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The White Hat Guide to Geelong
Geelong Hotels - last minute savings on Geelong hotels 
Corio Bay, Geelong
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Geelong is Victoria's second largest city, an important regional centre and an important industrial port. It is a little over an hour by road or train from Melbourne (see Melbourne-Geelong and north-western coast of Port Phillip Bay). and , possibly because of the calming influence of the sheltered waters of Corio Bay, has a more relaxed feel than Melbourne. In fact Melbournians have been known to unkindly refer to it as 'Sleepy Hollow' (although see the response to this from one of newsletter subscribers). It is home to the AFL (Australian football) team 'The Cats', and the local industry is much influenced by its extensive port facilities, the Ford car factory and various refineries. However the focus of Geelong has to be the waterfront around Corio Bay and the recreation area known as the Eastern Beach. A collection of over 100 painted wooden sculptures in the form of bollards provides an affectionate history of Geelong and depict a number of Geelong's favourite sons and daughters including James Harrison (the inventor of commercial refrigeration) as well as other people who played an important part in Victoria's history such as Peter Lalor and Matthew Flinders. The waterfront also features a historic carousel manufactured in 1892. many restaurants, enclosed swimming areas, kiosks, pleasure cruises and all the other entertainments that you would expect at a major seaside resort. Much of Peter Carey's book Illywhacker (see right) is set in Geelong in the earlier part of the 20th century. Those interested in historical mysteries may also be interested in The Mystery of The Geelong Keys. Geelong is also the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road to the south.See also:
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Barwon Grange
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A heritage home in Geelong from the 1850s with gardens and riverside walks. White Hat can recommend a visit to this this property for two reasons. Firstly it is is only fashionable mid 19th century valuable river frontage residences built along the Barwon River which remains intact. Secondly, while most homes change and evolve over time, it has been decided to maintain this property as a time capsule of 1855-6 which again makes it unusual among heritage homes in Victoria. A small entry charge applies. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting Barwon Grange you are also likely to be interested in visiting The Heights Heritage House & Garden (see below) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Wednesdays and Sundays. |
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1pm to 4pm, Wednesdays & Sundays (opens at noon Sept to May) |
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Fernleigh Street
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Newtown |
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Enquiries: (03) 5221 3906 |
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Ford Discovery Centre
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Dedicated to the past, present and future of Ford cars, their production and design. For many years the Motor Car plant has been a major part of Geelong's industry. An entry fee applies. |
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10am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays, Christams Day, New Years Day & Good Friday |
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cnr Gerringhap & Brougham Streets
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 5227 8700 |
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National Wool Museum
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A museum dedicated to the history of the wool industry in Australia and housed in in an 1872 bluestone woolstore |
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9.30am-4pm daily (except Christmas Day & Good Friday) |
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cnr Moorabool & Brougham Streets.
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Geelong |
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(Mel ref 228 C1) |
Enquiries: (03) 5227 0701 |
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The Heights Heritage House & Garden
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A German prefabricated house and outbuildings in Geelong constructed in 1855 then later refurbished in 1930s style. A small entry fee applies. The house is surrounded by impressive gardens and and the grounds contain stables, the groom's cottage and other outbuildings suited to a wealthy family in the late 19th century. White Hat particularly recommends you visit the dovecot (one of the few of its type remaining in Victoria to our knowledge) as well as the delightful one-off Standard motor car which is housed in the stables. White Hat recommends that if you are interested in visiting The Heights you are also likely to be interested in visiting Barwon Grange (see above) - this is about 10 minutes drive away and is also open on Wednesdays and Sundays. |
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11am to 4.30pm, Wednesdays & Sundays |
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140 Aphrasia Street.
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Newtown |
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Enquiries: (03) 5221 3510 |
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To find the location of an attraction, click on the desired link on the right hand side and then use the controls to zoom in or change to satellite view.
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Geelong Highland Gathering
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The Geelong Highland Gathering, will
include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian
Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on
the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong
suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was
revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously
ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of
Australia”.
It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish
culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting
interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges.
The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually.
Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays,
Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic
Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are
all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural
and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s
activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p>
Full information at
Geelong Highland Gathering. Details may change so check closer to the event. |
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Sunday 13th March 2011 (tbc) |
Queen's Park, Geelong
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Enquiries: (03) 5221 7224 |
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White Hat - THE place to find markets in Victoria
Over the years White Hat has become recognised as THE
place to list and find markets in Melbourne & Victoria and our
markets pages consistently receive over 1,000 visitors a day with over
3,000 a day at weekends. Unlike many
websites which merely LIST markets, White Hat VISITS markets as
witnessed by the photographs. Although we visit hundreds of markets
every year we can never cover all of them so please let us know if any
of our information is out of date. With details on over 400 markets,
users regularly tell us that the
White Hat listing is the best and most
comprehensive source of markets in
Victoria available either on the web
or in print.
