Geelong City Centre Vic 3220

Geelong's city centre comprises a wealth of interesting and historic sights - Waterfront Geelong, Eastern Beach Rd comprises Eastern Beach, Cunningham Pier, sea baths (1930s), a collection of sculptures & artworks, art deco fountains, pools, lights and beautiful homes. Botanic Gardens, Garden St has two distinct sides – traditional 19^th century & contemporary 21^st century. National Wool Museum, cnr Moorabool & Brougham Sts housed in the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore and dedicated to Australia’s wool industry with many interesting displays, machinery & memorabilia. Open (9.30am-5pm) daily. Geelong Art Gallery, Little Malop St. fine collection of 19^th & 20^th century British artists. Open (10am-5pm) weekdays & (1pm-5pm) weekends/public holidays. Historic Geelong includes Strachan’s Woolstore (1889), Original Customs House (1838) – qualifying as Victoria’s oldest building, Merchiston Hall (1856), Corio Villa (1856), St Peter & St Paul’s Catholic Church (1864), Church of Christ (1858). Ford Discovery Centre, cnr Gheringap & Brougham Sts traces Geelong’s long history associated with Ford motor cars with interesting displays, demonstrations & exhibits. Open (10am-5pm) exc.Tues. The Old Geelong Gaol, cnr Myers & Swanston Sts (1849–1991) high-security prison with appalling conditions. Open (1pm-4pm) weekdays/public/school holidays). Barwon Valley Park, on Barwin River’s south bank is a pretty recreational area with several old mills. Queens Park, Queens Park Rd has walks to Buckley Falls. Balyang Bird Sanctuary, Shannon Ave fauna & flora reserve featuring the Yollinko Wetlands, walking paths and a diverse ecosystem. Shearers Arms Gallery, Aberdeen St. Geelong West is located in one of Geelong’s oldest hotels (1847). Open (11am-5pm) daily. Free entry.

Visitor Information Centre: Market Sq Shopping Centre, Moorabool St. Tel (03) 5222 6126; Stead Park, Princes Hwy, Corio. Tel (03) 5275 5797 or 1800 620 888.