Geelong, Great Ocean Road Region, Victoria, Australia

Wallington

Adventure Park

Super charge you summer at Victoria's biggest theme park! Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just 10 minutes from Geelong boasts 21 exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family! Just some of the ways you can make a gigantic splash and enjoy the unlimited rides all day long include: • Raft the roaring rapids on The River Torrent Lazy River, with twisting tides and swirling gauntlets along a tropical river oasis • Speed down head first and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Six Lane Aqua Racer, a speed slide for the serious thrill-seekers which can take you up to 40km per hour • Race down The Gold Rush Rapids in a speedy 20 seconds and take the two metre plunge • Take a splash in the dark on the Wild West Canyon on a two-seater raft, experiencing twists and 360 degree turns! Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun. On dry land, families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Electric Cars, try a hand at Archery, discover the new Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of Mini Golf, take a leisurely ride on the Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes and watch the world go by on the Classic Carousel. Bring in a picnic, hire a BBQ and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

Geelong

National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store and is set amongst the vibrant new Waterfront Geelong. The Museum is Australia's largest comprehensive museum of wool, showcasing the region's wool story - from the sheep's back to the clothes rack, and from the birth of the industry in the 1840's to its place in the world today. Central to the Museum experience is the 1910 built Axminster Jacquard carpet loom. Daily demonstrations by the Museum's skilled carpet weavers show how the loom works, and at the same time produce the Museum's own "Manor House Rug", available for purchase through the Museum Shop. The Museum has two permanent galleries. The first, "The Wool Harvest", looks at sheep farming and wool production. Exploring the pastoral aspect of wool in Australia, visitors can follow the path of the fleece through shearing, classing, wool pressing and dispatch. A recreated shearing shed and a film about shearing demonstrate what life in the shearing industry was like. Shearing demonstrations can be arranged for group bookings. Gallery Two, "From Fleece to Fabric", looks at the processing of wool into fabric and offers an insight into the people and processes involved in the textile industry. A sequential display of the machinery actually used in the process demonstrates the transformation of fleece to fabric. The Museum also has an exciting annual calendar of temporary exhibitions and events. On the Ground Floor, the Museum Shop stocks a wide range of woollen products and unique local crafts while Lamby's Restaurant offers great food, wines, coffee and cakes. The Museum is fully wheel chair accessible and there are accessible parking spaces located directly in front of the Museum. Bus parking and group tours are also available.

Geelong

Geelong Scenic Boat Cruise

Freedom Bay Cruises can give you the best view of Geelong! Located at Steampacket Quay on the beautiful Waterfront the 40 minute tour travels around Cunningham Pier, past boats, port facilities and the Art Deco Eastern Beach. All cruises include a full commentary and both inside seating and outside viewing areas. Freedom can take up to 60 passengers and cruises depart on the hour from 11am to 4pm, weekends and school holidays. Cruises are suitable for all ages with ample room for prams and wheelie frames. Crew are happy to assist passengers board the boat via the gangplank and four steps. Groups can pre book exclusive cruises on Freedom during the week, minimum numbers required. Freedom is also available for private parties at an hourly rate. For further information please visit the web site.

Geelong

Geelong Waterfront

Building their city on a North-facing bay was a stroke of genius for the forefathers of Geelong. Generations later, residents and visitors alike are enjoying the benefits of the area collectively known as 'The Waterfront'. Childrens attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do.

Geelong

Eastern Beach

The art-deco swimming enclosure at Eastern Beach has been a Geelong favourite for generations. Built in the 1930’s, the ‘Promenade’ is a wooden structure built in an arc, great for walking on a warm evening. The swimming area also has a large tower and diving boards. There is a separate children’s pool that is enclosed and paved. On shore, there is a fantastic adventure playground with plenty of spectator seats for the grown ups. There are large areas of lawn perfect for picnics or, depending on the season, a kick of the football or a game of cricket. There are toilet and dressing room facilities, and the beach is patrolled by lifesavers during summer. There is also a restaurant / café / kiosk on site. The whole area is set amongst grassy hills and enormous trees, and several of the buildings in the precinct are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Geelong

Eastern Park

Eastern Park is 185 acres of sporting facilities, walking tracks, parkland and recreation space. Located on the edge of the Geelong CBD and bordering the Geelong Waterfront precinct, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy fresh air and outdoor activity. The gravel track around the park is used by many locals for jogging, walking and cycling. There are 5 hard wicket cricket ovals as well as pavilions, BBQs and playgrounds, including the award winning Geelong Playspace.