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Baby & Kids Market, Geelong
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The Baby & Kids Market offers a huge range of gorgeous & excellent quality preloved baby & kids goods. From prams to cots, toys to books and clothes to shoes; the market has it all. Plus ‘handpicked’ local designers featuring their unique and stylish baby & kids goods. Plenty of free parking; Always indoors; Cash sales only; Entry $3, kids free. 14 March 2009, 16 May 2009, 25 July 2009, 17 October 2009. |
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9am to 1pm, selected dates |
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Barwon Valley Activity Centre, 1 Barwon Heads Road
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Belmont |
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Enquiries: 1300 55 44 76 |
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Belmont Market
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A large indoor/outdoor market featuring craft & bric a brac. A small entry fee applies. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy garage sales then Belmont Market is like having 20 or 30 garage sales in the one location. In addition the indoor space has a range of low priced merchandise. |
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8am to 1.30pm, Sundays |
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Barwon Valley Community Centre, Barwon Heads Road
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Belmont |
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Enquiries: (03) 5243 7718 |
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Central Geelong Farmers' Market
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A farmers' market selling fresh local produce, cheeses and honey. Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment throughout the morning. If you are looking for a farmers' market that is particulalry child-friendly, White Hat can recommend this one. |
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8.30am - 12.30pm, 2nd Saturday of month |
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Little Malop Street - between Moorabool and Yarra Streets
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Geelong |
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Crafters’ Market
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Exclusive cards & wrapping papers. Quilting fabric, backing, kits. Hand dyed fabrics. Wooden quilting & sewing accessories. Beads. Album making & photo presentation. Embroidered items, hand made mohair bears & more. Free entry. |
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10am to 2pm, 2nd Saturday of month |
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Masonic Hall, Regent Street
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Belmont |
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Enquiries: (03) 5229 4075 or 0418 335 456 |
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Frankly My Dear Vintage Fair
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A new vintage fair is now happening in Geelong at the Nash Hotel, on the first Saturday of each month.
Lots of stall holders selling Vintage Mens, Womens Clothing and Accessories, Soul DJ’s spinning records, |
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11 to 5pm, First Saturday of month |
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The ‘NASH’ National Hotel, Moorabool St
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: franklymydear@gmail.com |
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Geelong Baby and Childrens Community Market
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Geelong Baby and Childrens Community Market is held at Vines Road Community Centre. With over 60 stalls of new and pre loved items you are bound to find a bargain. A precentage of sales go to GAMBA (Geelong Area Multiple Birth Association). We hold 3 markets a year. Saturday November 15th 2008, 9am - 1pm; Saturday March 21st 2009, 9am - 1pm |
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9am to 1pm, selected Saturdays |
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Vines Road Community Centre
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: 0411 131064 |
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Geelong Computer Swap Meet
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A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. |
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9am—4.30pm, Sundays (except Christmas Day and Nrew Years Day) |
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Geelong Clearance Centre, 7 Malop St
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 9886 1466 |
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Geelong Greyhounds Saturday Community Market at Beckley Park.
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A large indoor/outdoor market with variety stalls, produce and food. |
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8.30am to 1pm, Saturdays |
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Beckley Park, off Princes Highway
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Corio |
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Enquiries: 0408 728 336 |
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Geelong Mill Markets
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Until recently, this location hosted a large and popular market. That market has relocated to Newcomb (see below). The remaining Geelong Mills Matket now has a large array of retro advertising signs, furniture, and larger and quirky mechanical and industrial equipment. White Hat can recommend this market as a good source for those looking to do a quirky fitout as well as to theatre companies and film-makers looking for genuine period props. It now functions more as a warehouse so give a ring before making a special trip. |
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various hours, Monday to Friday |
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3 Mackey Street
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North Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 5278 9989 |
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Geelong Night Market
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Based on the successful Night Market at
Queen Victoria Market in
Melbourne, the Geelong Night Market features stalls with everything from a
well-being area to eclectic wares and artisans to live entertainment. Street
food showcases cuisines from around the world and there are activities for
families to enjoy. White Hat can recommend this market as an atmospheric
contribution to the relaxed atmosphere of Geelong over the summer holiday
period. |
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5.30pm to 10.00pm, Fridays 9th to 30th January 2009 |
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Johnstone Park, Cnr Mercer & Gheringhap Streets
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Geelong |
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Geelong Showgrounds Market
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An outdoor/indoor market with variety stalls, new and used goods. Casual stallholders welcome. |
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8am - 2pm, Sundays (except during Geelong Show) |
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Cnr. Breakwater Road and Carr Street
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East Geelong |
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Enquiries: 0417 759 777 |
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Golden Plains Farmers Market
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A genuine farmers market promoting the gorgeous local produce of the Golden Plains region. |
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9am to 2pm, 1st Saturday of month |
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Bannockburn (near Geelong) |
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Enquiries: (03) 5331 8036 |
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Mill Markets Newcomb
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A large indoor market with permenant and casual stallholders selling antiques,collectables, vintage clothing, homewares, memmorabilia and retro fashions. White Hat suggests that if you enjoy the Chapel Street Bazaar in Melbourne you will find a similar range of items at the Newcomb Mill Market but with more space to move. |
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10am to 6pm, daily |
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114 Bellarine Highway
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Newcomb |
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Enquiries: (03) 5248 2390 |
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Newtown Farmers Market
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Featuring a wide range of fresh local produce direct from the Farmer/Producer to you. Fall in love with local food. Full information at Regional
Farmers Markets. |
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8am to 1pm, 4th Saturday of month |
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Cnr Shannon Avenue & West Fyans Street
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Newtown, Geelong |
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(Mel ref 451 F7) |
Enquiries - (03) 5664 0096) |
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Steampacket Gardens Art & Craft Market
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A quality market on the picturesque waterfront at Geelong. With a large array of arts, crafts, clothing, gifts and food stalls. Even if you are not a confirmed shopper, White Hat can recommend this market as a pleasant place to stroll and browse on a Sunday sfternoon. |
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10am-3pm (2pm in Winter), 1st Sunday of month |
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Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach
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Geelong |
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Enquiries: (03) 5229 0764 |
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Please note that the above are the official trading hours. At many markets, a number of stalls close early, so you need to be there well before official closing time. |
Forthcoming Events
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".
