DESTINATION: Geelong

The second largest provincial city in Victoria, Geelong is a deepwater port and industrial centre on the shores of Corio Bay. Much of Geelong's early wealth was created by wool exports and added to by thousands of gold-seekers passing through on their way to Bendigo and Ballarat; gold was exported through the port. Geelong is a well-planned city with many parks and open spaces.

Main Attractions

The renowned botanist Ferdinand von Mueller laid out Geelong's fine Botanic Gardens, which overlook Corio Bay. A special feature is the historic first Customs House, prefabricated in Sydney and shipped to Geelong in 1838. Eastern Beach is in the same vicinity as the gardens. The 1930s beach facilities have been refurbished in recent years and the enclosed pool is a popular swimming area. Geelong waterfront is an attractive leisure precinct with restaurants and attractions. The National Wool Museum is one of more than 100 National Trust buildings in the city. There are displays in the bluestone museum telling the complete story of the Australian wool industry as well as recreated shearers' quarters. The museum is on the corner of Moorabool and Brougham sts. Christ Church, in Moorabool St, is the oldest Anglican Church in Victoria that is still in use. The Geelong Art Gallery, the largest regional gallery in Victoria, and the Performing Arts Centre are both located in Little Malop St.

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Nearby attractions

There are many wineries in the Geelong area, a number of them offer tastings of the local cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and chardonnay. Details are available from the information centre. You Yangs Regional Park, a range of granite hills 20km north, offers picnic grounds and walking tracks. The Serendip Sanctuary, close to the You Yangs, is 250ha of open grassy woodlands and wetlands. There are nature trails, bird hides and a visitors' centre with displays of brolgas, bustards and pademelons. Brisbane Ranges NP, located 34km north, offers the state's richest wildflower habitat. The old gold town of Steiglitz, 10km NW of Anakie, features the restored Court House; open Sundays.

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Region: Melbourne Bays and Peninsulas

Peninsula Hot Springs & Day Spa, Victoria

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Melbourne’s Bays and Peninsulas, Victoria, popular for Sailing, beaches, fine food and wine and chic beachfront towns. Major attractions include: Arthur's Seat, Bellarine Peninsula, Cape Schank, Frankston, Geelong, Hastings, Mornington Peninsula, Port Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, Portsea, Queenscliff, St Kilda, Sorrento and the Werribee Park Mansion. more

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Tourist info

National Wool Museum, Cnr Moorabool and Brougham sts, Ph: 1800 620 888

Web sites with information, accommodation or tours for Geelong:
Le Parisien
Aaron Lee waterfront apartments
Ford Discovery Centre
Mercure Geelong

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