Geelong Warnings Or Dangers

While Geelong is a very safe city, like every other city or town, you should still not walk around at night by yourself (male or female). Luckily we don't have a lot of crime (of the physical violence kind) here.

**UPDATE**: Unfortunately the above statement that I wrote about 2 years ago is not so true today. Over the past 8 months there has been more physical crimes (especially on women) in the main streets of Geelong at night. And although there is extra police walking the streets and security cameras actually being manned now it is not advised that anyone should walk on their own. Just make sure you are aware of your surroundings when walking around at night and that you have a friend with you.

Sometimes you need to keep an eye out for those crazy bollards... every once in a while they will be out to hose you!

Unless you are Canadian, you may not understand this tip, so do not worry.... just don't become a hoser, eh!

As with travelling anywhere in the world, make sure you carry valuables on your person at all times. Don't leave money or handbags or wallets lying around at any time in any part of the world.
Geelong people are no exception to the rule - if you don't leave something in temptation's way then nothing will happen to the valuable item, be it money, jewels, wallets, handbags, expensive clothing or shoes.

Make sure someone knows where you are travelling to at all times. This means that your relatives have peace of mind because they know approximately where to locate you at all times.

If you decide to visit the East Geelong gardens do not under any circumstances sit in the rotunda on a day that looks or is stormy. Over the past few years some people have died when lightning has struck the rotunda's metal roof (2 people died very recently). Why it has not been taken down, or why it does not have a lightning rod I am not sure. Just beware of the rotunda.

During Spring in Australia (September-November) you must beware of magpies - a black and white coloured bird - because they are very protective of their young. During Spring their kids have hatched and anyone walking past their nest (which are high in the trees) will find themselves being swooped upon.

If swooped at, move on quickly

There aren't really any dangers here, But, that's not to say that things couldn't happen here. As anywhere you might travel, keep your personal possesions and documents in a safe place, and be smart about your personal safety.

A word of warning:
I'd never attempt to see the whole Great Ocean Road in one day. For one thing, there are too many nice towns and attractions to see, and another is the road you're driving on.
For most of the way you'll have cliffs on one side above you, and a sheer drop to the ocean on the other side. The road curves are for the most part very tight, so you can only do 40 - 70 km/hr at most.

If you're driving the Great Ocean Rd I recommend that you have something like Travel Calm Ginger (natural) pills on hand, just in case.
For me, even travelling for 30 minutes on winding roads with very tight bends at 40 - 60 km/h is enough to make me ill, and because the road is so narrow, there aren't many places to pull over.
(Another reason not to try and see the Great Ocean Road in one day)