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All Ford Day Festival
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An annual event featuring everything Ford including trade displays, entertainment, competitions and the RAAF Roulettes. |
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February 2009 ? |
Deakin University, Waurn Ponds,
Geelong |
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Geelong Film Festival
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June 2009 ? |
Performing Arts Centre, 50 Little Mallop Street, Geelong |
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Geelong Week
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Geelong Week, goes above and beyond sailing, with sensational racing, a gala like atmosphere and an abundance of waterfront activities and entertainment. It attracts over 100,000 visitors and boasts over 450 competing yachts with over 5000 sailors taking part. It is a non-stop, four-day festival commencing with racing in Melbourne, before the massive fleet heads for Corio Bay in the traditional Williamstown to Geelong race on Saturday.
The sailing program is infused with non-stop live entertainment, performances and outdoor dining along the Geelong Waterfront. The festival, which includes aerobatic displays, live music and a fireworks spectacular, will continue throughout the Australia Day long weekend. |
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Pako Festa
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A multicultural festival with entertainment, demonstrations and stalls. |
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Rock & Roll Festival
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Geelong Jukebox Rockers host an annual Rock & Roll Festival in January. |
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January 2008 ? |
White Eagle House, Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater, Geelong |
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Rock and Roll Fesitval
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Three day rock and roll festival. |
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January 2009 ? |
White Eagle House, Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater (Geelong) |
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Royal Geelong Show
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The Royal Geelong Show is held over 4 days. Come along and see Horse events, Prime Lamb and Beef Carcase Judging, Cattle and Sheep judging, Homecraft, Woolcraft and Horticulture exhibits and demonstrations. Enjoy attractions and entertainment galore, trade sites, rides and side shows. Spectacular fireworks Friday and Saturday night. Adult $14; Concession $12; Student child 5-15 yrs $6; Family (2Adults & up to 3 Child) $34. Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October 2007. Open 9am - 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm Sunday. |
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October 2008 ? |
Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong |
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The Battle of Bannockburn Country Fair
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The day is planned to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn (34-24 June 1314) Our Lions Club will be holding our inaugural fair which we plan will become an annual event at the Bannockburn football ground. The day is planned to be a celebration of our districts achievements with a touch of Scottish flavour to keep in theme with the event. Our aim is to have something of interest for all patrons and a list of events is as follows; |
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June 2008 ? |
Bannockburn (near Geelong) |
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The Scarf Festival
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After a short hiatus, the very popular Scarf Festival is back and is moving
from its former home at Craft Victoria in Melbourne to its new location at the
National Wool Museum in Geelong, from 19 June to 19 July. Full details at
2009 Scarf Festival. |
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July 2010 ? |
National Wool Museum, Geelong |
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These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne". |
| Page last updated: | 06 February, 2009 | | URL:
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TOURISM NEWS
Qantas In Flight Magazine chooses
White Hat
Cemetery Tour as its featured Australian tour for May
There are many fine historical tours
throughout Australia including cemetery tours. From these, the
prestigious Qantas In Flight Magazine has chosen the White Hat Tour
of Melbourne Cemetery as its featured Australian tour for the May
2007 edition. This tour was also featured by ABC radio on 24 May and
will feature in a documentary series on Burke and Wills to be shown
on European television in 2008. The tour has been operating for many years and has won
praise from a wide range of sources. This is not a dry and stuffy
tour but in keeping with all White Hat offerings it is Informed,
Intelligent, Independent (and occasionally) Irreverent. You can find
details of the tour at White
Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at
Qantas In Flight Magazine. |
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Brolga Birds
© Serendip Sanctuary
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Roxy - Rip Curl - Quicksilver
© Melbourne Sports Tours |
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