Geelong is Victoria's largest provincial city, situated on the shores of Corio Bay with a population of more than 200,000.

Water front Geelong has had exciting redevelopment with the result of a new look waterfront full of new attractions, fabulous restaurants, landscaped gardens, walking, cycling and skating paths. This $300 million dollar redevelopment has spectacularly transformed Waterfront Geelong into one of Melbourne's leading coastal locations

The township itself is a historic, attractive city with lovely views across the bay with fine parks and gardens, impressive museums & galleries and modern shopping and recreational facilities.

Founded in the late 1830's Geelong has been the capital for Victoria's cattle, wool and textile industries and was a major port in the mid 1850's gold rush era. Historically, rivalry between Melbourne & Geelong to be the first capital city in Victoria was so great last century, that Melbournian's made false maps for hopeful diggers showing the Goldfields closer to Melbourne than Geelong.


Distance

• 72 kms from SW Melbourne via Princess Highway

Highlights

• Geelong Performing Arts Centre - Live shows and Concerts throughout the year
• Geelong Show in October
• Geelong Cup in October
• Botanic Gardens - a blooming experience all year round.

Activities

• Shopping hubs in the area include Corio Village, Bay City Plaza, and Bellarine Village where you will find a variety of stores offering a range of fashion, leisure, deli and grocery items.
• Strolling through Geelong's new Waterfront Redevelopment - a place with landscaped gardens, walking and skating paths.
• Ride an Antique Carousel a restored 1892 Armitage-Herschell carousal providing fun for all at Steampacket Quay.
• National Wool Museum which is a living tribute to Australia's wool industry. Hear and see the story of how wool is transformed from the sheep's back into a finished garment.
• Go directly to Gaol and take a fascinating look at 19th Century prison life in Myers Street. The huge bluestone building is around 140 years old and was still in use not so long ago.
• Waybourne Winery provides tasting rooms with spectacular views of the surrounding vineyard and Barrabool Hills.
• Ford Discovery Centre is an interactive musuem and visitors centre that provides a behind the scenes experience of how cars are designed, engineered and built and pays tribute to the Australian history of 'Ford'.