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Explore Geelong
Welcome to Geelong
On behalf of local VIEW Club members, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the VIEW National Convention 2027 in Geelong to be held at the stunning Nyaal Banyul, Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
We are thrilled to gather on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, where our enchanting waterfront city meets the vibrant, sparkling waters of the Bellarine Peninsula. We hope that you enjoy 2027 convention, and your stay in Geelong!
We have put together some of the best local tips on where to eat, what do to and what you shouldn't miss seeing while you're here to help you make the most of your time in our beautiful region.
We are thrilled to gather on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, where our enchanting waterfront city meets the vibrant, sparkling waters of the Bellarine Peninsula. We hope that you enjoy 2027 convention, and your stay in Geelong!
We have put together some of the best local tips on where to eat, what do to and what you shouldn't miss seeing while you're here to help you make the most of your time in our beautiful region.
Local Attractions and Day Trips
If you're staying in town a little longer, discover the famous coastal charm and rich community heritage of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula! The following are local members top tips for the must see attractions and must do activities while you're here:
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The Waterfront Bollard Trail
Geelong’s most famous attraction by artist Jan Mitchell. Take a stroll along the iconic waterfront and discover the city's beloved bollards. This trail showcases some of the most memorable figures and colourful characters from Geelong's seaside culture and rich history.
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Port Phillip Ferries Day Cruise
Allow an extra day before or after convention and take this scenic cruise across the bay to Docklands in Melbourne or directly to the quaint seaside village of Portarlington, the winner of the Small Town Tourism Awards 2026. -
National Wool Museum
Located just five minutes from the venue at 26 Moorabool St, this iconic piece of local history allows visitors to discover Australia’s rich textile history housed inside a magnificent historic 1872 wool store and browse a wonderful collection of gorgeous gifts of locally crafted woollen garments and gifts!
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Bellarine Taste Trail
Organise a group carpool or charter a tour down the Portarlington Rd towards Drysdale and Leopold to visit wineries, farmgates, provedores, restaurants and cafes to savour the flavours of the region. Top off the perfect day with a yummy lunch at Jack Rabbit Vineyard -
Geelong Gallery
Geelong Gallery is one of Australia's oldest art galleries. For over 125 years Geelong Gallery has amassed a significant collection of Australian and European painting, sculpture, printmaking and decorative arts, and you can't beat free entry for value! -
Bellarine Railway
The Bellarine Railway is a volunteer-operated organisation offering steam and diesel train rides and experiences between Queenscliff and Drysdale, featuring a unique collection of locomotives from across Australia. Scenic train trips depart from Queenscliff Station and Drysdale station on select dates.
The History of Geelong
Geelong’s history spans a millennia, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation have been caring for Country stretching from the Great Dividing Range of Ballarat, to the Werribee River including Djiland (Geelong) for thousands of years. The name Nyaal Banyul was gifted to the Geelong Convention and Event centre by the Wadawurrung, returning language to Country. Meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, Nyaal Banyul encourages visitors to look deeply, and appreciate the landscapes and history of Wadawurrung Country.
In 1802 European maritime exploration began when Lieutenant John Murray sailed into Corio Bay, followed soon after by Matthew Flinders who charted the area later that year. Squatters from Tasmania came looking for pastural land in the mid 1830’s and the township of Geelong was founded in 1837 when Governor Richard Burke officially named it. In 1851 with the discovery of gold in Ballarat, Geelong became well positioned to be the main port and trade gateway for the goldfields.
Industry took off with the building of massive wool stores along the waterfront with Geelong becoming known as the wool centre of the world. In the mid 1800’s Geelong Advertiser editor James Harrison pioneered the first commercial refrigeration system, forever changing global food transport.
In 1910 Geelong rapidly pivoted from agriculture to manufacturing with the Ford Motor Company opening its first Australian manufacturing plant. Following the Second World War manufacturing grew to include the International Harvester, the Shell Oil Refinery and the Alcoa Aluminium Smelter.
Geelong is famous for being the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and its local AFL team the “Geelong Cats”. Today Geelong is an enchanting, vibrant modern coastal city… see you there!
