Geelong Travel
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Despite Victoria being in the grip of a drought, Geelong is still a thriving waterfront city, packed with surprises, including sophisticated dining and recreation options. Victoria's second biggest city is an enjoyable destination and the gateway to the increasingly popular Bellarine Peninsula.
The beauty of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are their proximity to Melbourne, perfect for a day trip or weekend break. Start in Geelong, only an hour from Melbourne, and head for the lively waterfront. On the waterfront, see the hand-carved steam driven carousel, which is more than 110 years old. Wander past the colourful bollards dotted along the foreshore, representing characters from the city's past. Visit some of the city's 100 National Trust-listed buildings. Enjoy lunch at one of the chic restaurants on the waterfront with stunning views of Corio Bay.
Then take a leisurely drive on the Bellarine Peninsula, enjoying rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and grazing cattle as you head to the coast.
Stop at a winery, visit a berry farm or check out a market. Along the Bellarine coast, you can explore the many historic seaside villages, savour a meal of fresh seafood, or buy some to take home, and enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing and other water sports.
Visit the Geelong Destination Guide for more information on this wonderful city.
The stunning Bellarine Peninsula, sometimes suffered from the illusion it ran a poor second to Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay. But Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula make up one of Victoria's most beautiful regions, offering pristine beaches, historic seaside towns, national parks and award winning wineries.
And Geelong is only 73km or about an hour's drive from Melbourne on the Princes Freeway. Geelong's revamped waterfront area is packed with attractions and activities and great restaurants with stunning views of Corio Bay. You won't miss the more than 100 brightly coloured, 2m-high Baywalk Bollards, representing some of the significant characters of the city's past.
Look out for explorer Matthew Flinders, the smartly dressed red- uniformed Volunteer Rifle Band, Peter Lalor, of Eureka Stockade fame, bathing beauties from the 1930s in neck-to- knee costumes contesting the Miss Geelong title and lifesavers in their distinctive red and yellow caps.
Geelong also offers lively shopping precincts and several excellent galleries and museums. A great way to sample some of the region's fresh produce is to wander among the stalls at the Central Geelong Farmers Market, held on the second Saturday of each month from 8.30am to 12.30pm in Little Malop St.
On offer are gourmet treats including handmade chocolates, chutneys, biscuits, breads, pasta and sauces, cheeses, vegetables, wines, fruit and jams. Learn about the history of the Australian wool industry at the National Wool Museum, which is housed in a restored 1872 wool store. Find out about cars at the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong through interactive displays and a collection of antique and contemporary cars. Visit cute seaside villages with sandy bay beaches from Portarlington to Queenscliff to Pt Lonsdale.
In Queenscliff, Victorian-era architecture, old churches, historic buildings, lighthouses, a huge military fort and modest fisherman's cottages reflect its colourful past. Enjoy the surf at Pt Lonsdale back beach, Thirteenth Beach and Ocean Grove, or a river beach at Barwon Heads.
**See Waterfront Geelong's famous bollards more than 100 colourful, quirky characters ** Visit the remarkable 21st century garden at Geelong Botanic Gardens ** Discover Geelong's early maritime history at the Geelong Maritime Museum overlooking Corio Bay. ** Visit the National Trust's Barwon Grange a beautifully furnished 1850S mansion ** Learn about cars at the Ford Discovery Centre, Geelong ** Go to Narana Creations to learn about Aboriginal culture ** Ride the carousel at Waterfront Geelong. ** Visit the National Wool Museum in Geelong and learn about the history of the Australian wool industry ** Taste fine wines at various local vineyards: Pettavel, St Regis Vineyard and Winery, Scotchman's Hill, Kilgour Estate, Oakdene Winery ** Play golf at Queenscliff Golf Club, Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Lonsdale Golf Club and Portarlington Golf Club ** Pick strawberries at a Wallington farm. ** Swim with seals and dolphins at Queenscliff. ** Ride an old steam train from Queenscliff to Drysdale ** Take a trip on the car ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento ** Dive to discover coraal sponges and shipwrecks around the Bellarine Peninsula ** Join locals for a spot of fishing at Barwon Heads. ** Surf from Point Lonsdale to Thirteenth Beach ** Walk or ride the Bellarine Rail Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff ** See 19th century military might at Fort Queenscliff
Visit the Geelong destination guide for more information
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