Long weekends are a busy time on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The permanent population of 60,000 can more than double in peak periods.
Holiday homes in Ocean Grove alone can hold more than 10,000 people, while there are a host of options in the tourism accommodation sector.
The Melbourne Cup long weekend is no exception, with visitors flocking to the coast to take advantage of the region’s first-class hospitality and attractions.
There are two events happening during that period that I wanted to highlight.
Council is really pleased to be opening the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 1 November, before throwing open the doors for a free open day on Sunday 5 November.
The open day gives everyone an opportunity to view the first stage of the new Drysdale venue, which features:
• An outdoor eight-lane 50-metre pool
• Kiosk with outdoor seating; and
• Shaded tiered seating and landscaped lawn areas.
The centre becomes part of our Swim, Sport and Leisure (SSL) network, meaning existing SSL members have reciprocal rights.
The project has been delivered thanks to a $10 million investment from the federal government and $5.5 million from the council.
Designs for stage two, featuring indoor aquatic facilities, have been approved.
The significant works have the support of $20 million each from the state and federal governments.
The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been designed to cater to all sections of the community.
This means it will be able to host swimming carnivals, learn to swim lessons and other aquatic programs, while providing an array of public meeting space and multi-purpose activity areas.
It is a very exciting addition to our leisure and recreation facilities on the Bellarine and provides more residents with access to key services closer to home.
For more information on the centre visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/nbac
Council is also pleased to be able to support the 2023 Bellarine Arts Trail.
We provided the organisers, Barwon Heads Arts Council, with a $10,000 community grant to help them deliver this eclectic event.
One of the great things about the arts trail is how it encourages you to get off the beaten path, and to discover something new.
Traversing the townships of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, the trail showcases the creative talents of nearly 80 artists across 45 venues.
There is so much to explore over 4 and 5 November.
For a sneak peek of what’s in store, the Taste of the Trail exhibition opens at the Barwon Heads Arts Hub on Saturday.
The exhibition will give you an insight into the range of art on show at the 45 venues, while allowing you to grab a map and plan your arts trail weekend.
Barwon Heads Arts Council (BHAC) is excited to announce the 2023 Bellarine Arts Trail will take place across four participating towns.
It’s great to see the arts hub become a central meeting point for the Bellarine Arts Trail. The hub was built thanks to a council and Victorian government partnership.
Council provided $427,000 and the land, with the government allocating $1 million to the project.
The hub helps support our regional creative talent and improves access to the arts.
