The Bellarine Peninsula

History

The Bellarine Peninsula is surrounded by Bass Strait, Corio Bay and Port Phillip Bay and includes the seaside towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads and the bayside towns of Portarlington, Indented Heads, St Leonards and Clifton Springs/Drysdale.

The early European Settlement initially centred around farming, mainly grain and wheat in the early 19th century. In the late 19th century The Bellarine Peninsula became popular as a tourist destination with visitors arriving by rail and paddle steamer.

The current population on The Bellarine Peninsula is around 55000 with 25% of the people over 65 years of age.

Events

The Bellarine Taste Trail shows at a glance all the wineries, breweries, provedores, restaurants and cafes on The Bellarine Peninsula. There is also the annual Toast to The Coast each November showcasing the fine produce of the region.

The Portarlington Mussel festival is held in January each year.

St Leonards

Demography (census 2011)

St Leonards has a population of approximately 2000.
In St Leonards there are 50% females and 50% males in the population.
The median age of people living in St Leonards is 53 years old which 16 years above the national average.
In St Leonards 26% of homes are rented.

Government Information

  • St Leonards has the postcode 3223.
  • St Leonards is in the state electorate of Bellarine.
  • St Leonards is in the Federal Division of Corio.
  • St Leonards is within the local council area of The City of Greater Geelong.

Portarlington

Demography (census 2011)

  • Portarlington has a population of approximately 3600.
  • In Portarlington there are 52% females and 48% males in the population.
  • The median age of people living in Portarlington is 56 years old which 19 years above the national average.
  • In Portarlington 22% of homes are rented.

Government Information

  • Portarlington has the postcode 3223.
  • Portarlington is in the state electorate of Bellarine.
  • Portarlington is in the Federal Division of Corio.
  • Portarlington is within the local council area of The City of Greater Geelong. 

Drysdale

Demography (census 2011)

  • Drysdale has a population of approximately 4300.
  • In Drysdale there are 53% females and 47% males in the population.
  • The median age of people living in Drysdale is 45 years old.
  • In Drysdale 14% of homes are rented.

Government Information

  • Drysdale has the postcode 3222.
  • Drysdale is in the state electorate of Bellarine.
  • Drysdale is in the Federal Division of Corio.
  • Drysdale is within the local council area of The City of Greater Geelong.

Clifton Springs

Demography (census 2011)

  • Clifton Springs has a population of approximately 7000.
  • In Clifton Springs there are 51% females and 49% males in the population.
  • The median age of people living in Clifton Springs is 42 years old.
  • In Clifton Springs 18% of homes are rented.

Government Information

  • Clifton Springs has the postcode 3222.
  • Clifton Springs is in the state electorate of Bellarine.
  • Clifton Springs is in the Federal Division of Corio.
  • Clifton Springs is within the local council area of The City of Greater Geelong.