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GEELONG ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Whether visiting Geelong for business or leisure, the Novotel Geelong hotel is one of the best places to stay for experiencing the city’s most popular attractions and activities.

Located in the heart of the vibrant Geelong CBD, overlooking the bay, our accommodation is just moments from great shopping and restaurants and fun activities like helicopter rides, sporting events, concerts and more.

To find out what’s on in Geelong, please visit City of Greater Geelong Events Website or Love Central Geelong online today.

Below, you’ll find a short list of the top nearby attractions and things to do on your Geelong holiday. For more recommendations or assistance arranging tours, please contact us or visit Reception during your stay. 

Novotel Geelong

GEELONG WATERFRONT

ADVENTURE PARK - WINTER GLOW

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

SCOTCHMANS HILL

OAKDENE VINEYARD, RESTAURANT & CELLAR DOOR

LEURA PARK ESTATE

MT DUNEED ESTATE

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

LONSDALE LINKS GOLF COURSE

GEELONG GOLF COURSE

BOLLARD TRAIL

EAST GEELONG GOLF COURSE

CURLEWIS GOLF CLUB

BARWON VALLEY GOLF COURSE

COSTA HALL AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

GEELONG GALLERY

VILLAGE CINEMAS

ST MARY OF THE ANGELS PARISH

THE GEELONG ARENA

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM

BOOM GALLERY

ART AT WINTER GARDEN

PORT PHILLIP FERRIES

GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO.

THE GORDON

TULLAMARINE AIRPORT

SEAROAD FERRIES

GEELONG TRAIN STATION

WESTFIELD

TARGET

PAKINGTON STREET

MYER

GEELONG CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

BARWON HEADS

THE CAROUSEL

SUPATRAMP

SOUTH BAY ECO ADVENTURES

GMHBA STADIUM - HOME OF AFL'S GEELONG CATS

ROYAL GEELONG YACHT CLUB

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

GEELONG SHOW GROUNDS

GEELONG MUSEUM OF MOTORING INDUSTRY

GEELONG HELICOPTERS

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VICTORIA

MARKET SQUARE

YOU YANGS

SURF BEACHES

GEELONG BOTANICAL GARDENS

BELLS BEACH

BARWON RIVER

QUEENS PARK GOLF COURSE

Sightseeing
Bars
Culture
Family
Entertainment
Park

GEELONG WATERFRONT

Waterfront Geelong is one of Australia's best waterfront redevelopments, and that's official! The transformation includes new restaurants, beautiful landscaped gardens, walking, cycling and skating paths, attractions and public art.

ADVENTURE PARK - WINTER GLOW

Adventure Park is an amusement and water park in Wallington, Victoria, Australia near Geelong. The park contains many attractions such as numerous water slides and water playgrounds. The park is the first water park in Victoria.

Aerial view of 12 Apostles near Novotel Melbourne

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond for one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, and see the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and waterfalls. Experience a diverse array of things to see and do in the region, from outdoor activities such as surfing, scuba diving and sea kayaking to arts, cultural and heritage attractions. Admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk and enjoy fine dining, local winemakers and fresh produce along the way.

SCOTCHMANS HILL

Established in 1982, Scotchmans Hill is located in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. A producer of premium cool maritime climate wines, Scotchmans Hill has been a leading local winery for over thirty years and is rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries.

OAKDENE VINEYARD, RESTAURANT & CELLAR DOOR

Located in the Geelong region; with restaurant and accommodation details, tasting notes and ordering.

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Established in 1995, Leura Park Estate has firmly established itself as a renowned producer of premium cool maritime climate wines.

MT DUNEED ESTATE

Mt Duneed Estate is home to one of the Geelong region’s most exceptional winery experiences.

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

Unrivalled views across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne. A rich, diverse stable of sophisticated cool climate wines. Contemporary al a carte dining. An intimate coastal ambience.

LONSDALE LINKS GOLF COURSE

“Nothing else like it in Australia”

A newly redeveloped golfing gem for the Geelong and Bellarine region. Lonsdale Links is a distinctive links experience served with welcoming, coastal hospitality.

GEELONG GOLF COURSE

Victoria’s second oldest golf club featuring a stunning 9 hole format around a residential community.

BOLLARD TRAIL

A walk along the Geelong Bollards Trail always results in meeting some interesting characters.

