Enjoy a romantic short break holiday in Geelong, Victoria
Where is it? Geelong is located on Corio Bay and the Barwon River, approximately 75 km south-west of Melbourne. It is Victoria’s second largest city and gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Best Known for ... Part of the area known as the ‘Surf Coast’ Geelong’s proximity to surf beaches gets it noticed, as does the area’s gourmet food producers and wineries.
Nearby you can discover ...
The Geelong region is quite diverse, boasting historic townships such as Queenscliff in the south-east (gorgeous Victorian-era architecture), fertile wine areas such as the Bellarine Peninsula, and scenic surf towns such as Torquay, just south of Geelong, which is home to the renowned Bells Beach.
Things to see and do ...
Visit the area’s boutique vineyards such as Littore Family Wines (formerly Idyll Winery) in the Moorabool Valley, or Bellarine Estate situated in the hills overlooking Corio Bay. Enjoy Skandia Geelong Week, a January sailing regatta which includes a fun family festival. Surf the beaches at Torquay (about 20 km south) and Anglesea (about 35 km south-west) The Old Geelong Gaol is also an interesting landmark. Built largely during the Gold Rush era when convicts, accommodated in prison hulks moored in Corio Bay, supplied labour for its creation.
For a regional tasty treat try ...
The local wine and delicious fresh seafood.
Don’t miss ...
A stroll along Geelong’s vibrant north-facing waterfront. You’ll find many of the area’s best restaurants and cafes as well as landscaped gardens and public artworks, all with views of Corio Bay.
Best place for a ...
Good coffee: Irrewarra Sourdough Cafe or The Heads Cafe Bar Restaurant right on the water at Barwon Heads.
Delicious meal: Fisherman’s Pier Restaurant at the bay end of Yarra Street.
For delicious local produce and wines; Base Eatery on the waterfront.
For fine French cuisine on the waterfront, Le Parisien.
Spectacular view: The waterfront or the Pettavel Winery and Restaurant which offers sweeping views from its hilltop locale.
Stunning photograph: Sunrise at Bells Beach.
Interesting souvenir: A bottle of wine or two from one of the cellar doors. Or pick up something from the cool gift shop at the National Wool Museum.
Short Break Itinerary: Stay for two nights in Geelong itself, enjoying the dining and attractions of the waterfront and taking day trips to the neighbouring wineries and beaches. Then head on for a picturesque driving holiday along the Great Ocean Road.