Frommuseums and galleries to
picturesque parks, Geelong is a
cultural delight.
Who knewGeelong was such a
thriving hub of art and culture?
Boasting more galleries and museums
than you can shake an oil painting at,
you can’t help but absorb creative
inspiration. The
Geelong Art Gallery
hosts an interesting collection of
Australian and international art that
will appeal to art history lovers. For
something a little more left-of-centre,
BoomGallery
, once an old wool
mill, hosts innovative exhibitions of
contemporary art and design from
both emerging and established local
artists.
The National Wool Museum
is the place to learn about Geelong’s
history as once the busiest wool port
in Australia. There’s even a giant 1910
loom that operates throughout the
day. To enjoy some art alfresco, take
a stroll down to the waterfront, past
the 104 painted bollards, by artist
Jan Mitchell, each representing a
character fromGeelong’s history.
At one end of the waterfront is the
picturesque
Eastern Beach
and at the
other, is the
Botanical Gardens
with
views across the water. If that’s not
enough for one day, there’s also the
Powerhouse
, an industrial street art
space, which has seen over 220 artists
so far, transform the derelict old power
station into a vibrant arts precinct. The
Geelong Gaol
provides a fascinating
insight into Australia’s early history,
since the first prisoners were admitted
in 1853, and for motoring enthusiasts,
the
GeelongMuseum of Motoring
and Industry
exhibits an impressive
selection of rare vintage cars and
memorabilia.
Thriving coffee shops (boasting
brilliant brews), delicious food,
treasure-trove markets andmore
–
there aren’t enough hours in the day.
It’s always a good idea to start the
day on a full stomach and at café
Little Green Corner
you can feel both
satisfied–and virtuous. It’s simple,
tasty food, fresh local produce, with
a wonderful sustainable philosophy
at heart. Meanwhile, the
LittleMalop
and James Street precinct
offers
a wealth of cafés, boutique shops,
homewares and more. Fancy getting
the crochet hooks out?
Craft Space
,
a café and creative space inspires the
arts with communal crocheting, craft
classes and even mindful colouring in.
Walk off your meal by taking a tour of
some of Geelong’s historic buildings,
many of which are reminiscent of
the city’s rich industrial history. Visit
Geelong VintageMarket
to fossick
for vintage, retro and collectible
treasures from over 60 stalls, while
taking in the 2000 square metres of
shopping space, set in the old glass
factory. Recover from retail therapy
at
Johnstone Park
, an oasis of lush
greenery, over which looms the new
Geelong Library&Heritage Centre
–a striking glass- paneled domed
building that cost a whopping
$45 million.
If you want to spend your days within
a warm and welcoming community,
dedicated to a lifestyle that inspires
contentment, you’re in luck.
Situated near the gateway to the
Bellarine Peninsula
, Tannoch Brae
Retirement Village has an abundance
of beautiful beaches, wineries,
restaurants and nature reserves
right on its doorstep. There are golf,
bowling and social clubs nearby,
not to mention plenty of friendly
neighbours to catch up for a coffee
with. The village features a gym,
cinema, bowling green and more.
If you feel more at home in a rural
setting, Abervale has the relaxed
atmosphere of a country village, but
the hustle and bustle of Melbourne is
just an hour’s drive away. A bowling
green, putting green and bocce court
are conducive to an engaging, active
life.
Geelong’s Botanical Gardens
and
the spectacular
Great Ocean Road
are
just a short distance from the village,
and shopping centres, restaurants and
all of life’s necessities are within easy
reach. The only question is: why would
you want to live anywhere else?
VIC Market Guide
Perhaps it’s the location on Corio Bay, within easy reach of fresh sea air and beachy vistas. Perhaps it’s the elegant architecture;
the bustling commercial centre; the colourful gardens and parks or the city-by-the-bay vibe. Either way, there’s no denying
Geelong sets the scene for a rewarding life. So, what are the highlights?
Victoria’s best kept secret.
07
SEE
DO
LIVE
DISCOVER MORE ON
TANNOCH BRAE AND
ABERVALE ON PAGES
10 AND 11
