The Australian Bucket List

Victoria

GeelongHome to some of the state's best regional dining, and the perfect base from which to cycle and explore the neighboring You Yangs and Bellarine Peninsula.

Geelong is a city on the move and the signs of change are everywhere, from the stunning waterfront and urban precinct to the craft breweries and hole-in-the-wall cafes that have reclaimed and reshaped the city's old industrial landscape. Geelong takes full advantage of its unique north-facing bay with fabulous waterfront eateries, landscaped gardens, public artworks and walking paths set against the backdrop of Corio Bay. Cool off in the art deco-style pool and kick back in the promenade complex and restored pavilion at Eastern Beach. Use the city as a base to explore the famous Geelong wine region and visit craft breweries, sign up for an eco-adventure tour, or take your pick from a wide range of adrenaline-charged activities. Dine out in the bayside CBD and Pakington Street, the ambient tree-lined avenue linking the suburbs of Geelong West and Newtown. Have your pick of the many renowned restaurants and eateries as well as delicatessens and wine merchants. Explore the city's 100 National Trust listed buildings and delve into the history of wool at the National Wool Museum, housed in an impressive bluestone building dating back to 1872. Take in the Geelong Art Gallery's outstanding collection of Australian works and visit the Powerhouse Museum, home to work by some of the country's finest street artists. Swap the arts for sport and enjoy a game of Australian Rules football at Simonds Stadium, the home ground of the Geelong Football Club. From horse racing to multicultural festivals, Geelong is a city of major events. Visit in January for the Festival of Sails, kick up your heels with 100,000 happy revellers at the Pako Festa cultural celebration, and take part in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Aircraft enthusiasts will want to book in for the Australian International Airshow at Geelong's Avalon Airport, held every second March. Geelong is about one hour from Melbourne via the Princes Highway. Daily rail and coach services are available from Melbourne.

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Things to do

Dine at The Greek Customs House

Inspired by Greek traditions and modern styles of cooking. The chef has designed the menu to be as close to family-style beach cuisine as possible. With a few twists that will keep your taste buds guessing, and utilising local produce and wine, it sure will make your waterfront dining experience a pleasure when you visit for the first time. Local and Greek Wines with an incredible range of cocktails. Food is by executive chef, Peter Conistis (Alpha, Sydney).

Giant Ferris Wheel

Hi-Lite Amusements are proud to present to you the largest, most spectacular Ferris Wheel that the Southern Hemisphere has to offer, the Giant Sky Wheel. With over 24 amazing light patterns the Giant Wheel lights up the night sky in a spectacular show sure to draw gazing eyes from near and far. The oldest piece of carnival, the Ferris Wheel brings magic and nostalgia to any event or city skyline. Whether you are young, or young at heart, a trip to any fairground is not complete without a ride on the Ferris Wheel.

Jump aboard a segway tour!

Segway Geelong offers small group segway tours of the beautiful Leura Park Estate vineyard (15 minutes from central Geelong) and of the incomparable Geelong waterfront. Experts will have you up and skilled in a few minutes, ready to head off on your fun-filled outdoor adventure. Waterfront tours are one hour long. At Leura Park you can choose a Segway and Dine package or simply do the Segway Only tour without lunch. Your tour has a maximum size of eight people and takes you on a 90-minute adventure through the vineyards and surrounds. If you choose the Segway and Dine tour at Leura Park, you will sit down to a sumptuous lunch in the Leura Park Estate restaurant after your segway experience. Your lunch includes a complimentary, shared alfresco platter, stone-baked pizzas and a glass of wine, or other drink of your choice. Your package also includes complimentary wine tasting and a ten percent discount on any takeaway wines purchased. So come along and enjoy a fabulous day of fun. Segway and Dine packages are available Thursday to Sunday and daily over summer.

Go mountain bike riding in You Yangs Regional Park

The distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong. The You Yangs is a fantastic park for mountain biking. It has two mountain biking areas with over 50-kilometres of exciting trails catering for riders of all ages and abilities. The park is also popular for its magnificent views, birdlife, and for bushwalks and picnics. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Capture the beauty of Geelong and the Bellarine by air

Geelong Helicopters operates scenic flights daily from the Geelong Waterfront on the Yarra Street Pier and also by appointment from Barwon Heads Airport. 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. Let Geelong Helicopters show you Corio Bay, Geelong CBD, Barwon River, the famous Bells Beach and Torquay - the gateway to the Great Ocean Road from a view not seen by all. Once you have experienced vertical flight you will understand why everyone loves the feeling of flying in a helicopter.

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