WELCOME TO THE CITY OF GREATER !

Imagine a waterfront city that can provide you with all you need for that perfect conference or event, possessing both the sophistication of a capital city and warmth of regional hospitality. Welcome to the City of Greater Geelong!

Less than an hour’s drive from ’s CBD Today, Geelong is a lively commercial city, with a newly and Tullamarine Airport along the Princess Freeway, renovated and rejuvenated central business district Geelong is beautifully placed with waterfront views of offering shopping facilities, restaurants and nightlife Corio Bay and immediate access to the world famous on par with any capital city – allowing delegates access Great Ocean Road and charming wine growing region to a little “retail therapy”. The region is also rich with of the Bellarine Peninsula. amazing touring options for all seasons and a haven for team-building opportunities. With a population of 210,000, Geelong is ’s second largest city and a major provincial centre The city’s new multi-million dollar draw card, Waterfront economically, culturally and socially for the Geelong, is a cooperative venture success story between surrounding region. local and state governments as well as the private sector. Geelong’s waterfront precinct continues to Geelong’s history as a major wool-shipping port from amaze visitors with its transformation, featuring cafes the mid 1800s well into the 20th century has left a and restaurants, fully restored art deco seawater baths, legacy of beautifully restored old buildings such as the a yacht club marina and a scenic bayside promenade revamped National Wool Museum. The Dalgety Wool dotted with brightly painted bollards depicting many Stores have also been transformed into a campus of Geelong’s historical characters. and headquarters for Deakin University, holding Geelong’s largest conference venue – Costa Hall, Professional venues, efficient support services and seating up to 1,500 delegates. quality accommodation await you, with our professional staff at Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine as well as Business Events Geelong are dedicated to ensuring that your stay with us is both comfortable and stress free. There is truly something here for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you and your delegates to our beautiful city. THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS

The traditional owners of the Geelong region are the Wathaurong people. The Wathaurong people gave Geelong as we know it today its name from their word ‘jillong’ meaning ‘a place of the sea bird over white cliffs’.

THE WATHAURONG PEOPLE The Wathaurong people have lived in the Geelong region for more than 25,000 years before white settlers arrived. Various clans had campsites in the area, moving about in search of food and water. White settlement from the early 1800s had a devastating effect on the Aboriginal people. Sheep destroyed much of the root crops, which the Wathaurong depended on and introduced diseases cut a swathe through their people. Birth rates and clan numbers fell. About 140 archaeological sites have been found in the region, indicating a significant level of activity of the Wathaurong people. Yollinko Park Aboriginal Garden on the banks of the Barwon River contains the remains of living mounds and food plants. It also displays giant representations of Aboriginal implements. We work with the Wathaurong in the staging of major events in our region. To recognise the traditional owners of the land, the Wathaurong can be invited to perform a Welcome To Country – either via a verbal presentation or a traditional story-telling dance.

HISTORY

Geelong was first surveyed and declared a town in BAYWALK BOLLARDS 1838 with a local population of 545. The city’s humble beginnings were founded in the rich pastoral hinterland Ready to welcome you and your delegates to the and the prosperity of the local wool trade well into the Geelong Waterfront are the Baywalk Bollards. Inspiration 20th century. Experience the human endeavour involved for the Bollards came from local Australian artist Jan with wool’s production and refinement at Geelong’s Mitchell, who was commissioned by the City of Greater National Wool Museum. Geelong more than ten years ago to transform huge reclaimed timber pylons into public art. By the 1850s, Geelong was swept up in “gold fever”, becoming the principle seaport for the gold industry The Bollard Trail stretching from Limeburners Point around Ballarat. The city’s population ballooned to in the east to Rippleside Park, features more than more than 23,000 people, making Geelong the fourth 100 characters who comically tell the story of Geelong’s largest town in Australia. history. From the original indigenous inhabitants to contemporary characters, the bollards show the In the later half of the 19th Century, as the gold diversity of the region. Without uttering a word, each prosperity declined, Geelong turned its attention to bollard is able to clearly tell a story to all who pass by. emerging industrial development. The city became the major trading port for the export of wool to Britain It is an anecdotal history, tracing Geelong’s and textile industries flourished along the Barwon River. development from the original Koori inhabitants to the more contemporary characters. You will find young Following the establishment of Phosphate Coop and ladies in neck to knee bathing costumes, lifesavers, Ford Motor Company, other international and national families, a footballer, sailors, a town band, fishermen manufacturing industries moved to Geelong. and dozens more. They make the perfect theme or Historically, Geelong was a busy port for both exports team building activity for your Geelong conference. and imports. Tall ships, tramps steamers, bay ferries and more recently cruise ships have berthed at Railway, Cunningham and Yarra Piers to load and unload their cargo. However, like many old city docklands, changing times and the revolution in handling sea cargo brought an end to their commercial relevance. Today, Geelong enjoys a reputation as one of Australia’s leading industrial centres. The City has also developed as a centre of excellence in the area of education, research and development, health, hospitality and tourism. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

