Geelong Hotels - last minute savings on Geelong hotels
Corio Bay, Geelong
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Geelong is Victoria's second largest city, an important regional centre and an important industrial port. It is a little over an hour by road or train from Melbourne (see Melbourne-Geelong and north-western coast of Port Phillip Bay). and , possibly because of the calming influence of the sheltered waters of Corio Bay, has a more relaxed feel than Melbourne. In fact Melbournians have been known to unkindly refer to it as 'Sleepy Hollow' (although see the response to this from one of newsletter subscribers). It is home to the AFL (Australian football) team 'The Cats', and the local industry is much influenced by its extensive port facilities, the Ford car factory and various refineries.
However the focus of Geelong has to be the waterfront around Corio Bay and the recreation area known as the Eastern Beach. A collection of over 100 painted wooden sculptures in the form of bollards provides an affectionate history of Geelong and depict a number of Geelong's favourite sons and daughters including James Harrison (the inventor of commercial refrigeration) as well as other people who played an important part in Victoria's history such as Peter Lalor and Matthew Flinders.
The waterfront also features a historic carousel manufactured in 1892. many restaurants, enclosed swimming areas, kiosks, pleasure cruises and all the other entertainments that you would expect at a major seaside resort.
Much of Peter Carey's book Illywhacker (see right) is set in Geelong in the earlier part of the 20th century. Those interested in historical mysteries may also be interested in The Mystery of The Geelong Keys.
Geelong is also the gateway to the
Bellarine Peninsula and
Great Ocean Road to the south.
See also:
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Barwon Grange
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A heritage home in Geelong from the 1850s with gardens and riverside walks. White Hat can recommend a visit to this this property for two reasons. Firstly it is is only fashionable mid 19th century valuable river frontage residences built along the Barwon River which remains intact. Secondly, while most homes change and evolve over time, it has been decided to maintain this property as a time capsule of 1855-6 which again makes it unusual among heritage homes in Victoria. A small entry charge applies. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting Barwon Grange you are also likely to be interested in visiting The Heights Heritage House & Garden (see below) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Sundays. |
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1pm to 4pm, Wednesdays & Sundays (opens at noon Sept to May) |
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Fernleigh Street
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Newtown |
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Enquiries: (03) 5221 3906 |
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National Wool Museum
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A museum dedicated to the history of the wool industry in Australia and housed in in an 1872 bluestone woolstore |
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9.30am-4pm daily (except Christmas Day & Good Friday) |
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cnr Moorabool & Brougham Streets.
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Geelong |
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(Mel ref 228 C1) |
Enquiries: (03) 5227 0701 |
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The Heights Heritage House & Garden
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A German prefabricated house and outbuildings in Geelong constructed in 1855 then later refurbished in 1930s style. A small entry fee applies. The house is surrounded by impressive gardens and and the grounds contain stables, the groom's cottage and other outbuildings suited to a wealthy family in the late 19th century. White Hat particularly recommends you visit the dovecot (one of the few of its type remaining in Victoria to our knowledge) as well as the delightful one-off Standard motor car which is housed in the stables. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting The Heights you are also likely to be interested in visiting Barwon Grange (see above) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Wednesdays and Sundays. |
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11am to 4.30pm, Wednesdays & Sundays |
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140 Aphrasia Street.
