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Geelong
is located
in the state of Victoria,
75 KM South West of Melbourne, Geelong is
Australia's largest regional municipality. Derived
from the Aboriginal word for bay Jillong, Geelong
means 'a place of the sea bird over the white
cliffs'. Greater Geelong is framed by water, from
its vibrant Corio Bay to the rugged ocean
coastline. The tranquil Barwon River connects
town, country and ocean. Locals enjoy a lifestyle
that encompasses cosmopolitan city, semi-rural and
diverse urban communities and kilometers of
pristine beaches. The region is also the major
gateway to some of the world's best surf beaches
and the drama of the Great Ocean Road.
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Waterfront
Geelong
is one of Australia's best waterfront
redevelopments. The transformation includes new
restaurants, beautiful landscaped gardens,
walking, cycling and skating paths, attractions
and public art. Central features are Steampacket
Quay and Steampacket Gardens where you can take a
stroll beside the bay or enjoy a picnic on the
lawns. Waterfront Geelong 's jewel is an art-deco
swimming pool and park complex off Ritchie
Boulevard and Eastern Beach Road . Built in the
1930s, the park and pools have become City
landmarks, drawing crowds for more than 60 years.
A recent upgrade of the huge sea bathing complex
and youngsters' pool, surrounding parkland and
pavilions and fountain has added to the area's
popularity. An antique carousel beside the quay is
a favorite with youngsters who can do laps on the
36 painted horses and two chariots to familiar
melodies from a 19th century fairground organ. On
the other side of Beach Road , Customs Park
recalls Geelong 's maritime importance in an
artistic way. Unique metal and glass "cargo
boxes" contain examples of the cargoes
handled at the port and provide illumination at
night. To complete the picture, Waterfront Geelong
has modern street lighting and street furniture to
match the contemporary feel. Waterfront Geelong is
also a major events venue, with its sweeping lawns
and views providing backdrops for markets,
sporting events and festivals.
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Central
Geelong is
the retail and commercial focus of the Geelong
region and is a true multi-purpose center. It
benefits from the location of a University, TAFE
College, Performing Arts Center, museums and
galleries, a modern cinema complex and extensive
health, medical and specialist services. These
facilities provide a high level of employment in
Central Geelong and establish a key role in the
areas of education, health and entertainment.
Central Geelong has benefited from its proximity
to the popular tourism destinations of the
Bellerine Peninsula, Surf coast and Great Ocean
Road. More recently, Central Geelong has
positioned itself as a tourist destination in its
own right with features such as Waterfront
Geelong, Eastern Beach and the Geelong Botanic
Gardens. Many of the activities undertaken by
Central Geelong City Management have a retail
focus. The majority of businesses within the
precinct share this focus and it is recognized
that the increase use of retailers within the
precinct will benefit all businesses. The central
area of Geelong also has plenty of fun for all
ages, with excellent restaurants, cafes, and
nightclubs. The night life is intense with live
music in bars and cafes, especially during the
weekends. Geelong's people are a proud and relaxed
bunch, which comes with living by the water in a
sophisticated town without city stress. Nearly 80%
of locals were born in Australia, and there is a
healthy representation from the rest of the world.
Geelong has access to the best in health,
education and community facilities in Australia.
There is an extensive system of government schools
and world renowned private schools, including The
Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School. The
multiple award winning Deakin University, Marcus
Oldham Agricultural College and the Gordon
Institute TAFE make Geelong a world-class center of
education.
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Around
Geelong,
Bellarine is a small rural district between
Clifton Springs and Portarlington on the low
slopes of Mount Bellarine, some 25km east of
Geelong city. Although a few kilometers from the
sea, Bellarine is elevated and affords some of the
best bay views in Victoria. Views across the bay
to Point Nepean, over the isthmus of Queenscliff
and the nearby shores of Portarlington and
Drysdale make this stunning land. Scotchman's Hill
winery and the Spray Farm vineyard take full
advantage of their views by hosting regular public
festivals, concerts and events, especially during
summer. Although most of Bellarine is occupied by
small farms or large acreages, closer to
Portarlington and the bay there are more houses.
Proximity to bay beaches, surf beaches and Geelong
make Bellarine a great place to live or visit. For
the Surfers, Bell's Beach is one of the best right
points in the world, with barrels and radical
tubes that you'll never forget. Don't miss Geelong
in your trip to Australia, and if you are planning
to study, Geelong offers everything you need.
Great schools, great surf, great fun, great
shopping, and very friendly people. Geelong is a
"must go". More info:
www.visitgeelong.org
More
about Geelong...
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| The
new waterfront - One of the most beautiful
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