There is a very good reason that the ABC chose to showcase the natural beauty of St Leonards and Indented Head for its acclaimed television series Seachange.
Locals have an official motto for the small coastal community of St Leonards. It is ‘Where every day is Sunday’.
For here at the eastern most point on the Bellarine Peninsula life both slows down and opens up. St Leonards is centred commercially and recreationally by the intersection of The Esplanade and Murradoc Road.
A shopping strip with cafes restaurants and a beach-facing pub overlooks the historic pier which
provides great access to deep water fishing.
Alongside the pier is Harvey Park which features an enclosed playground picnic facilities and space to sit down relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
Outside of this central meeting point there is no shortage of beautiful open areas to get lost in and to explore.
Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve
There is much to explore on the southern tip of St Leonards with the Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve offering an array of experiences environments and views.
It is home to the last remaining area of coastal woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula with the precious habitat home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and animals.
Emerging from the forest canopy the salt marshes and dune vegetation dominate the vista.
The point is straddled between two major bodies of water – to the west lies Swan Bay and to the east is the wide expanses of Port Phillip Bay.
For those interested in joining the Friends of Edwards Point Reserve Inc. group who maintain the natural environment of the reserve on a voluntary basis find more information on Friends of Edwards Point Reserve facebook page.
Ozone wreck
The water off St Leonards and Indented Head are popular for snorkelling and diving.
The prime spot is the shallow Ozone paddle steamer which was deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef in the 1920s.
Always check the water conditions before you enter and we recommend that you never swim alone. Always supervise children carefully around water.
Bellarine Coastal Trail
Connecting Edwards Point in St Leonards’ south to Portarlington the Bellarine Coastal Trail is a 17 km network of walking and cycling paths that pass through a variety of environments.
The dominating Melbourne skyline and the jagged silhouette of the You Yangs provide contrasting views as you journey along the eastern fringe of the mainland.
St Leonards is 25 minutes from Ocean Grove and 35 minutes from Geelong.