In and around Geelong
- The waterfront promenade is adorned with colourful wooden bollards and a century-old carousel, Cunningham Pier and quay, flanked by gardens and playgrounds which are overlooked by bustling cafes and restaurants; a sandy beach and enclosed swimming enclosure with plenty of picnic spaces.
- Australia Day weekend, hosting the Festival of Sails; not only great for sailing enthusiasts but the whole family; including music, stalls, food and fireworks. Geelong also holds many cycling and marathon events.
- Eastern Park, the Botanic Gardens boast a dramatic new extension to its collection of old and rare trees and plants.
- The adventurous type may enjoy sailing, fishing, a ride on a Harley Davidson or a jet boat ride. There are bikes and mopeds for hire, or the family train, running along the waterfront to Eastern Beach.
- Find out about the history of Geelong by visiting the bluestone National Wool Museum, Old Geelong Gaol, Geelong Art Gallery and Maritime Museum.
- As well as the central business district, you'll find shopping, arts and crafts and dining precincts in Pakington Street, West Geelong, Belmont and Highton.
- Queenscliff, 20 minutes drive from Geelong; once a sleepy fishing village is compact enough to explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to find a spot for coffee and cake, a glass of wine and a snack or leisurely meal. Queenscliff has a thriving arts and crafts community whose works many with seascape or maritime theme you will find on display and for sale in local galleries.
- At the start of the Great Ocean Road 30 minutes drive from Geelong is Torquay and its world-renowned beaches. Most famous is Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro. If you want to catch the surfing action, it is held over Easter.
- Along the Great Ocean Road you come to other little villages like Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apolo Bay. Highly recommend you visit the Aireys Inlet Light House, The Otway Fly (Cool climate rainforest) and the historic rock formation, The 12 Apostles.
Places to Visit
Geelong National Wool Museum - Tel: 5272 4701 www.nwm.vic.gov.au
Geelong Performing Arts Centre www.gpac.org.au
Geelong Art Gallery www.geelonggallery.org.au
Helicopter Flights - Tel: 0422 515 151 www.geelonghelicopters.com.au
Royal Geelong Yacht Club - Festival of Sales www.rgyc.com.au
Avalon Air Show www.airshow.com.au
Queens Park Public Golf Course - Tel: 5222 1772 www.qpgc.com.au
Gone Fishing Charters - Tel: (03) 5278 5274, 0409 007 068 www.gonefishing.com.au
The Mt Duneed Estate - A Day On The Green - Concerts www.adayonthegreen.com.au
The Queenscliff Music Festival www.qmf.net.au
Great Ocean Road & Otways National Park www.greatoceanrd.org.au
The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk & Café - Tel: 5235 9200 www.otwayfly.com
Avalon Airport (20 minutes from Geelong)
Jetstar www.jetstar.com.au
SkyBus - Avalon Geelong Express www.skybus.com.au/avalon-geelong-express
Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine)
www.melbourneairport.com.au
The Gull Airport Shuttle Service will take you directly to and from Geelong www.gull.com.au
Murrell Chauffeur Drive www.murrell.com.au
Restaurants and Cafés
Ebony & Ivory Café Restaurant 189 Moorabool Street, Geelong, T: 522 16072 www.ebonyivory.net.au
Azzurra Trattoria - The Taste of Italy 310 Moorabool Street, Geelong T: 522 90116 https://Azzurratrattoria310.business.site
Empire Grill Restaurant - 66 McKillop Street, Geelong - Tel: 5223 2132 www.empiregrill.com.au
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"Thank you very much for the lovely Christmas decorations, treats for the pup and our chocolates and shortbread. You have fantastic attention to detail and we have enjoyed ourselves immensely in your beautiful home."
The Stewart Family
"We have enjoyed our time at Sabina. Such a gorgeous and cosy cottage you can't help but relax. Spotlessly clean and such a fantastic location. We look forward to coming back soon."
The Kentwell Family
"In Geelong for our eldest son's wedding. This beautiful house made us all feel special and ensured we were all relaxed and rested for the big day. It was also a relief to have somewhere our pet sould stay as all our dog minders were here for the wedding. Thank you Helen & Ron."
Ian & Michelle & family
"Thank you for making 'Sabina' such a wonderful facility for our stay here. You have gone above and beyond with your personal touches. Our wedding for our daughter this weekend was wonderful and then 'Sabina' just made it extra perfect for our family. Thank you again, 5+ Stars always to be recommended by us."
Glenda & Peter Walsh
"We had a wonderful family holiday in your beautifully presented accommodation. Everything is first class. Thank you."
John, Mary & family
(North Queensland)
"We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay at Sabina. The house is excellent and beautifully maintained, a credit to Helen and family and thank you so much for thinking of everything and your attention to detail in caring for your guests. A great place - great service. We will thoroughly recommend Sabina to all we know and anyone interested. Many, many thanks."
Pauline & Denis
(Wyndham Vale)
"Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful "haven" in Geelong. The house is really beautiful and you have thought of absolutely everything to make a holiday perfect!! We had a wonderful time and would strongly recommend it to anyone travelling to Geelong."
Mark, Rach, Ava & Daneil
(Mosman, NSW)
"Thank you for a lovely holiday. Sabina is beautifully furnished with all the comforts of home and more. Location is fantastic, short walk to city and beach, restaurants. Thanks again. We will be back!"
Janine and family
(Bundoora, Vic)
"All down in Geelong on business. Like a home away from home, everything you could need - including the rain ponchos. We had a great stay. Thank you"