THE DOWN SOUTH PHOTO SHOW - BELLARINE PENINSULA
The Point Lonsdale Jetty
Welcome to The beautiful bellarine peninsula
Welcome to the Bellarine Peninsula, where natural beauty meets coastal charm. Photographers flock here to capture the stunning landscapes, from the stunning Rip area at Point Lonsdale to the golden sands of Ocean Grove’s beaches to the tranquil waterways and reserves of Barwon Heads. The peninsula offers an array of scenes—from dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling oceans to quiet, serene coves perfect for creating timeless imagery. Whether you're here to learn new ways to photograph landscapes, or perhaps you are a seasoned shooterlooking for fresh inspiration, the Bellarine Peninsula promises a wealth of diverse settings to fuel your creativity.
Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, with their unique coastal village vibes, offer picturesque locations at every turn. Point Lonsdale’s iconic jetty and lighthouse precinct, Ocean Groves pristine beaches and Barwon Heads’ famous bridge, Bluff and river views provide dramatic backdrops. The surrounding nature reserves and coastal trails also offer photographers plenty of inspiration. With a blend of unspoiled beaches, rugged coastline, and welcoming local communities, the Bellarine Peninsula invites you to explore, capture, and share the essence of this captivating region.
LOCATION ONE - POINT LONSDALE
Under the Jetty at Point Lonsdale
HISTORY - Point Lonsdale, located at the entrance to the iconic Port Phillip Bay, has a rich history that dates back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. Originally home to the Wadawurrung people, the area was later explored by European navigators, with Lieutenant John Lonsdale for whom the point is named, playing a significant role in its early mapping in the 19th century. In 1857, the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse was constructed to help guide ships safely into the bay, making it a key maritime landmark. Over time, the area grew into a small seaside resort, with fishing, boating, and tourism becoming integral to its community. Today, Point Lonsdale retains much of its historic charm, with its lighthouse, coastal beauty, and connection to maritime heritage continuing to be central to its identity.
PHOTOGRAPHY - We start at our most challenging location in the most challenging light!
A polarising filter here will be a must as the harsh over-head light will create pale blue skies and a lot of contrast. However this will lend itself to some high speed shots, capturing breaking waves or the odd bird that strays into view. It will also give us plenty of scope to break out the zoom and search for compositions within the broader landscape.
If you have one, an ND filter will also assist here if you are keen on that blurred water effect under the Jetty.
5 IMAGE IDEAS to capture at point lonsdale
UNDER THE JETTY
SAND AND WAVES USING THE JETTY AS YOUR BACKGROUND ANCHOR SUBJECT
FROM THE END OF THE JETTY LOOKING BACK TO THE LIGHTHOUSE
THE LIGHTHOUSE REFLECTED IN A ROCK POOL (SUBJECT TO TIDES)
THE “BACK BEACH” STRETCHING TOWARDS OCEAN GROVE
LOCATION TWO - OCEAN GROVE
MEETING POINT - LOOK OUT RESERVE - LOOK OUT ROAD OCEAN GROVE
The Lookout Steps
HISTORY - Ocean Grove, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, has a rich history that stretches back to the 19th century. Originally home to the Wadawurrung people, the area began to attract European settlers in the 1850s. The town was officially established in the 1860s, initially as a seaside resort with a focus on tourism and recreation, thanks to its beautiful beaches and proximity to Melbourne. The arrival of the railway in the 1920s further boosted its popularity, transforming it into a bustling holiday destination. Over the years, Ocean Grove has evolved from a quiet coastal retreat to a vibrant, thriving community, while still maintaining its relaxed beachside charm. Today, it stands as one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most sought-after locations, blending rich history with modern coastal living.
PHOTOGRAPHY - Here, the dramatic coastline yields a little to reveal pristine beaches and coastal vegitation. We start at the top - Ocean Grove’s highest beach lookout. From here we will be able to capture the Southern Ocean and views back to the Lighthouse at Point Lonsdale to the East and The Barwon Heads Bluff to the West. We will then wander down to the sands to see what nature has on offer. Shells, birds and the occassional aquatic creature are all possible here.
5 IMAGE IDEAS to capture at OCEAN GROVE
THE ICONIC SHOT STRAIGHT DOWN THE STAIRCASES
SURFERS CATCHING A WAVE
ZOOM IN ON THE CROWDS AND CAPTURE THE COLOUR OF A BEACH DAY
SHOOT THE LIGHTHOUSE THROUGH THE FOREGROUND VEGETATION
TRY TRACKING THE GULLS AND THEY SWOOP AND SOAR
LOCATION THREE - THE BLUFF AT BARWON HEADS
MEETING POINT - THE BLUFF CARPARK BLUFF ROAD BARWON HEADS
An Aerial Shot of the Barwon Heads Bluff.
HISTORY - Barwon Heads, located at the mouth of the Barwon River on the Bellarine Peninsula, has a fascinating history that dates back to its early days as a meeting place for the Wadawurrung people, the traditional custodians of the land. European settlement began in the 19th century, with the town officially established in the 1850s. The construction of the Barwon Heads Bridge in 1927 was a significant event, providing better access and spurring the area’s growth as a popular seaside resort. The town’s beautiful beaches and proximity to Geelong attracted tourists, and by the mid-20th century, it had developed into a well-known holiday destination. Today, Barwon Heads blends its historic roots with a relaxed, vibrant community, known for its natural beauty, coastal charm, and thriving local culture.
PHOTOGRAPHY - Here will will wander atop the cliffs to our ultimate sunset viewing location. This rugged coatline is home to many birds of prey including the Nankeen Kestral and Peregrine Falcons. So your biggest zoom will come in handy! We can also put to use our tripods here as sunset approaches. Long exposures of the rolling waves and white water are a great way to hone your skills. Hopefully mother nature will behave and put on a susnet show for us.
5 image ideas to capture at the bluff, barwon heads
BIRDS OF PREY
BIG ZOOM ON THE BEACH STAIRS
LONG EXPOSURES OF ROLLING WAVES
SHOOT THE ICONIC BRIDGE AND JETTY RESTARAUNT
SUNSET WITH FOREGROUND INTEREST