Geelong

Geelong Botanic Gardens

The Geelong Botanic Gardens are a wonderful mix of old and new featuring traditional heritage gardens as well as the contemporary and waterwise 21st Century garden. The gardens were established in 1851 and as such feature fabulous mature trees, including some rare and exotic. Within the 17 acre space there are rose gardens, shaded lawn areas perfect for picnics, a teahouse. There are also regular guided walks exploring different aspects of the gardens and special interest areas.

Geelong

Geelong Playspace

The Geelong Playspace is a special playground. Located in the heart of Eastern Park and with views to Corio Bay, the multi-award winning design integrates accessible playground activities into the overall playground. The area caters for children of a wide range of abilities and a great cross section of age groups. The ‘Liberty Swing’ – which provides children in a wheelchair the experience of a playground swing – requires a key, which can be collected from either the National Wool Museum in Moorabool Street or The Carousel on the Waterfront.

Geelong

Geelong Shopping

As Victoria’s largest regional town, there are loads of shopping options in Geelong. The central city area has a high concentration of malls with major department stores and chains, as well as a good mix of specialty shops and independent boutiques. There are fairly large-scale shopping centres in major suburbs such as Belmont, Waurn Ponds and Corio. Pakington Street, running through Newtown and Geelong West, is vibrant and fashionable. Shops here tend to be independent and perfect for finding on-trend fashion or unique homewares.

Geelong

Geelong Walking Tours

Start your trip to Geelong with a guided walk where you will visit the key attractions, the arts precinct and our stunning Waterfront. Get some inspiration for the remainder of your stay and even some discounts. Walks depart from the National Wool Museum, Cnr Brougham & Moorabool St. The 2 hour walk costs $12 and includes a delicious morning or afternoon tea hosted by Four Points Sheraton Geelong on the spectacular Waterfront. Bookings essential – 03 5244 7102.

Geelong

2 Faces Restaurant

"If Chef Simon Yarham's menu were a painting, it would contain elaborate flourishes, busy curlicues, curious daubs of texture and, above all, obsessive attention to detail. His spirited approach to food may faze the less adventurous, yet others will delight in Yarham's artistry" - The Age Good Food Guide Join 2 Faces Restaurant in the air conditioned, relaxed 1857 Heritage dining room. Whether you choose a la carte, group dining, a function, regional four course or the seven course degustation menu, the passion for food and service will be evident. Now in the 13th year the evocative and eclectic menus spoil you with choices of infused flavours, fresh ingredients and Simon's innovative gastronomic style. Get ready for an adventure into culinary diversity with dishes that draw on tastes, textures and ideas from a myriad of world cuisines. Nothing plain here!

Geelong

Jerringot Wetlands Geelong

Jerringot Wetland is a freshwater marsh within Belmont Common and is part of the Barwon River's natural floodplain. It is a surprising sanctuary for wildlife within an urban setting. Over 120 species of birds visit or live at Jerringot through the year. The internationally significant Latham’s Snipe fly 20,000km from Japan to south eastern Australia and can be found in good numbers during spring and summer. Other significant species include the Australian Shoveler, Hardhead, Baillion’s Crake, Cattle Egret, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Great Egret. It is an excellent habitat for frogs, including the endangered Growling Grass Frog. Native fish such as Common and Spotted Galaxias and the rare Australian mudfish find a home in the waters as well as many aquatic plant species. River Red Gum, River Bottlebrush and Teatree, as well as thickets of Tangled Lignum fringe the river side of the wetland.

Geelong

Johnstone Park

Located on the Western edge of the city centre and adjacent to the Geelong Railway Station, Johnstone Park is a glorious green space, with mature trees, grassed lawn areas and a heritage bandstand. The Little Malop Street edge of the park is an arts and culture precinct within Geelong and home to the Geelong Gallery, Geelong Regional Library, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, and the Geelong Heritage Centre.