BY AIR Regular domestic and international flights service , which is an easy hour’s drive to Geelong and the start of the Great Ocean Road via the Western Ring Road and to Geelong. Avalon Airport hosts flights from Sydney and is just 17 minutes’ drive by car, taxi or shuttle bus to Geelong, putting you in the heart of this bustling city and on the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road. Easy parking and car rentals are available at the airport. Regular shuttle buses operate between Avalon Airport, Melbourne Airport and Geelong, and also offer transport further along the Great Ocean Road. For more about flight schedules visit www.jetstar.com.au

BY SEA 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. It’s a perfect way to start your event. Ferries run on the hour, every hour, every day of the year. For details visit www.searoad.com.au or call 03 5258 3244.

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 RAIL Relax and take in the scenery, or start your meeting or conference in a train carriage on the way to your chosen destination. Speak to Business Events Geelong to find out how we can partner with V/Line to get your event rolling. Regular V/Line train services from Melbourne connect with regional rail services at Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool. For more about train schedules call 1800 800 007 or visit www.vline.com.au ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is abundant and varied throughout the Geelong region. We pride ourselves on our well- appointed accommodation, great atmosphere, prominent locations, friendly hosts, comfortable and inviting rooms with convention facilities and exhilarating attractions all at your doorstep.

CAPACITY ACCOMMODATION REFERRAL & Geelong offers in excess of 1000 hotel-motel rooms and BOOKING SERVICES serviced apartments within a short distance of the city Geelong’s Visitor Information Centres can offer centre, all of which guarantee you a good night’s sleep. your participants peace of mind when searching for accommodation. Delegates can call 1800 755 611 VARIETY free of charge for information or advice. We also have a Room Bank service which helps participants of large Our accommodation also guarantees to suit specific events to find accommodation more easily when many tastes, budgets and needs, as they range from 4½ star venues are heavily booked. All referral services offered elegance to 2 star comfort. There is a wide choice of are free of charge. locations where styles differ dramatically: Alternatively, delegates can visit: • Unique properties with spectacular waterfront views www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au of Corio Bay or the calming waves around Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula Whatever your sleeping demands, you’ll rest easy knowing you’ll find just the right place right here. • City centre options close to all the action - shops, There is truly something here for everyone. We look restaurants, pubs and clubs forward to welcoming you and your delegates to our • Classic golf course properties that encourage ‘a hit’ or beautiful city. offer a relaxing stay in tranquil and natural surrounds • Smaller, more intimate hotels in quieter residential areas OPTIONAL TOURING ACTIVITIES

THE BELLARINE: THE BEST OF SURF COAST & THE GREAT COAST TO COUNTRY OCEAN ROAD Whichever direction you choose to travel around The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s greatest The Bellarine, you’ll realise that the more you look the scenic drives and ranked among the top 20 journeys more you discover! Just over an hour from Melbourne of a lifetime by Conde Naste Traveler, one of Europe’s and with the townships generally not more than ten leading travel magazines and the top 10 road trips by kilometres apart, there is plenty to see on a day tour American Travel Bible, Frommers. or stop in one place for the perfect short break. From Geelong, as the road winds its way along the The Bellarine Peninsula is emerging as one of Victoria’s coast, you will pass the world renowned surfing mecca newest gourmet destinations-to-watch, thanks to of Bells Beach and quaint townships of Torquay and an abundance of new and innovative food and wine Lorne, the splendor of the Otways rainforest and Port related offerings most notably the new Bellarine Taste Campbell National Park. Trail. With world class wineries peppered throughout The Surf Coast, home to some of Australia’s best surf the area, as are superb restaurants, quaint cafés, fresh beaches including Bells Beach, offers bustling resort local seafood and Sunday markets. towns, spectacular scenery, lush rainforests and huge Other activities on The Bellarine include all the cascading waterfalls. water-based sports and pleasures you can think of – Explore fascinating historic townships and bush-walk snorkelling, jet-skiing, swimming with dolphins, surfing, the beautiful Otway Ranges. Sample a range of fresh kayaking, fishing, marine sanctuaries, sailing and more. and delicious local produce. Sip on local wines at the Bed and breakfast accommodation is plentiful, hotels cellar door, pick your fill of seasonal berries, or dine are often historic buildings and there are always the on home baked breads, biodynamic ice cream or well-appointed caravan parks and camping available. homemade cakes and desserts.

