The Geelong region is ideal for a family holiday. We have amazing beaches, beautiful parks and so much to see and do. There are also some fabulous attractions well suited for the whole family. Here are a few of our favourites.
Adventure Park Geelong
Adventure Park is considered the biggest water park in Victoria and is one of the most popular family destination in the Geelong region over the summer months. Located in Wallington in the heart of the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, Adventure Park has dozens of rides both water and land based. There are amazing waterslides, pedal boats, mini golf and even a gorgeous grand carousel. The park caters for the whole family from the very young to adult. There are playgrounds, fun filled pirate shows plus BBQ’s and cabana hire to make a real day out of it. The park is open from the end of October until late April. For more information: http://www.adventurepark.com.au
Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Taits Road in Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula, the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for any animal lover. The sanctuary is home to some of Australia’s most amazing creatures. As well as koalas, you will see a vast variety of animals including kangaroos, dingoes, possums, pelicans and reptiles just to name a few. Jirrahlinga has been monumental in helping distressed or injured native animals. They help our little grey friends who have been hurt on the road, burnt in bush fires, attacked by other animals or have been affected in some other way. The sanctuary has been in operation for over 30 years and is usually open 7 days a week. For more information: www.jirrahlinga.com.au
Fairy Park
Nestled in the hills of Anakie to the north west of the city is Fairy Park, a truly magical place that has been loved by kids and adults alike for generations. Fairy Park is a theme park that explores the tales myths and legends of the fairy-tale and has dozens of interactive displays and activities featuring all of the characters we have grown up with, from Goldilocks and the three bears, to Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and even Pinocchio. There are castles, grottos, dragons, giant mushrooms, gnomes and wizards, a delight for the whole family. Fairy Park has picnic grounds, BBQ’s and a kiosk and gift shop. The park closes for a few weeks during winter and reopens in early September. For more information: www.fairypark.com.
The Waterfront Carousel
No visit to Geelong is complete without a ride on our magnificent Armitage Herschell Carousel located on our spectacular waterfront. The centrepiece of Steampacket Gardens, the carousel is housed in a striking modern glass and metal pavilion. Originally built in 1892, the carousel consists of 36 horses and two chariots. The carousel was painstakingly restored with special coach wood timber imported from the United States to match the original timber as closely as possible. The carousel is themed to the King Arthur and Camelot story and features some beautiful artwork, it is not only a joy to ride but a joy to just see. The carousel is open seven days a week. Also be sure to check out the mini train ride from the carousel to Eastern Beach. For more information: www.intown.com.au/locals/geelong/attractions/carousel.htm
Bellarine Railway
There is no better family adventure than jumping on a heritage train and traveling through the Bellarine Peninsula. The Bellarine Railway links Drysdale and the Victorian seaside resort township of Queenscliff. There are a range of vintage trains including several steam trains and some charming old diesel locomotives. Thomas the Tank Engine even makes an appearance on the lines at various times throughout the year. For grown-ups there is a very popular Blues Train that operates most Saturday evenings. The ride between Drysdale and Queenscliff takes about 45 minutes. Many people stop at the destination for a few hours to explore the township or have a picnic before returning back to their destination, making a full fun day out of it. The railway operates on weekends and has special events and runs during school holidays. For more information http://www.bellarinerailway.com.au
Eastern Beach
The magnificent Art Deco Eastern Beach is the jewel of Geelong’s waterfront. This beautiful swimming enclosure has been a favourite summer destination for families for decades. There are two pools a small enclosed pool for the young and a large open sea pool for the older. The large pool is surrounded by a magnificent two level deck with diving tower, diving boards and other fun activities. The expansive grass parkland is a favourite all year round for picnics, BBQ’s and some of the city’s major events. Eastern Beach is one of Geelong’s truly unique attractions and a must for visitors. For more information: www.intown.com.au/locals/geelong/attractions/eastern-beach.htm
A Maze’n Games
Located on the intersection of Grub Road and Queenscliff Road in Wallington on the Bellarine Peninsula, is one of Australia’s largest timber mazes. This attraction is another of the great attractions on the Bellarine Peninsula and has hours of fun for the whole family. There are BBQ facilities, a café even an 18 hole mini golf course. For more information: http://www.amazengames.com.au/
Serendip Sanctuary
Serendip Sanctuary covers 227 ha of land close to the You Yangs to the north of our city. This sanctuary is home to a wide range of interesting Australian animals including emu, kangaroo, frogmouths, wallabies and the beautiful cape barren geese. Administered by Parks Victoria the sanctuary features picnic facilities and plenty of parking. It is open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM except Good Friday and Christmas Day. For more information: www.intown.com.au/locals/lara/serendip-sanctuary.htm
Portarlington Miniature Railway
The Portarlington Miniature Railway is located at Point Richards to the west of Portarlington on the northern shoreline overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Run by the Rotary Club of Drysdale, it operates on Sundays a few times a month during the warmer months and some other occasions during the year. The small train delights the young who love riding on top of the tiny carriages. There is plenty of parking and good picnic and BBQ facilities plus a playground close by. For more information:www.intown.com.au/locals/portarlington/portarlington-miniature-railway.htm
Leisure Link Water Park
Leisure Link is Geelong’s newest aquatic centre. Run by the City of Greater Geelong, this state of the art facility is located in Waurn Ponds to the south of the city centre. The facility features a large 8 lane lap pool separated into 2 25 metre pools. There are several smaller pools for the young, saunas, spas, gyms and a huge water park. The water park features two amazing waterslides, the Spacebowl is a high energy raft ride inside an enclosed bowl, while the Black Hole features a pitch black twisty experience. There is a fun adventure playground and a splash pad where kids play with bouncing fountains and water sprays. The park is open 7 days a week, being closed on some public holidays.