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Newtown |
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Enquiries: (03) 5221 3510 |
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Football - Geelong v Fremantle
 As part of the AFL Australian Ruls Football Season, 7 AFL games will be played at Geelong Football Club's home ground of Kardinia Park in 2013. This game features Geelong v Fremantle |
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Football - Geelong v Melbourne
As part of the AFL Australian Ruls Football Season, 7 AFL games will be played at Geelong Football Club's home ground of Kardinia Park in 2013. This game features Geelong v
Melbourne |
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Football - Geelong v St Kilda
As part of the AFL Australian Ruls Football Season, 7 AFL games will be played at Geelong Football Club's home ground of Kardinia Park in 2013. This game features Geelong v
St Kilda |
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Football - Geelong v Port Adelaide
As part of the AFL Australian Ruls Football Season, 7 AFL games will be played at Geelong Football Club's home ground of Kardinia Park in 2013. This game features Geelong v Port Adelaide |
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Football - Geelong v Sydney
As part of the AFL Australian Ruls Football Season, 7 AFL games will be played at Geelong Football Club's home ground of Kardinia Park in 2013. This game features Geelong v
Sydney |
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Belmont Market
 A large indoor/outdoor market featuring craft & bric a brac. A small entry fee applies. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy garage sales then Belmont Market is like having 20 or 30 garage sales in the one location. In addition the indoor space has a range of low priced merchandise. |
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8am to 1.30pm, Sundays |
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Barwon Valley Community Centre, Barwon Heads Road
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Belmont |
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Enquiries: (03) 5243 7718 |
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Central Geelong Farmers' Market
A farmers' market selling fresh local produce, cheeses and honey. Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment throughout the morning. If you are looking for a farmers' market that is particulalry child-friendly, White Hat can recommend this one. |
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8.30am - 12.30pm, 2nd Saturday of month |
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Little Malop Street - between Moorabool and Yarra Streets
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Geelong |
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Frankly My Dear Vintage Fair
A new vintage fair is now happening in Geelong at the Nash Hotel, on the first Saturday of each month.
Lots of stall holders selling Vintage Mens, Womens Clothing and Accessories, Soul DJ’s spinning records, |
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11 to 5pm, First Saturday of month |
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The ‘NASH’ National Hotel, Moorabool St
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: franklymydear@gmail.com |
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Geelong Baby and Childrens Community Market
Geelong Baby and Childrens Community Market is held at Vines Road Community Centre. With over 60 stalls of new and pre loved items you are bound to find a bargain. A precentage of sales go to GAMBA (Geelong Area Multiple Birth Association). We hold 3 markets a year. Saturday November 15th 2008, 9am - 1pm; Saturday March 21st 2009, 9am - 1pm |
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9am to 1pm, selected Saturdays |
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Vines Road Community Centre
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: 0411 131064 |
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Geelong Computer Swap Meet
A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. |
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9am—4.30pm, Sundays (except Christmas Day and Nrew Years Day) |
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Geelong Clearance Centre, 7 Malop St
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 9886 1466 |
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Geelong Greyhounds Saturday Community Market at Beckley Park.
A large indoor/outdoor market with variety stalls, produce and food. |
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8.30am to 1pm, Saturdays |
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Beckley Park, off Princes Highway
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Corio |
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Enquiries: 0408 728 336 |
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Geelong Mill Markets
 Until recently, this location hosted a large and popular market. That market has relocated to Newcomb (see below). The remaining Geelong Mills Matket now has a large array of retro advertising signs, furniture, and larger and quirky mechanical and industrial equipment. White Hat can recommend this market as a good source for those looking to do a quirky fitout as well as to theatre companies and film-makers looking for genuine period props. It now functions more as a warehouse so give a ring before making a special trip. |
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various hours, Monday to Friday |
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3 Mackey Street
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North Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 5278 9989 |
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Geelong Night Market
Based on the successful Night Market at
Queen Victoria Market in
Melbourne, the Geelong Night Market features stalls with everything from a
well-being area to eclectic wares and artisans to live entertainment. Street
food showcases cuisines from around the world and there are activities for
families to enjoy. White Hat can recommend this market as an atmospheric
contribution to the relaxed atmosphere of Geelong over the summer holiday
period. |
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Fridays Jan & Feb 2014 (tbc) |
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Johnstone Park, Cnr Mercer & Gheringhap Streets
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Geelong |
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Geelong Showgrounds Market
An outdoor/indoor market with variety stalls, new and used goods. Casual stallholders welcome. |
