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Waterfront Geelong is one of Australia's best waterfront redevelopments. The transformation includes new restaurants, beautiful landscaped gardens, walking, cycling and skating paths, attractions and public art. Central features are Steampacket Quay and Steampacket Gardens where you can take a stroll beside the bay or enjoy a picnic on the lawns. Waterfront Geelong 's jewel is an art-deco swimming pool and park complex off Ritchie Boulevard and Eastern Beach Road . Built in the 1930s, the park and pools have become City landmarks, drawing crowds for more than 60 years. A recent upgrade of the huge sea bathing complex and youngsters' pool, surrounding parkland and pavilions and fountain has added to the area's popularity. An antique carousel beside the quay is a favorite with youngsters who can do laps on the 36 painted horses and two chariots to familiar melodies from a 19th century fairground organ. On the other side of Beach Road , Customs Park recalls Geelong 's maritime importance in an artistic way. Unique metal and glass "cargo boxes" contain examples of the cargoes handled at the port and provide illumination at night. To complete the picture, Waterfront Geelong has modern street lighting and street furniture to match the contemporary feel. Waterfront Geelong is also a major events venue, with its sweeping lawns and views providing backdrops for markets, sporting events and festivals.
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Central Geelong is the retail and commercial focus of the Geelong region and is a true multi-purpose center. It benefits from the location of a University, TAFE College, Performing Arts Center, museums and galleries, a modern cinema complex and extensive health, medical and specialist services. These facilities provide a high level of employment in Central Geelong and establish a key role in the areas of education, health and entertainment. Central Geelong has benefited from its proximity to the popular tourism destinations of the Bellerine Peninsula, Surf coast and Great Ocean Road. More recently, Central Geelong has positioned itself as a tourist destination in its own right with features such as Waterfront Geelong, Eastern Beach and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Many of the activities undertaken by Central Geelong City Management have a retail focus. The majority of businesses within the precinct share this focus and it is recognized that the increase use of retailers within the precinct will benefit all businesses. The central area of Geelong also has plenty of fun for all ages, with excellent restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. The night life is intense with live music in bars and cafes, especially during the weekends. Geelong's people are a proud and relaxed bunch, which comes with living by the water in a sophisticated town without city stress. Nearly 80% of locals were born in Australia, and there is a healthy representation from the rest of the world. Geelong has access to the best in health, education and community facilities in Australia. There is an extensive system of government schools and world renowned private schools, including The Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School. The multiple award winning Deakin University, Marcus Oldham Agricultural College and the Gordon Institute make Geelong a world-class center of education.
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Around Geelong, Bellarine is a small rural district between Clifton Springs and Portarlington on the low slopes of Mount Bellarine, some 25km east of Geelong city. Although a few kilometers from the sea, Bellarine is elevated and affords some of the best bay views in Victoria. Views across the bay to Point Nepean, over the isthmus of Queenscliff and the nearby shores of Portarlington and Drysdale make this stunning land. Scotchman's Hill winery and the Spray Farm vineyard take full advantage of their views by hosting regular public festivals, concerts and events, especially during summer. Although most of Bellarine is occupied by small farms or large acreages, closer to Portarlington and the bay there are more houses. Proximity to bay beaches, surf beaches and Geelong make Bellarine a great place to live or visit. For the Surfers, Bell's Beach is one of the best right points in the world, with barrels and radical tubes that you'll never forget. Don't miss Geelong in your trip to Australia, and if you are planning to study, Geelong offers everything you need. Great schools, great surf, great fun, great shopping, and very friendly people. Geelong is a "must go". More info :www.visitgeelong.org
