Things to See & Do
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.
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 are essential - 03 5244 7102.
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.
The Bellarine Taste Trail is a collection of gourmet delights and foodie experiences all within 20 minutes of each other. The trail twists a scenic path around The Bellarine, taking visitors to vineyards that are receiving some of Australia’s highest accolades for their wine and farms that have changed the local restaurant scene with their amazing produce.
There are breweries using innovative techniques for original flavours and bakeries known for amazing wood-fired bread and multi-award winning pies. Several tour companies run charter operations across the Bellarine, so you can truly indulge in all the Bellarine Taste Trail has to offer and let someone else worry about transport and navigation.
The Bellarine is bounded by Port Phillip Bay to the North and Bass Strait to the South – as such, the seafood on offer is amazing. Portarlington’s mussels are well known locally and feature in a
different dish at virtually every restaurant in the region. Places to eat range from those with stunning water views, or nestled in rolling farmland hills to exquisite and grand historic hotel dining rooms. They all offer their unique take on local fare.
For more casual meals, pick up a bounty of local produce from one of the provedores and food stores around the Bellarine and make it yourself – either at home or at your holiday accommodation.