Geelong

Kardinia Park

Just South of the Geelong CBD, Kardinia Park is most famous for its AFL Champion tenants, the Geelong Cats. Simonds Stadium, the Geelong Football Club home ground, is on the Eastern side of Kardinia Park. The stadium seats 28,300 people and hosts AFL matches during winter and a range of other sporting events at other times during the year. Kardinia Park is also home to Kardinia Swimming Pool, which operates with seasonal hours between October and April. With two Olympic sized swimming pools, several childrens’ pools, two diving boards (1m and 3m) and a waterslide. Also within the bounds of the park are a childrens’ playground, fitness circuit, cricket and football ovals, netball courts and walking / running / riding tracks.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove Beach is located in the centre of the 9.5 km long beach that curves in a broad, south facing arc from Point Lonsdale to the Barwon River mouth. The Ocean Grove section is 2 km long and faces south-east. Some protection is offered by Barwon Heads and the beach receives waves averaging 1.4m. These waves interact with the fine beach sand to produce a wide, low gradient beach face, fronted by a 300m wide surf zone that contains strong rips every 250m. During moderate waves, the rips increase in size and intensity toward Collendina, while decreasing toward Barwon Heads. At low tide, the beach and exposed bar can be over 100 m wide, with the deeper rip channels clearly visible. The town of Ocean Grove backs the beach, with a wide, well-arranged foreshore reserve between the town and the beach. It provides extensive parking, together with most beach amenities. The good parking and easy access, together with the surf club patrols and slightly lower waves make this a popular summer beach. The Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1948 and performs an average of 8 rescues each year. Swimming A moderately safe beach, particularly during average summer conditions, when extensive bars dominate. Best at high tide, however watch the rips, particularly at low tide. Best to stay between the flags. Surfing Usually has wide, moderate to low beach breaks; more popular with summer surfers. Fishing Best to go up the beach away from the summer crowds, and where rip holes are more common. General A popular summer beach, which can hold a large crowd. It has a wide, shallow surf zone with rips increasing up the beach, so it is best to stay near the surf club and bathe in the patrolled area. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Ocean Grove

Shopping in Ocean Grove

As a large town, Ocean Grove offers the greatest range of shopping options on the Bellarine. The main street, a few blocks from the beach, has strip shopping, a supermarket, post office and several independent and specialty stores. There is also a shopping centre to the north-east of the town with a large supermarket, chemist and take-away food outlets.

Geelong Pakington Street

Pakington Street

Pakington Street (or ‘Pako’ to locals) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan mix of shopping and eating out. Fashion stores, boutique giftware, specialty stores and gourmet groceries make up the eclectic mix of shops. You are likely to finish your day with a killer pair of heels and locally grown gourmet tomatoes.

Geelong

Rippleside

The Rippleside foreshore reserve in Geelong’s Northern suburbs is best known as the home of the Geelong Community Adventure Playground. The wooden playground offers a great range of equipment for children of all ages and abilities. There are also public toilets, picnic and BBQ facilities at the park, as well as a great expanse of grassed area perfect for ball sports, kites or just a run-around.

Geelong

Toast to the Coast

Sit back, relax and enjoy the comforts of Geelong & Surfcoast Limo Bus while you are chauffeur driven around the Great Ocean Road. You customise the tour to your liking by choosing wherever you want to go and which venues you want to stop at. An example tour would be; Start by travelling through the lush Otway forest on the way down to Lorne for a relaxing lunch with maybe an optional wine tasting stop on the way. Leaving Lorne, cruise along the renowned Great Ocean Road passing through Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and then stopping at the famous Bells Beach. It's then on to Torquay for afternoon tea and a drive through its surfing retail strip before heading for home. Approximate times are: 10:30am - Pick-up 11:30am - Wine tasting (optional) 12:30pm - Lunch : Lorne 3:30pm - Afternoon tea : Torquay 4:30pm - Drop-off Meals and wine tasting fees are at your own expense.

Geelong

Balyang Sanctuary Geelong

A haven for waterbirds and popular with picnicking families, Balyang Sanctuary in Geelong suburb Newtown. The centrepiece of the nine hectare park is a lake with three islands – two connected by bridges and the third retained as a safe nesting place for native birds. Feathered residents at the sanctuary include swans, pelicans, Eurasian coot, dusky moorhen, Pacific black duck, mallard, pied cormorant, geese and silver gulls There are also shady grassed areas, picnic areas, a rotunda, free parking and public toilet facilities.

Barwon Heads

Food & Wine

Bustling with fashionable sippers and shoppers, the main street offers a variety of dining experiences from casual provedores and bakeries to fine restaurants or home-cooked take-away meals. MUST TRY'S: Annie's Provedores Peppercorn Foods Beach House Barwon Heads At The Heads Restaurant Fish & Chips on the beach

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Bridge

The Barwon Heads Bridge is a road connecting Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. The deteriorating 100+ year old bridge has been reconstructed in recent years and a second bridge has been built alongside to take pedestrian traffic, cyclists and recreational anglers.

