Geelong Waterfront, Geelong

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when we stopped for breakfast at the Geelong waterfront, and there were a number of excellent cafes to choose from. We talked AFL with a local and generally had a good time.
On returning to the car however we found a $60 parking ticket. Unfortunate but true - they enforce parking in this area even on a Saturday morning.
As a tourist from Brisbane who has come into Geelong specifically to enjoy the waterfront and breakfast at a local cafe I thought it might be worth explaining the purpose of our visit to the council, and perhaps they would reconsider. Well, it's true they did reconsider but they weren't about to forego their $60 of income - so they insist I pay it, and I will. BUT - I will be very unlikely to ever visit Geelong or patronise the waterfront cafes ever again. Sorry about that, but realistically parking tickets do not make for enjoyable holidays.

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OUR FIRST MORNING IN GEELONG WE WENT FOR A WALK ALONG THE ESPLANADE AND WESTERN BEACH ROAD AFTER BREAKFAST. IT WAS A CLEAR FINE DAY AND THE BAY WAS FLAT CALM. A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE OUT DOING THEIR 30 MINS OF EXERCISE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A WEEK DAY. THE GEELONG WATERFRONT HAS A NUMBER OF PARKS AND AN AMUSEMENT RIDE AS WELL AS THE CUNNINGHAM PIER. IT IS A VERY EASY WALK WITH NOT MANY SLOPES OR HILLS. YOU WALK PAST THE DEAKIN UNIVERSITY AND THEN CONTINUE INTO THE TOWN CENTER FOR SOME SHOPPING.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PLACES TO STAY ALONG THE WATERFRONT AND PLENTY OF PLACES FOR A DRINK OR SOMETHING TO EAT. AS WE HAD JUST EATEN BREAKFAST WE DIDN'T NEED TO LOOK.

Geelong is located on the western side of the Port Phillip Bay, which is a major shipping channel for the greater Melbourne and Victoria regions. Within the greater Port Phillip Bay, there is a smaller bay on which Geelong sits. This is known as the Corio Bay, and the Waterfront of Geelong is located here within this smaller bay. Geelong really prides itself on being known as one of the best Waterfronts in Australia.

There really are hundreds of things to look at and see here in Geelong. In a lucky twist of fate, we also turned up at the same time that the Skandia Geelong Week on the Waterfront, which added to tons of sailors and yachtsmen in town for a big party.

There are tons of waterfront restaurants, and the walkways are immaculate. The walkways are all well shaped so that it is an easy walk for all, and the view is wonderful.

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What do you do with the old planks from a pier when the new wood is erected?

You turn them into Art, if you are Geelong's hometown artist Jan Mitchell. Over the past several years, Jan has spent some dedicated time and effort into these beautiful pictures into Australian life, and a creative way to spruce up the town.

There are over 100 of these statues here in Geelong, so you may make a game out of it to see how many you can track down in your trip.

If you would like to check out more on these, stroll through the pictures!

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Geelong is a wonderful place to relax and jog or stroll and walk along the waterfront as it was really refreshing with a terrific view. There were several restaurants at the waterfront but they usually close early.

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In recent years Geelong's Waterfront has been given a make-over and is now not only a prominent feature of Geelong, but a beautiful one too. Walking along Eastern Beach is a must for anyone coming to Geelong. From the Botanical Gardens to Cunningham Pier, past restaurants on the beach, luscious green lawns for having picnics on sunny days, the carousel - the view of the bay, with boats in the distance rocking gently on the water - makes for a perfect setting.

Plus down at Eastern Beach there is a public swimming pool right in front of the beach, or for people who prefer saltwater, go swimming in the bay. There is an enclosed area with a semi-circular boardwalk around it that is perfect to swim in.

Or if you just feel like taking in the views at Eastern Beach, there are steep hills to sit on that lead down to the beach, they give perfect views over the bay, especially on a clear day.

On New Years, Australia Day and Gala Day you will find the waterfront comes alive with parties, rides and music.

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Whilst "touring" the waterfront this week (October 2005) I took lots of photos of things to see and do along the waterfront. It was a nice day, with a bit of wind blowing and some sunshine. I got sunburnt of course - my nose usually cops it.

Geelong Waterfront has had some major refurbishment over the last five to ten years. Walk along our sensational waterfront or come up to the City of Greater Geelong for some great shopping. Our streetscape has been refurbished and renovated and shopping is a pleasure with wide footpaths and new sculptures gracing the city streets.

Hope you like the photos and I hope that Keith is tempted to come and see Geelong with a different point of view.

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The Carousel operates most days of the year. There is a cost to ride but I am not sure how much it costs. Not too expensive.

There is a kiosk in the same building as the Carousel and also some historical items, including a famous music machine from Paris - sorry not sure what it is called.