Victoria too; we definitely know how to celebrate our magnificent, country coastal lifestyle. But now, summer is winding down, the tourists are (mostly) gone and the kids are all back at school – cue some peace on the roads again and much less crowded beach trips.

When you live on the Bellarine and a beach is on average a five-minute drive away, it’s almost a given that locals will wind down by heading to the sand for their fix of the beach fresh air. Be it a swim, board, ride, boat, run, sandcastle building, fishing, walking or just to sit on a park bench and enjoy the view. Ahhhh, how’s the serenity? This is also no different for the BCFsM clan at this time of year.

February for us means we will be continuing the outdoor theme and enjoying our Bellarine nature fix. Running a business and having another “real” job means we spend the large majority of time working hard over the summer months, but come this time, we’re ready to take a breather and reap the rewards of the great outdoors and fantastic local facilities.

Here’s one of my perfect ways to experience a mini-break over one perfect day:

First, take a drive down to Point Lonsdale on low tide to experience the magic of the rock pools. It’s such a spectacular area fashioned by the gods of nature between two icons of the town, the jetty and the lighthouse; it never fails to disappoint. Of course a little breakfast on the main street, an amble back along the coastal cliff path to the beachside playground and to watch the big boats through the notorious rip is always a must and an easy enjoyable way to fritter away the morning.

Another must this season is to visit the fantastic new jewel in the crown of the Bellarine – the recently upgraded Curlewis Golf Course. Along with the stunning course, it has a fantastic driving range complete with automated tee ups, very attentive staff and ceiling to floor glass windows in the snazzy new restaurant for your viewing pleasure. It all adds to that holiday feeling, not to mention a bit of fun with some mini-golf on the side.

Next on my list of Feb fun to get on-board with is something a little upmarket in another recently refurbished gem – the Q-train. Not only are we taking advantage of the sunset over the stunning Bellarine countryside as we gently roll along, we also get to experience the freshness and quality of our equally stunning local and regional gourmet food with a menu specifically designed around this. There is gorgeous seafood, succulent meats, fresh seasonally and locally grown vegetables, with a myriad of wines, beers and ciders to try.

Now that is my kind of way to end a dreamy Bellarine summer’s day!

Market day for me is always an extension of this kind of experience – being outdoors, surrounded by friends and family, reconnecting with nature and enjoying some of the simple pleasures of life in a relaxed environment.

Food has always been the cornerstone of our existence and everyday rituals, and by throwing our own mini-version of the great outdoors into the mix, I think we might just have the right ingredients for another all-round, wholesome minibreak.

So see you this Saturday at the market – I’m quite sure we’ve got all your real needs covered.

“Fresh from our backyard”.
Cheers, Sally