GEELONG WINERIES

In fact, the Geelong region has two distinct histories. Today, the region is again home to many boutique, Victoria’s first commercial vintage was produced in family-owned vineyards, creating world-class varietal Geelong by Swiss immigrant vignerons in 1845. By the wines. 1860s, Geelong was the most significant wine region in Handcrafted with passion and dedication, Geelong Australia – in both size and stature – exporting to Europe wines are the expression of cool climate, rich soils and and producing award-winning wines. a unique history. From the maritime breeze of the The discovery of vine disease phylloxera precipitated a Bellarine and Surf Coast to the dark volcanic topsoils wholesale wine pull in the 1870s, after which Geelong and dry, rocky outcrops of the Moorabool Valley, sub- experienced a wine making hiatus of nearly 100 years. regional nuances add complexity to our wines. From our hands to yours… Geelong Wineries.

SPORT AND EVENTS IN GEELONG

Sport and events are very much part of Geelong’s culture and lifestyle.

The region is fortunate to have natural assets that support varying sports and recreation pursuits such as cycling, surfing, swimming in addition to traditional sports such as cricket and football. Geelong is the only regional destination in Victoria to have an AFL club – the Geelong Cats. All of which is completed by an events calendar that’s bursting at seams, having developed a proven ability to host events covering a broad spectrum. Geelong has successfully hosted major events such as the World Lifesaving Championships, the 2010 UCI Road World Cycling Championships and the Australian Masters Games and is the home of the Australian International Airshow. Annual events include the Festival of Sails, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Bay Cycling Classic, Victorian Open (golf), Toast to the Coast, IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong, Pako Festa and the National Celtic Festival. Visit us at www.eventsgeelong.com.au to find out more about the huge variety of events on in Geelong! Make sure you ‘Like’ us on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Instagram to hear about our latest events, special offers and ticket giveaways. Here’s a sample of annual summer season events: DEC – Geelong Revival Festival DEC – Denis Walter Carols by the Bay JAN – Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic JAN – Hyundai A League Match JAN – Festival of Sails JAN – Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race FEB – Victorian Open (golf) FEB – Ironman 70.3 Geelong FEB – Pako Festa MAR – Motor City Music Festival MAR - Geelong Highland Gathering RETAIL THERAPY

CENTRAL GEELONG PAKINGTON STREET Central Geelong is a vibrant and dynamic city. ‘Pako’ to the locals is a vibrant multicultural dining and Whether you are looking to relax at a cafe, bar, shopping strip. Italian leather, Italian food, slow food, museum or gallery, or shop until you drop - Central fast food, bottle shops, boutiques, Pakington Street has Geelong has it all. The main shopping streets are Ryrie, the lot. ‘The Paris End’, featuring a number of award Moorabool and Malop Streets with many in between… winning restaurants, is the perfect place for a Sunday all of which are filled with a mix of specialty shops brunch. offering everything from high fashion and home wares At the other end, Pako really lives up to its multicultural to gifts and electrical goods. reputation. From big name department stores to hundreds of specialty shops, the Central Geelong shopping experience MARKETS is the perfect mix of large indoor centres and boutique Fresh produce, delicious gourmet treats direct from strip shopping. Open 7 days a week, Westfield Geelong growers and producers, unique wares and homemade and Market Square Shopping Centre provide hundreds goods, can all be purchased at the vast array of regular of retailers all under one roof or wander the streets for markets held throughout the year in Geelong and the a wide range of strip shops with individual character surrounding region. and charm.