January on the Bellarine Peninsula is a month defined by long days, salty air and an appetite sharpened by sun and sea.
With holidaymakers filling coastal towns and locals settling into the slower rhythms of summer, dining across the peninsula becomes relaxed, seasonal and unmistakably coastal.
Fresh seafood takes centre stage at this time of year. Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait deliver an abundance of flathead, calamari, mussels and whiting, often appearing on menus within hours of being landed.
Fish and chips eaten from paper at the foreshore remain a January ritual, but many restaurants elevate the same catch into light, Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for warm evenings and shared tables.
January is also peak season for Bellarine produce. Local farms supply tomatoes heavy with sun, crisp cucumbers, sweet corn and fragrant herbs, all of which find their way into salads, antipasti plates and simple grilled accompaniments. Stone fruit from nearby orchards appears in desserts and cheese boards, while berries add brightness to breakfast menus and cafe staples.
The peninsula’s wineries come into their own in mid-summer. Cellar doors buzz with visitors seeking chilled whites, rosés and sparkling wines, best enjoyed with casual lunches overlooking vineyards. Many wineries lean into the season with picnic-style menus, wood-fired pizzas and grazing plates that encourage lingering rather than formality. As the vines edge closer to harvest, there’s a quiet anticipation in the air that adds to the experience.
Casual dining dominates January. Cafés open early to serve swimmers and walkers fresh pastries, good coffee and generous breakfasts. By afternoon, ice-cream shops, bakeries and beach kiosks do a steady trade as families drift between the sand and the street. Come evening, al-fresco dining becomes the default, with tables spilling onto footpaths and decks as the sun sets late over the bay.
There is also a strong sense of community in January dining on the Bellarine. Pop-up food trucks, twilight markets and outdoor events showcase everything from local oysters and paella to wood-fired bread and handmade gelato. These gatherings reflect the peninsula’s laid-back character – good food, local produce and shared summer moments.
In January, dining on the Bellarine Peninsula is less about formality and more about freshness, place and pleasure. It’s food that suits bare feet, warm nights and the simple luxury of time, making it one of the most enjoyable months to eat your way around this coastal region.
