Geelong
August 26th 2008 07:30
Situated on Corio Bay is the city of Geelong, Victoria's second largest city, famous for its picturesque waterfront, parks, gardens, beaches, fantastic dining and plenty of shopping. Located just 75km south west from Melbourne, the state's capital city, Geelong is Australia's largest regional municipality with a population of approximately 234,000 residents.
The name Geelong, like so many other Australian cities, is derived from 'Jillong' - the Aboriginal word for bay - and its meaning translates to 'a place of the sea bird over the white cliffs'. Framed by water from the vibrant Corio Bay to the rugged ocean coastline, Geelong residents enjoy a lifestyle that encompasses cosmopolitan city, semi-rural and diverse urban communities and kilometres of pristine beaches. The region is also the major gateway to some of the world's best surf beaches and the drama of the Great Ocean Road.
The city boasts a burgeoning tourism industry which attracts many national and international visitors every year while It's close proximity to Melbourne makes it the ideal destination for Melburnians to escape the daily grind.
There's lot to see and do in Geelong but like any other city, there's a list of 'must-see' destinations and this starts off with The National Wool Museum, Australia's only comprehensive museum of wool. Established in 1988, the museum showcases wool and the immense role it's played in the growth of Australia as a nation. Housed in an historic 1872 bluestone wool store near the port of Geelong, the museum is the best place to explore Australia's wool industry and plenty of specialty shopping including Australian-made wool and woollen goods, gifts, art and craft, plus quality rugs woven at the Museum.
Geelong's historic (over 150 years old) and beautiful Botanic Gardens are centrally located within Eastern Park, a short walk from the CBD, and boasts a collection of rare and old trees and a diverse collection of exotic plants of which many appear on the National Trust register.
Waterfront Geelong is one of Australia's best waterfront redevelopments and a premier entertainment venue featuring excellent restaurants, beautiful landscaped gardens, walking, cycling and skating paths, attractions and public art.
Other features located inside the waterfront precinct includes the Steampacket Quay and Steampacket Gardens, and an antique carousel beside the quay. The area is also a major events venue, with its sweeping lawns and views providing backdrops for markets, sporting events and festivals.
The National Wool Museum
26 Moorabool Street,
Geelong,
Victoria, Australia.
Phone: (03) 5227 0701
Geelong Botanic Gardens
Eastern Park Circuit,
Eastern Park, Geelong
Victoria, Australia.
Phone: (03) 5227 0387
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