Bollard Trail @visitgeelongbellarine

The prominent markers or bollards are stand out figures immediately catching the eyes of visitors. A favourite is the waterfront Bollard Trail. Reclaimed timber pier supports were repurposed into wooden sculpture bollards telling the story of Australia’s association with the beach. Over 100 carved bollards establish a narrative that is humorous, a message about water safety or a story about Geelong’s seafaring heritage or a reminder of the importance of the coast. This part of the promenade a historic bathing complex with its extensive changing and toilet facilities. A range of cafes, mobile food vendors and purpose built shade. The sloping grassed banks give visitors a bird’s eye view of the harbour, the pools and seaside activities.

DURATION ½ – 1 HOUR

Saturday lunch @visitgeelongbellarine

The choice is daunting with numerous eateries in your vicinity. Remember to check with tripadvisor for up to date food reviews and ask at your hotel as well.

TIP: Save space for tonight at the House of Jack Rabbit.

National Wool Museum @visitgeelongbellarine

National Wool Museum is not fussy tartan circa 1950’s rather contemporary wool inspiration together with the intriguing history of wool production.

Choices range from the National Wool Museum, interactive exhibition spaces with an excellent gift shop, the classic option of an art gallery and the forever popular Geelong Vintage Market, a shoppers fantasy where it is almost impossible to leave without something in your bag. Your journey through the National Wool Museum is informative yet not mind numbing with facts and figures which is not part of the weekend plan. Interactive with machinery and lots of glorious wool colours to look at. A great place for all seasons and, being indoors, a perfect.

@geelonggallery

Geelong Gallery is a mixture of European classical with contemporary and up and coming artists. While there is not an emphasis on local or Australian art specifically the gallery holds significant collections of Australian art.

The Gallery is home to a number of iconic Australian paintings including Eugène von Guérard’s Aborigines met on the road to the diggings (1854), The Weatherboard Falls (1863) and View of Geelong (1856), Louis Buvelot On the Woods Point Road (1872), Frederick McCubbin’s A bush burial (1890) and Russell Drysdale’s Hill End (1948). The greatest strengths of the Gallery’s permanent collection are colonial paintings, including a splendid array of early images of Geelong and its wider region such as John Skinner Prout lithograph Geelong (1847). Definitely an art lovers destination. The gift shop is a great place to check out its childrens or younger viewers’ gift ideas.

Geelong Vintage Market @geelongvintagemarket

Geelong Vintage Market with over 55 quirky stalls selling vintage furniture, household collectables, clothing, jewellery and retro items such as record covers and posters is a must do destination for bargain explorers.

After 1950’s industrial sewing machines it is likely the market has a corner stall for you to linger at. The market is located in an attractive former glass factory. Another great rainy day as the Geelong Vintage Market is open seven days, closed Christmas. The Pickers Union Cafe on site provides a boost to flagging energy level. You are guaranteed to locate, bargain and acquire a new collectable for your collection.

Geelong solitary bollard

Hop on board for a shared couple moment, it’s a classic tourist moment, and nothing more than a ferris wheel signals you are on holiday.

The ferris wheel is a staple of the carnival, combined with the Eastern Promenade walks Geelong has created a magical waterfront to bring nostalgia back to our seaside weekend. A perfect finish to the weekend is an instagram moment on the ferris wheel. Suitable for all ages, we don’t have to be children to be laughing and giggling at the ride to the top of the world on a ferris wheel. Recommended for all visitors who are young at heart.