Geelong - Victoria, Australia

Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria and ismany water based attractions such as the impressive
located just 75 km's south west of the states capital,foreshore pool, walk and beaches. There are also
Melbourne. It is sited on Corio Bay and has a populationplenty of fishing, swimming and boating opportunities.
in excess of 160,000 people.Within Geelong there are highlights which include The
The first non-aboriginal that sited the area that wouldFord Discovery Centre, National Wool Museum, Old
later become Geelong was believed to have beenGeelong Gaol and the Maritime Museum. There are
Lieutenant John Murray who 'discovered' the area inalso a number of historic buildings and points of interest
1802 whilst commanding the Lady Nelson. While unablewhich can be seen during self guided or guided tour.
to enter Corio Bay due to a sandbar Nelson mooredThere are also plenty of fine eateries, shops, the
the Lady Nelson and sent some of his crew ashore tocarousel which dates back to 1887, Cunningham Pier,
investigate what the region offered. But it wasn't untilThe Botanical Gardens, Waterfront walks, Waterfalls
1836 that three European settlers, David Fisher, Jamesand more, all waiting to be discovered.
Strachan and George Russell arrived to settle theThroughout the year Geelong hosts a number of
area was subsequently named 'Geelong' in 1837. Aannual festivals including music festivals, a Celtic
name derived from the aboriginal name for the areaFestival, the Geelong Cup, Cycling events and Air
'Jillong'.shows. Geelong is also the gateway to the Bellarine
It should be noted that in 1803 a convict by the namePeninsula and the Great Ocean Road which include
of William Buckley escaped from incarceration andsuch iconic Australian attractions as the Twelve
lived amongst the Wautharong aboriginal people in theApostles, Bells Beach and Whale watching
Geelong area until 1835 when he surrendered toSurrounding the Greater Geelong area you will also
authorities arriving to survey Geelong. Buckley wasfind a number of convenient day trips to such places
eventually pardoned and worked as an interpreter.as the amazing geological formations of the You
During the gold rush of the 1850's Geelong grewYang's granite peaks, Werribee Zoo, Brisbane Ranges
rapidly as it was the most direct route from the port toand the Anakie Gorge.
the goldfields of Ballarat. A number of significantFor wine lovers and 'foodies' the Geelong region
buildings including the Geelong Hospital and Town Hallproduces some of the finest varieties and wines in
are a legacy of this time and feature amongst theAustralia. Throughout Geelong and the Bellarine
towns historic heritage.Peninsula you will find a number of cellar doors and
As the goldfields dried up Geelong's growth slowedcomplimenting restaurants.
but the town was well established and whilst it wasFor those that want to enjoy some more active
quickly outgrown by Melbourne, Geelong grew intoactivities during their visit to the Geelong region there
Victoria's second largest city. In 1902 Geelong began toare some great bike tracks, surf beaches and surfing
develop a number of infrastructural industries includinglessons, plane and helicopter flights, boat charters,
its own power station and waterworks. Soon after thescuba diving trips and amusement parks
Ford Motor Company established a production plant inGeelong is also home to the Geelong Football Club
1920 as did the Shell Refinery some 16 years later in("The Cats") which in 2007 enthused the local
1936.community by winning the AFL (Australian Rules
Geelong has continued its growth into a modern andFootball) Premiership. The club plays many games at
vibrant city and is the 12th largest in Australia.its home ground at Kardinia Park in Geelong and is
Geelong's coastal location on Corio Bay providesopen to both the public and members.