Located one hour from the centre of Melbourne on the delightful Corio Bay, Geelong is one of Victoria's most historically significant cities with more than 200 of its buildings classified by the National Trust. This charming city with its superb recreational areas and wonderful scenic and cultural pleasures artfully blends a metropolitan sophistication with a provincial charm and friendliness that creates an enormous appeal for a variety of visitors with a range of interests.

The area was one of the earliest areas of Victoria discovered by Europeans, Matthew Flinders in 1802 and the intrepid overland explorers Hume and Hovell discovered the lush Hinterland in 1824 pronouncing it ripe for pastoral development. In 1804 when Hume and Hovell first came to the area now known as Geelong they discovered the Aboriginals in the region called the bay Jillong and the surrounding land Corayo, over time the names have reversed.

Pastoralists came to the region in the 1830s largely emigrating from Tasmania following John Batman and his exploratory party who came from what was then Van Diemens Land. In 1835 Batman evaluated the land around Corio Bay as a possible site for Victoria's future capital city and on doing so proclaimed the area to be of the finest description.

Geelong soon became the major port shipping out wool and grain from the prosperous Western District but it was the discovery of gold in he 1850s that accelerated its development. The discovery of gold established the port as a crucial link to the Ballarat goldfields and today the city owes much of its development to the rich wool and wheat industries that flourished in the Western Districts.

Today Geelong is Victoria's second largest city, a thriving commercial centre, with a wonderful artistic heritage and a cultural diversity that offers the buzz of fashionable shopping and a range of other activities. The surrounding country side is a paradise for walkers, nature lovers and those with an interest in history and there are a range of sporting and other recreational activities to enjoy.

Historical Attractions

Geelong's character is defined by its remarkable historical buildings and its magnificent parks and gardens. Geelong's Botanical Gardens have plant species that date from the city's earliest days and there are other historical attractions that pay tribute to the romantic and exciting days of early Victoria including over 200 classified historical buildings.

Geelong's Hinterland is also overflowing with reminders of the region's history including the old mining town of Steiglitz, now a historic park within the Brisbane Ranges. All that remains of this one time booming township are remnants of several mines and buildings and a court-house built in 1875. Today the Court House holds a stunning display of relics and visitors to the area will enjoy guided tours of the town that offer an insight into the region's earlier days, as well as fossicking and gold panning as it was in the mid 1800s.

Th plains west of Geelong have supported a strong wool industry since the settlement of the region in the 1840s and the bell on the T&G clock tower symbolises Geelong's pastoral heritage. To the delight of visitors and locals alike, figures of a father and Son emerge from the tower to chime every hour as a reminder of the great contribution pastoralists have made to the development of the city.

On the Plains themselves, Burynah Plains, once the largest sheep station in Victoria is still in operation and today visitors can enjoy the sights of this 150 year old estate including a historic mansion with blue-stone out buildings and refurbished shearers quarters.

There are also old properties in the Geelong wine district that date back to when grapes were first planted in he area 150 years ago by Swiss immigrants.

Arts

Geelong has embraced a spectacular cosmopolitan spirit and has a number of artistic attractions including the impressive Performing Arts Centre home to some of the best theatre and opera from around the world and the magnificent Geelong Art Gallery. The Gallery houses a collection of over 3000 works including the famous 'Bush Burial' one of Frederick McCubbins more widely known works. Aside of the main Gallery, there is also an interesting collection of smart little boutiques, craft shops, and antique stores to explore.

In Geelong's wine district visitors will be able to see the intriguing Pirra Arts and Communications Centre as well as see a number of gorgeous pottery and art studios.

Museums

The old Dennys Lascelles Wool Store is one of Geelong's historical show pieces, built in stages from 1872, the Wool Store has now become home to the award-winning National Wool Museum. The Wool Museum is a spectacular showcase of Australia's wool industry and explores Australia's rich wool heritage through graphic sculptured displays, relics, models, photographic records, magnificent wool murals and a range of video and audio presentations. At the Museum visitors will be able to discover the story behind Australia's greatest industry, experience the shearer's life and the time when great outback legends were created. There is also a gallery of hand crafted wool items to view, a selection of tempting shops stocking a range of interesting items and a relaxing bar and dining areas to enjoy.

The Geelong district also has a Naval Museum, located within Osborne House the museum offers a comprehensive collection of nautical memorabilia including naval photographs, uniforms models and medals as well as Australia's only wartime Jolly Roger.

Natural Attractions

Geelong offers a feast of natural attractions and beautiful scenic lookouts, there area number of inspirational bayside walks to enjoy and great views from the Ceres Lookout and there is nothing like the appeal of Geelong's famous Eastern Beach with its newly restored historic promenade.

A short drive north of Geelong will take visitors to Geelong's Hinterland where visitors can experience spectacular National Parks, travel on bush tracks, visit waterfalls and enjoy secluded picnic areas and wildlife sanctuaries.

Serendip Sanctuary is home to over 150 species of native birds and a host of animals including koalas and wallabies. The success of the sanctuary's breeding program means that visitors have the rare opportunity to see threatened species such as Brolgas and Australian Bustards. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of wetland areas, picnic facilities and an information centre.

The You Yangs Recreational Park has granite peaks towering above the Western Plains, the name of the Park was derived from he Aboriginal words "Wurdi Youang' meaning mountain in the middle of a plain. Visitors who climb the gentle tracks to its highest peak are rewarded with panoramic views in all direction.

There is also the impressive Anakie Gorge to discover and Nelson's Lookout which provides fabulous views. The Lookout is a popular spot for picnics particularly in spring when wildflowers fill the bush with wonderful colours and delicately scented flowers.

Between Geelong and Bacchus Marsh is the Brisbane ranges National Park , from August to November the Park is overflowing with the colour of native wildflowers and is also a favourite with birdwatchers who enjoy the antics of some of the 170 species of bird that inhabit the Park.

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