fbpx

Festival Of Sails

Getting There

BY SEA

An exciting way to get to Geelong by sea is via a cruise on Port Philip Ferries with routes running daily between Melbourne and Geelong.

 

If you’re travelling from the east Victorian coast there is simply no better (or faster) means of travel than aboard the Queenscliff – Sorrento Ferry. Ferries run on the hour, every hour, every day of the year.

By Road

In under an hour, you can drive from the city of Melbourne to Geelong via the Princes Freeway or from Melbourne Airport via connections from the Western Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway. The new Geelong Ring Road gives you faster than ever access (just over an hour) to Torquay and the Great Ocean Road and beyond. All major car rental companies are represented at Avalon Airport and within the Geelong and Great Ocean Road region.

By Air

Avalon Airport is 20 minutes from Geelong and SkyBus will get you from the terminal to central Geelong. The trip from Melbourne Airport takes an hour and Gull Airport Service offer a shuttle to and from central Geelong and Werribee. Or you can pick up a rental car at either airport and make your own way to the region.

BY RAIL

Regular rail services operate between Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and Geelong, and buses connect central Geelong with the suburbs and villages of The Bellarine.
Check out timetables at Public Transport Victoria.

Destination Geelong

Geelong is often called “The Gateway City” due to its central location, surrounded by some of Victoria’s iconic tourist regions such as the Bellarine Peninsula, the surf town of Torquay, the Great Ocean Road and the Great Otway National Park. Why not stay a little longer and explore what the region has to offer?

Geelong & The Bellarine

From the hills to the coast and every hot spot in between – the Bellarine Peninsula has it all. Spend a day hiking in the You Yangs or touring between dreamy coastal towns such as Portarlington, Barwon Heads or Queenscliff. Known for its makers and growers, the region has a vast range of wineries and micro-breweries to explore.

SHOPPING & EATING

Geelong has an amazing array of restaurants ranging from the silver service down to some of the best pizza and burger joints. A huge selection of international cuisines can be easily found, and our pub scene is vibrant and full of energy. Whether you are after a quiet post race dinner, an ice cold beer and a meal with friends, or simply an amazing coffee and brunch, you will never be far from what you’re looking for in Geelong. Explore the areas along the Geelong Waterfront, in the Little Malop Street precinct, or venture to Pakington Street in West Geelong to find a wide variety of options.

TORQUAY AND THE SURF COAST

Dose up on surf culture at Torquay, the home of Bells Beach and birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. The official start point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Victoria’s surfing and beach worship capital.

The Great Ocean Road

Set off on your own Great Ocean Road adventure and experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls as you go.

Great Otway National Park

Feel humbled amongst the ancient giants of the Otways Ranges. The striking cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park boasts one of the highest rainfalls in the state with waterfalls flowing year-round. Walkers of almost any ability can trek around the Otways, discovering the Great Ocean Walk, waterfalls, lush forests, cliff top walks, heritage and coastal trails. Whether you go inland or hug the rugged coast, the Otways is a place for adventure, romance and discovery.

Accommodation

The Geelong city area and surrounding suburbs have a huge choice of places to stay, from the luxury of our magnificent waterfront, the indulgences of some of our heritage bed and breakfasts, right down to simple and cheap camping grounds. There is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget and many are conveniently located close to our best attractions and events and are still only minutes from our region’s best beaches.

For a range of information on where to stay go to:
www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/accommodation

For a range of information on things to do:
www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/things-to-do