The Geelong Bollards are painted wooden bollards representing over 100 historic Geelong characters, and are one of the main attractions for people visiting Geelong

EAST GEELONG GOLF COURSE

East Geelong Golf Club was established in 1923 in the Eastern Gardens at the end of a long gone rail line that once serviced the past Corio Oval (Home of the Geelong Pivotonions, greyhounds and trotters and now is the site of the Geelong Conference centre)

CURLEWIS GOLF CLUB

With a sandy base, a minimum of trees, and naturally undulating couch fairways this Vern Morcom designed links is one of the best courses on the Bellarine Peninsula.

BARWON VALLEY GOLF COURSE

Barwon Valley Golf Course is an affordable, picturesque 18 hole public course, bounded by the Barwon River on one side and wetlands with abundant bird life on the other. It is centrally located approximately 3 kilometres from the City Centre, and is equally suited to both high and low handicap golfers with the flat terrain also making walking a breeze, even though carts are available for hire.

COSTA HALL AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

In a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering, Deakin University has converted Geelong's old woolstores into a modern inner city campus site which also contains a state of the art, 1500 seat concert auditorium.

GEELONG GALLERY

Since its establishment in 1896 the Gallery has amassed a magnificent collection of 19th and 20th century Australian and European paintings and decorative arts, including 18th and 19th century English porcelain, British art pottery, colonial Australian silver, as well as contemporary Australian paintings, prints, sculpture and ceramics. A particular focus of the collection is early images of the Geelong region.

VILLAGE CINEMAS

Hollywood blockbusters and foreign films in a modern chain. Some venues have supersized screens.

ST MARY OF THE ANGELS PARISH

St. Mary of the Angels has grown and today is certainly one of the finest churches in Victoria, an icon for Geelong and the State. Such is the majesty and historical significance of St. Mary's, that is is officially recognised by the National Trust of Victoria and the Historical Buildings Council.

THE GEELONG ARENA

The Geelong Arena is a multi use Sports and Entertainment venue, host of a wide variety of high class events. The venue houses four purpose built basketball courts, inclusive of the Showcourt/Auditorium suitable for local through international sport competitions and events.

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

Deakin University was formally established in 1974. From its beginnings, Deakin has been shaped by twin goals:

- a focus on regional Victoria, creating a university for the Geelong region
- a commitment to widening access to university study, in particular through distance education programs.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Christ Church is a place of great historical, architectural and spiritual significance within the Anglican Church in Australia. Christ Church is a centre for the worship for the community.

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM

The timeless Australian story of wool, combined with exciting contemporary exhibitions, presented in an historic bluestone woolstore in Geelong's vibrant waterfront precinct.

BOOM GALLERY

Boom is a vibrant and active contemporary art and design gallery, presenting the work of emerging and established artists.

ART AT WINTER GARDEN

art@wintergarden is a working studio gallery, situated in Geelong, where you will find art works of excellence including landscapes, still life, portraiture and sculptures.

PORT PHILLIP FERRIES

Port Phillip Ferries and their legendary team offer two separate daily services between Geelong and Docklands; and Portarlington and Docklands,

GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Art and community, growth in activity, innovation, outstanding spaces and people - a region renowned for its artistic energy and engagement. Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) was built on the enthusiasm and commitment of the Greater Geelong Community with a need for a high quality facility for the benefit of our artists and audiences.

LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY

Little Creatures is an awesome Australian craft beer, famous for brewing Pale Ale, Bright Ale, Pilsner, Rogers and Single Batches.

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO.

Made from 100% crispy, crunchy apples and fresh, succulent pears. Naturally fermented with minimal interference. Dangerously delicious.

THE GORDON

As one of the largest regional TAFEs in Victoria, The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills for real jobs for over 125 years. We pride ourselves on delivering a great range of options in vocational ‘hands-on’ training with one of the most comprehensive suites of courses in Western Victoria.

TULLAMARINE AIRPORT

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Melbourne, and the second busiest airport in Australia.

SEAROAD FERRIES

The spectacular 40-minute trip on the Queenscliff Sorrento Ferry Service links Melbourne’s most magnificent coastal regions: the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula.

GEELONG TRAIN STATION

Geelong Station is the main station for Geelong, with a large brick station building adjacent to platform 1, an island platform linked by an overhead footbridge, and an iron train shed over it all.

WESTFIELD

The best in fresh food and great deals on fashion, beauty and lifestyle products from your favourite stores only at Westfield Geelong.

TARGET

Shop the latest women's fashion, kids' clothing, babywear, entertainment, toys, homewares and much more at Target.

PAKINGTON STREET

Geelong’s favourite “strip” shopping area has to be Pakington Street, or Pako as it is affectionately known to the locals.

