Local Attractions
What can't you do? That would be a shorter list. There are attractions, activities, events and features throughout the region to suit all ages and interest groups. From theme parks for children to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. From gourmet food and wine experiences to bushwalking through campsites. From a simple dip in the ocean to a luxurious spa retreat. There really is something for everyone.
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.
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 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.
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 and a booklet is available at local Visitor Information Centres.
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.
The Carousel
The Armitage-Herschell portable steam driven, hand-carved wooden carousel was constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation around the world.
Featuring 36 Dare horses and two chariots, it was purchased by the Steampacket Place Development Board in 1996 and painstakingly restored.
There is also a replica 1898 Gavioli Band organ in the pavilion.
The Carousel has become an ideal accessible meeting place for the community, and the owners take pride in providing a memorable experience for all ages and abilities.
This has been made possible with improved access to the pavilion, the welcome installation of a mobility lift and recharge point.
The mobility lift enables a wheelchair to go on the Carousel ride and was specially designed to respect and complement the history of the Carousel.
Geelong Wine
Whether it is the distinctive maritime flavours of The Bellarine, the ancient richness of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region or the rugged, exposed coastline of the Surf Coast, the Geelong Wine Region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines.
With each sub region and winery displaying their own unique characteristics, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the Geelong Wine Region's stunning scenery, touring routes and restaurants whilst sampling some of Victoria's finest cellar door experiences.
Geelong's family owned boutique operators maximise their wine's potential by hand pruning, hand picking and hand crafting their wines allowing regional characters to develop.
Areas within the region have varying microclimates influencing the depth of colour, bouquet and flavour of the wines. The Bellarine has a maritime climate with bay breeezes and spectacular views, whilst the hills and valleys of the Moorabool Valley – Anakie areas have a warm, continental style climate. The renowned Surf Coast is famous for its long summer days and cooling ocean breezes.
James Halliday in his Wine Atlas of Australia and New Zealand wrote:
"If there is a unifying feature in all of the Geelong wines, it is their strength and depth of colour, bouquet and flavour."
Not only does the Geelong wine region produce some of Australia's best wines, but the wineries are surrounded by some of Victoria's best scenery and touring opportunities.
The Geelong Wine Region. Fine wines – from our hands to yours.
Visit www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au for a full list of attractions
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