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Victoria's second largest city is many decades away from its industrial past of woollen mills and Ford car manufacturing. Whimsically decorated bollards along the waterfront offer a glimpse of what this bayside place now offers its visitors.
Geelong was founded in the 1850s as a centre for the nearby goldfields of Ballarat and Bendigo, and a port to transport the inland's wheat and wool. It has grown up to become a cosmopolitan city well placed between Melbourne to the north and the scenic Great Ocean Road to the west. From its location on Corio Bay, it's only 45 minutes to the Bellarine Peninsula where you may taste local wines and olive oils or relax at cafes and restaurants.
Why go to Geelong?
Pros: Whether relaxing on the beach or exploring the local art scene, you'll find something fun to do in Geelong.
Cons: Not all beaches are patrolled by lifeguards, so be careful of rip currents and strong waves.
Bottom Line: This artsy city has a unique past and plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy.
Where You’re Docked
The Port of Geelong is a busy working port, the largest regional port in Victoria. Large cruise ships anchor in Corio Bay off Central Geelong, and passengers are tendered ashore to Cunningham Pier just a couple of blocks from the city centre. There are plans for appropriate berth arrangements in the future with the construction of a new Yarra Street Pier.
Geelong Cruise Port Facilities
The pier is well located for enjoying the waterfront, shopping, or visiting sights in the town. The Visitor Information Centre on Moorabool St, (Freecall within Australia: 1800-755-611, +61 352 831 735). Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next to the National Wool Museum is just over a block away, and the staff can answer all your questions about what to see and do. Across the road from this is a massive Westfield shopping centre with shops, eateries, ATMs and banks.
There is much to keep you occupied at the end of the pier, too. In the Steampacket Gardens, at Eastern Beach, to the left as you leave the pier, there is an eye-catching 1892 steam-driven carousel housed in a modern building. At the far end of the gardens there is a cafe and another place to eat, adjacent, on Fishermen's Pier. To the right, as you exit, there is The Geelong Boat House (+61 352 223 642) serving fish and chips on a restored barge, and open daily for lunch. Baveras Brasserie (+61 352 226 377) also shares the water views and is open for lunch daily, from noon.
Good to Know
Those brightly painted and quirkily decorated Baywalk Bollards are the work of local artist Jan Mitchell. She created these in the mid-1990s, painting more than 100 timber bollards that had once been a vital part of the port. They are worth looking at carefully as they reflect local history and identities. You won't miss seeing them as they are dotted all around the waterfront between Rippleside Park and Limeburners Point and the Botanic Gardens.
Not all beaches are patrolled or have flags so do watch out for 'rips' (strong currents) when there is a big swell. If bushwalking, be alert for snakes, and wear a hat and use sunscreen when outdoors.
Getting Around
By bike: Bicycles may be hired from Geelong Bike Hire; +61 401 217 877
By bus: Geelong buses use the myki card, a reusable Smartcard that you can buy and top up at more than 800 retailers including: all 7-Eleven Stores; the ticket office window at Premium Stations and staffed V/Line commuter stations; from a myki machine (full-fare myki cards only) located at all train stations and major tram and bus interchanges; on the website and by calling, in Australia, 1800 800 007.
By car: All the major rental car companies are represented in the city so get details from the Visitor Information Centre. If you are hiring a car, it is good to know that metered parking in the city is available during weekdays with free parking during weekends and public holidays, and is often time limited.
By helicopter: If you would like to see Geelong and the bay and beaches from the air without getting wet, Geelong Helicopters (+61 422 515 151) are on the waterfront at Yarra Street Pier.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money
ATMs and currency exchanges may be found throughout the town at banks and also in shopping centres as well as many hotels. Withdrawals will be in Australian currency, usually in $50 and $20 notes. For current currency conversion figures visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. U.S. dollars are not acceptable when shopping, but major credit cards are generally welcome.
Language
English is spoken in Geelong. Listen closely, though, and you may detect a slightly different vowel use in Victoria. For instance, Melbourne becomes Malbourne, and television is talevision.
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