Barwon Heads

Shopping

Whether it's children's wear, a new surfboard or headwear for the Spring Racing Carnival, Barwon Heads has something to offer. There are famous surf shops, while many boutiques sell stylish clothes and homewares. Retail therapy musts: Firth Kiitos Living by Design Moss Industry

Barwon Heads

Barwon River

From its beginnings in the Otway Ranges, the Barwon River winds its way through suburban Geelong before flowing into the ocean at Barwon Heads. The mouth of the river has sandy banks that are popular with families and walkers. Fishing is popular on the jetties near the mouth of the river. Kayakers and paddlers are often seen in this area of the river. Barwon Heads also has a sailing club where laser yachts are often seen at high tide. There are also BBQs and picnic areas alongside the riverbank.

Geelong

Barwon River Geelong

From its beginnings in the Otway Ranges, the Barwon River winds its way through suburban Geelong before flowing into the ocean at Barwon Heads. The mouth of the river has sandy banks that are popular with families and walkers. Fishing is popular on the jetties near the mouth of the river. Kayakers and paddlers are often seen in this area of the river. Barwon Heads also has a sailing club where laser yachts are often seen at high tide. There are also BBQs and picnic areas alongside the riverbank.

Near Wallington

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a disused railway corridor has been reborn as a 32km walking/cycling path linking the outskirts of Geelong with the coast at the historic village of Queenscliff. The Bellarine Rail Trail mostly follows the reserve of the old Geelong-Queenscliff railway, established in 1879 to service the military fort at Queenscliff. The railway soon became a popular service with visitors heading to the coastal holiday resort, an alternative to the bay paddle steamers. Eventually, diminishing freight and a lack of patronage saw the service finally closed in 1976. The rail trail begins near the Geelong Showgrounds, about one kilometre from the South Geelong railway station and ends near the historic Queenscliff railway station. It is mainly flat, with some short, steep climbs up from Leopold toward Curlewis and Drysdale. Steam trains still run on the section between Queenscliff and Drysdale. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway's vintage trains carry passengers on Sundays and public holidays. There are many access points to the trail and bay scenery and birdlife are some of the highlights. In the future, it is planned to link the trail with the Barwon River trail network and Eastern Park.

Geelong

Baywalk Bollards

104 bollards line the arc of Waterfront Geelong from Limeburners Point to Rippleside. Artist Jan Mitchell transformed the old timber pier pylons into this colourful piece of public art. Each bollard represents a different character from Geelong's history, from the Wauthaurong and together they tell a fascinating story. Further information is available at local Visitor Information Centres.

Geelong

Old Geelong Gaol

The Old Geelong Gaol is open from 1pm - 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, school and public holidays. The museum has a great variety of displays that tell the history of the gaol and visitors get hands on experience of the harsh conditions prisoners and staff endured at the facility. Visitors can experience solitary confinement cells, get a taste of prison life, meet some infamous figures who have spent time at the gaol and see the original hallows.

Geelong

ONE5ONE Gallery

Gallery and showroom, retailing and wholesaling of in-house designed unique and exotic furniture, architectural pieces, homewares, antiques and bohemian antiques. Including in-house import and export of exotic and unique pieces. Plus a large range of folk art, artifacts and curios, together with local and original artworks. The gallery has over 25 years experience in the design, production and distribution of their in-house products locally, nationally and internationally. Innovative, inspiring, living pieces. In addition to supplying a wide section of local and international clients, gallery clients have also included architects, interior designers, project builders, film producers and advertising agencies who have sought out that special and unique "stand out" piece. Whether it be, a brass and iron table crafted from ancient doors, huge carved double doors salvaged from a remote Indian fort, an ancient hand-carved Tibetan cabinet, an intricately carved and inlaid Indian palace sideboard or a centuries old hand-crafted, hand-painted temple from Kashmir, ONE5ONE Gallery specialise in the creation and import of unique, in-house products...

Geelong

Phoenix

Originally known as the Phoenix Hotel until 1952, it was renamed The Wool Exchange Hotel to reflect its clientele of local wool workers. In 2006 the Wood family took ownership, investing significantly in refurbishing and modernising this local icon. They also reverted the property to its original name signifying change but retaining the hotel's history. Situated on the corner of Moorabool and Corio Streets (Westfield side entry) the Phoenix is perfectly placed. Providing dining from 12pm in the modern bistro or comfortable alfresco area, private function facilities, inviting bar and Tabaret - the Phoenix is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family!

Geelong

Stay Connected

Geelong

Geelong: The City With A Holiday Charm

Highlights

Packages & Offers

Mercure Geelong Family Fun Offer

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Mercure Geelong Family Fun Offer

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620