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8am - 2pm, Sundays (except during Geelong Show) |
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Cnr. Breakwater Road and Carr Street
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East Geelong |
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Enquiries: 0417 759 777 |
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Golden Plains Farmers Market
A genuine farmers market promoting the gorgeous local produce of the Golden Plains region. |
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9am to 2pm, 1st Saturday of month |
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Bannockburn (near Geelong) |
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Mill Markets Newcomb
 A large indoor market with permenant and casual stallholders selling antiques,collectables, vintage clothing, homewares, memmorabilia and retro fashions. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy the Chapel Street Bazaar in Melbourne you will find a similar range of items at the Newcomb Mill Market but with more space to move. |
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10am to 6pm, daily |
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114 Bellarine Highway
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Newcomb |
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Enquiries: (03) 5248 2390 |
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Newtown Farmers Market
Featuring a wide range of fresh local produce direct from the Farmer/Producer to you. Fall in love with local food. Full information at Regional
Farmers Markets. |
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8am to 1pm, 4th Saturday of month |
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Cnr Shannon Avenue & West Fyans Street
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Newtown, Geelong |
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(Mel ref 451 F7) |
Enquiries - (03) 5664 0096) |
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Osborne House – Makers & Growers Market
In the grounds of historic Osborne House overlooking Corio Bay. Arts, crafts and fresh produce, with sausage sizzle, coffee and hot soup. |
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9am to 1pm, 3rd Sunday of month |
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Osbourne House,
Swinburne St
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North Geelong |
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Enquiries: 0424 373 214 |
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Steampacket Gardens Art & Craft Market
 A quality market on the picturesque waterfront at Geelong. With a large array of arts, crafts, clothing, gifts and food stalls. Even if you are not a confirmed shopper, White Hat can recommend this market as a pleasant place to stroll and browse on a Sunday sfternoon. |
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10am-3pm (2pm in Winter), 1st Sunday of month |
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Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 5229 0764 |
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Geelong Highland Gathering
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The Geelong Highland Gathering, will
include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian
Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on
the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong
suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was
revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously
ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of
Australia”.
It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish
culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting
interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges.
The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually.
Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays,
Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic
Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are
all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural
and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s
activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p>
Full information at
Geelong Highland Gathering. Details may change so check closer to the event. |
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March 2014 ? |
Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus |
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Geelong Week
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Geelong Week, goes above and beyond sailing, with sensational racing, a gala like atmosphere and an abundance of waterfront activities and entertainment. It attracts over 100,000 visitors and boasts over 450 competing yachts with over 5000 sailors taking part. It is a non-stop, four-day festival commencing with racing in Melbourne, before the massive fleet heads for Corio Bay in the traditional Williamstown to Geelong race on Saturday.
The sailing program is infused with non-stop live entertainment, performances and outdoor dining along the Geelong Waterfront. The festival, which includes aerobatic displays, live music and a fireworks spectacular, will continue throughout the Australia Day long weekend. |
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Pako Festa
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A multicultural festival with entertainment, demonstrations and stalls. |
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Royal Geelong Show
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The Royal Geelong Show is held over 4 days. Come along and see Horse events, Prime Lamb and Beef Carcase Judging, Cattle and Sheep judging, Homecraft, Woolcraft and Horticulture exhibits and demonstrations. Enjoy attractions and entertainment galore, trade sites, rides and side shows. Spectacular fireworks Friday and Saturday night. Adult $14; Concession $12; Student child 5-15 yrs $6; Family (2Adults & up to 3 Child) $34. Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October 2007. Open 9am - 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm Sunday. |
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October 2012 ? |
Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong |
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The Scarf Festival
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After a short hiatus, the very popular Scarf Festival is back and is moving
from its former home at Craft Victoria in Melbourne to its new location at the
National Wool Museum in Geelong, from 19 June to 19 July. Full details at
2009 Scarf Festival. |
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July 2012 ? |
National Wool Museum, Geelong |
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