History

Geelong has a long and colourful history. Its original inhabitants were members of various clans of the Wathaurong tribe who had inhabited the region years before white explorers arrived.

The first known sighting of the Geelong region by Europeans occurred in December 1800 when Lt. James Grant sailed through Bass Strait from the west in the coastal exploration brig Lady Nelson.

Next came the discovery and exploration of Port Phillip Bay, from January to March 1802, when the Lady Nelson under Lt John Murray R.N entered it from Sydney. For more history see here.

Attractions

Waterfront – Geelong’s Waterfront is the place to go for a ride on a antique carousel, swimming in art-deco pools, or a walk along the board walk.

Art Gallery – A collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts spanning from Austrlian colonial art to present day.

National Wool Museum -The National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. The Museum is housed in an historic 1872 bluestone wool store near the port of Geelong.

Great Ocean Road -Discover the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria. Travel one of the world’s most scenic roads through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach, on the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road itself.

Botanical Gardens – Over the past two years the Geelong Botanic Gardens has celebrated two significant milestones. The gardens celebrated its 150th year in 2001 and in September 2002 the Geelong Botanic Gardens opened its 21st Century Garden extensions. You will also find a wonderful playground for the little ones across the gardens parking lot. The playground is completely enclosed and there are picnic tables and toilets nearby.