Geelong

Introducing Geelong

Much like nearby Melbourne, Geelong boomed during the gold rush as a gateway to the goldfields. In the 20th century, Victoria’s second-largest city played industrial catch-up, serving as the state’s busiest port and attracting heavy industry. Even with recent beautification along Corio Bay, smokestacks still loom over Geelong’s otherwise attractive beaches. Despite a burgeoning café culture and good pubs, many travellers bypass the city that seems to just be the gateway to almost everywhere else: the Great Ocean Rd, Shipwreck Coast, Melbourne and, slightly less impressive, Colac.

Information

Geelong & Great Ocean Road visitors centre (5275 5797; www.greatoceanrd.org.au/geelong; cnr Princes Hwy & St Georges Rd; 9am-5pm) About 7km north of Geelong’s centre, this office serves those speeding their way to the Great Ocean Rd.

National Wool Museum visitors centre (5222 2900; cnr Moorabool & Brougham Sts; 9.30am-5pm)

Sights & Activities

Geelong’s revamped waterfront has plenty to recommend itself: swimming, riding the carousel ride and admiring the grand historic homes. The Bay Walk Bollards brochure available from the information kiosk (Cunningham Pier) describes Jan Mitchell’s 104 famous painted bollards. For a better view of the town, cruise the bay with Freedom Bay Cruises (0418-522 328; adult/child $12/6; departs hourly from noon to 4pm in summer). Kids love the hand-carved Geelong Waterfront Carousel (5224 1547; Steampacket Pl; adult/child $3/2.50; 10.30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10.30am-8pm Sat, 10.30am-6pm Sun), a refurbished steam-driven merry-go-round.

Geelong Art Gallery (5229 3645; www.geelonggallery.org.au; Little Malop St; admission free; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 1-5pm Sat & Sun) is one of the city’s most impressive buildings housing over 4000 works. Naturally, the Australian collection is strong, with Frederick McCubbin’s A Bush Burial (1890) the gallery’s most celebrated painting, though the Early Geelong collection captures the region’s elusive beauty.

The 1851 Botanic Gardens (5227 0387; admission free; 7.30am-5pm) are a peaceful place for a stroll or picnic. The ‘21st century’ garden at the entrance features indigenous plants from across Australia.

In a historic bluestone building (1872), the National Wool Museum (5227 0701; www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au; cnr Moorabool & Brougham Sts; adult/child/family $8/4/20, with Ford Discovery Centre $12/5.50; 9.30am-5pm) focuses on the history, politics and heritage of one of Australia’s founding industries.

Ford Discovery Centre (5227 8700; www.ford.com.au/about/discovery; cnr Gheringhap & Brougham Sts; adult/child/family $6/3/15; 10am-5pm Wed-Mon) looks at the Ford motor industry then and now, using interactive displays and exhibits. Rev-heads love the ‘cars of the future’ display and Bathurst-winning Falcons.

The National Trust recognises over 100 of Geelong’s historic buildings. Several are open to the public, including the Heights (5221 3510; 140 Aphrasia St, Newtown; adult/child/family $6/3/14; 11am-4pm Wed & Sun), which was originally imported from Germany, and Barwon Grange (5221 3906; Fernleigh St, Newtown; adult/child/family $5/3/12; 11am-4pm Wed, Sat & Sun).

Last updated: Aug 27, 2009