Fact Sheets & Video - Geelong

Although Victoria's second-largest city is reputed, at first glance, for its unappealing industrial and suburban sprawl, venture beyond the ordinary back door entry to discover one of the country's most dynamic city centres.

Over the last decade the Geelong Waterfront precinct has undergone a multi-million dollar redevelopment, equating to $180 million dollars worth of public and private expenditure. The landscaped foreshore now contains a mix of something old and face-lifted and something very exciting and new.

The Waterfront - one of the few facing north in Victoria and around an hour's drive from Melbourne - has an exciting array of restaurants, bars and attractions, from Cunningham Pier, past the Royal Geelong Yacht Club to Eastern Beach.

Eastern Beach features jetties, a famous art-deco swimming pool complex - now restored and where the Geelong Football Club may be seen during their recovery sessions - parklands and eateries. Central features at the waterfront include the Steampacket Quay and Steampacket Gardens where visitors can take a stroll beside the bay or enjoy a picnic on the lawns, and, of course, the colourful caricatures along the famous Bollards Trail.

The antique carousel beside the quay is a favourite with youngsters (or big kids at heart) who can do laps on the 36 painted horses and two chariots to familiar melodies from a 19th century fairground organ. Or for those seeking an adrenalin rush, you can always opt for a thrill-seeking ride around Corio Bay with Victoria's only high-speed jet boat operator.

Waterfront Geelong is also a major events venue, with its sweeping lawns and views providing backdrops for markets, sporting events and festivals.

Geelong Football Club's innovatively designed home ground, Skilled Stadium, is regarded as one of the largest and most prestigious venues throughout Victoria and is one of three venues within the state to host AFL Premiership matches. Originally built in 1941, the stadium (formally known as Kardinia Park, Shell Stadium and Baytec Stadium) is the heart of football in Geelong and houses approximately 27,000 AFL fans.

Although predominantly modern in design, Skilled Stadium still gives fans an old-fashioned footy experience with its relaxed atmosphere and standing-room terraces. Skilled Stadium hosts about 10 Australian Football League games every season, giving Cats' fans the chance to barrack for their favourite team on home turf

The Geelong Football Club also run historical "Home of the Cats" tours at Skilled Stadium on a weekly basis with insightful tour guides. The tours are free.

Contacts & Costs

Geelong Waterfront - see 'Related Links' section for website details.

Geelong Football Club - Home of the Cats Tours are Free and booking are essential. Call (03) 5225 2300 or visit website listed in 'Related Links' section.

Jet Boat Rides - $30 per adult and $20 per child for 15 minute rides, or $55 per adult and $35 per child for 25 minutes.

Call 0419 237 300 or visit their website, listed in the 'Related Links' section.

Four Points by Sheraton Geelong - Call them on (03) 5223 1377 or visit their website (listed in the 'Related Links' section.