Beyond the city’s hum, the Bellarine District beckons. This isn’t just a place on a map. The Bellarine District is a story waiting to be unfolded. A story etched in ancient lands and whispered by coastal winds. The Bellarine Peninsula, the heart of this district, holds a history far older than Melbourne itself. Once known as Balla-wein by the Wadawurrung people, it means “elbow” or “reclining at the elbow.” Imagine the Wadawurrung, Australia’s first inhabitants, camping across this land, living in harmony with its rhythms. William Buckley, an escaped convict, found refuge among them, living on the Bellarine Peninsula for 32 years. He learned their language, their customs, their stories. His life became intertwined with Balla-wein. In 1835, John Batman arrived, using Indented Head, part of the Bellarine District, as his base camp. This marked a turning point, the beginning of European settlement. The Bellarine Peninsula became “the granary of the colony,” supplying wheat and grain to the burgeoning settlements. Paddle steamers brought visitors seeking respite by the bay, transforming the area into a tourist destination. The railway arrived in 1879, connecting the district more closely to Geelong and Melbourne. This spurred agricultural production but also marked a shift away from the quieter days of paddle steamers. Today, the Bellarine District is a blend of old and new. The spirit of the Wadawurrung still lingers in the land, in the wetlands and the native woodlands. The seaside towns, wineries, and bustling communities are a testament to the waves of settlers and visitors who have shaped its identity. The Bellarine District is a place where you can experience “seachange”, a term popularized by the Australian TV series filmed at various locations on the peninsula, including Barwon Heads. The Bellarine District isn’t just a destination. It’s a journey through time, a tapestry woven with indigenous heritage, colonial history, and the enduring allure of the coast.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs