Geelong, Victoria

The city of Geelong is a thriving regional center and the second largest city in Victoria. Like Melbourne to its north, it fronts onto the blue waters of Port Phillip Bay which provides a delightful playground for water sports for its inhabitants. It also lies at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road and the holiday destinations on the Bellarine Peninsular like Anglesea, Torquay, Barwon Heads and Queenscliff are all within easy reach. Their surfing beaches, fishing spots and beautiful scenery are all enjoyed by Geelong’s inhabitants at the weekend. The great ocean Road itself begins here and many tours depart from Melbourne and pass through Geelong as part of their itinerary. This is one of Australia’s most scenic regions and towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay are within easy reach.

Geelong is a thriving commercial city with a strong economy. The waterfront area and Cunningham pier has been redeveloped into a fantastic promenade and there are now restaurants and cafes providing a cosmopolitan mix of cultures for everyone to enjoy. There is a large marina and fishing and sailing are both very popular pastimes in Geelong. The city has everything in the way of facilities that you would expect in a city of its size. Geelong has 52 wineries in its immediate hinterland and a tour of the Moorabool Valley will take you to most of them. Geelong is also home to modern universities and has a number of regional shopping malls that compliment its main commercial center.

Geelong is home to the Geelong Cats Australian rules football team. The Cats are among the leaders in the national competition and the cities inhabitants are fanatic fans. Geelong won the premiership in 2008 and is always a strong chance. Huge numbers of local fans always attend their home games. Players like Gary Ablett have become national icons in the game.

Geelong is very easy to get to. There is freeway access to the north into Melbourne and air services to Tullamarine airport come from all over Australia and the rest of the world. Regular train and coach services also provide regular services. If you havn’t yet visited this truly beautiful part of the country, why not pack your bag for a great weekend away in Geelong.