A Local's Guide to Things to Do in Ocean Grove: The Bellarine's Best Kept Beach Town

I've been shooting the Bellarine Peninsula for years, and Ocean Grove keeps pulling me back. It's one of those towns that doesn't try too hard. There's no strip of tourist traps, no overpriced everything. Just a great beach, a solid main street, and a community that genuinely loves where they live. If you're looking for things to do in Ocean Grove, you're in the right place. I've spent a lot of time here with my camera, and I'm happy to share what I know.

Hit the Main Beach Early

Ocean Grove Beach is the obvious starting point, and honestly it earns its reputation. The beach runs for a couple of kilometres, the sand is wide and clean, and the surf is reliable enough for a decent swim or a paddle without being too heavy. I love getting out here in the early morning. The light is soft, the beach is empty, and you can actually hear the ocean.

The surf club end gets busier through summer, but if you walk toward the estuary you'll find quieter stretches. This is one of the spots I keep coming back to with my drone. The aerial view of the sandbar and the river mouth is genuinely unlike anything you can see from the ground.

The Bluff and the Barwon River Walk

Most people don't realise how good the walking is around Ocean Grove. The Bluff gives you elevated views over the Barwon River mouth and out toward the bay. It's a short walk but a rewarding one. Bring a coffee from the main street and take your time up there.

The river walk along the Barwon is another quiet gem. It connects Ocean Grove to Barwon Heads, which is only a couple of kilometres along the water. If you make it across to Barwon Heads, stop at the bridge. The views back over the estuary are worth it, and it's the kind of scene that sticks with you. My Barwon Heads Art Print I came out of time spent in exactly this area, watching the light change over the water.

Grab Food on The Terrace

The main street strip in Ocean Grove is genuinely good for a town this size. The Terrace has a handful of solid cafes, a bakery that does proper pies, and a few decent spots for lunch. It's relaxed and local. You won't feel rushed and you won't be fighting tourists for a table in the off-season.

After eating, it's worth a wander through the shops. There are a few local art and homewares stores, which is usually where people end up asking me where they can find prints of the area online. Ocean Grove wall art is something people actively look for when they visit or when they've got a holiday house nearby.

Take the Coast Home

A lot of people who come to Ocean Grove either live here, have family nearby, or have been coming since they were kids. It's that kind of town. And when they leave, or when they want to bring a bit of that coast into their home, they start looking for something meaningful on the wall.

My Ocean Grove Art Print I starts from $89 and captures the beach in a way that feels real, not stock. I shot it myself, from a location I know well, at a time of day when the light was doing something worth keeping. Customers tell me prints like this lift a room and bring back that specific feeling of being somewhere they love. That's exactly what they're for.

If you're also spending time around Barwon Heads or Point Lonsdale, I've got prints from those spots too. The Point Lonsdale Art Print IV has been a consistent favourite, and it pairs well with the Ocean Grove print if you're building out a wall with Bellarine prints. For more on putting together a gallery wall or choosing the right size for your space, this guide is worth reading: What Size Wall Art Should You Choose for Each Room? A Practical Guide for Coastal Homes.

All prints are made to order, printed and shipped from Victoria, with free shipping anywhere in Australia. They arrive ready to hang.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean Grove known for?

Ocean Grove is known for its long surf beach, relaxed community feel, and the Barwon River estuary that separates it from Barwon Heads. It's one of the Bellarine Peninsula's most popular coastal towns, especially for families and surfers. The town has a strong local identity and avoids the over-commercialised feel of some other coastal destinations.

Is Ocean Grove worth visiting?

Yes, Ocean Grove is well worth a visit, especially if you're doing a Bellarine Peninsula trip. The beach is excellent, the walking tracks are underrated, and the food on the main strip is solid. It's close to Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale, so you can easily combine all three in a day or a weekend.

Where can I find Ocean Grove wall art?

Local Breaks has original photography prints of Ocean Grove, shot on location by me, a Geelong-based photographer who knows this coastline well. The Ocean Grove Art Print I is available as an unframed print, classic framed print, floating frame canvas, or shadow box frame. All orders include free shipping across Australia.

What size wall art works best for a coastal home?

For a main living area or above a couch, a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print tends to make the most impact. Smaller spaces like hallways or bedrooms work well with a Medium (42x59.4cm). Check the size guide post or visit localbreaks.com.au/pages/size-guide-1 for a full room-by-room breakdown.

Ocean Grove is one of those places you end up loving quietly. Go explore it, and if you want a piece of it on your wall, I've got you covered.