MYER

Myer, is a mid-range to upmarket Australian department store chain. Myer retails a broad range of products across women's, men's and children's clothing, footwear and accessories; cosmetics and fragrance; homewares; electrical; furniture and bedding; toys; books and stationery; food and confectionery; and travel goods.

GEELONG CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Geelong is a city located on Corio Bay and the Barwon River, in the state of Victoria, Australia, 75 kilometres south-west of the state capital, Melbourne. It is the second-most populated urban area in the state.

BARWON HEADS

Relax, unwind and enjoy the slower pace of Barwon Heads, a popular summer destination at the mouth of the Barwon River and the location of the hit ABC television series, SeaChange. Wander along quiet riverbanks and ocean beaches, while away the day in friendly cafes, and work on your swing at some of the finest golf courses in the state.

THE CAROUSEL

Come and spend some magical time at the beautifully restored Carousel at the Geelong Waterfront.

SUPATRAMP

Supatramp is a huge indoor climbing, trampoline park and activity complex offering exciting and challenging experiences for any age.

SOUTH BAY ECO ADVENTURES

An up close nature based adventure, highlighting the unique history, wildlife and coastal landscape of Southern Port Phillip.

GMHBA STADIUM - HOME OF AFL'S GEELONG CATS

GMHBA Stadium is one of the largest and most prestigious venues in Victoria and is one of three venues within the state to host AFL premiership matches and the only one outside of Melbourne.

ROYAL GEELONG YACHT CLUB

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is conveniently located on the award winning Geelong waterfront with only a 200 meter stroll into the city CBD. The club's marina offers 250 secure wet berths, storage for 45 on the hardstand and can accommodate vessels on swing moorings.

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Narana is a significant attraction on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, offering free visitor’s programs. They seek to build understanding of Aboriginal history and culture in a welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, through personal interaction with groups, and individuals from all community backgrounds.

GEELONG SHOW GROUNDS

Established in 1954 the Geelong Showgrounds is a regoinal multi-purpose community recreational and event facility. Located on an 35 acre site on Breakwater Road the Showgrounds is home to the largest regional Royal Show in Australia.

GEELONG MUSEUM OF MOTORING INDUSTRY

GEELONG MUSEUM OF MOTORING + INDUSTRY is the home of an impressive collection of motor vehicles and pays tribute to the industry and manufacturing heritage of Geelong.

GEELONG HELICOPTERS

Whether you live in Geelong, travelling down for the day or are passing through, a helicopter ride is a guaranteed way to make your trip even more memorable.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VICTORIA

Together with the Presbyterian Church in each of the other states, we form the Presbyterian Church of Australia, which came into being on 24 July 1901 as the mainline Presbyterian denomination in this country in historic continuity with the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland, accepting the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as our supreme standard and only rule of faith and practice, and the Westminster Confession of Faith with slight modifications as our subordinate standard.

MARKET SQUARE

Market Square is truly Geelong’s Own. Opening in 1985, Market Square is Geelong’s original shopping centre offering over 90 fashion, health & beauty, food, services, electronics and homewares retailers. Open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience.

YOU YANGS

The distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong.

SURF BEACHES

Dose up on surf culture at Torquay, the home of Bells Beach and the official start point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Victoria's surfing and beach worship capital. Head in the other direction to Barwon Heads and you’ll find Thirteenth Beach, a beach extremely popular with surfers of all ability due to its diverse waves and breaks that stretch along the beach.

GEELONG BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Geelong Botanic Gardens is an important garden which conserves plants from around the world. The gardens are located within Eastern Park on the eastern outskirts of the central business district just a short walk from the hotel. They were established in 1851 and are the fourth oldest botanic garden in Australia.

BELLS BEACH

Ride a wave at Bells Beach, located near Torquay on the southern coast of Victoria in the Great Ocean Road region. Head to Bells Beach over the Easter weekend and watch the world's best surfers carve up the waves at the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition. High cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the natural amphitheatre of the beach and large swells from the Southern Ocean, which slow down and steepen over the reef-strewn shallows, create the outstanding surf.

BARWON RIVER

The river and its environs are marvellous places for watersports, walking, cycling, fishing or just relaxing. There are ample facilities to help you enjoy a visit. You can picnic at riverside Queens Park, watch the water cascade over Buckley Falls or stroll or cycle the kilometres of sealed paths along the river's banks.

QUEENS PARK GOLF COURSE

A challenging picturesque 18 hole golf course set in a valley bordered by the Barwon River and a walking track to Buckley Falls. Full course facilities and fully qualified staff are available to provide lessons and club hire. The course is open to the public seven days a week.