Reasons to stay in Geelong
The
perfect place to be, make it the
“Heart Of Your Holiday”
In and around Geelong there are unlimited attractions and places of interest, sufficient to keep you occupied for days on end, settle in at the HYATT APARTMENTS and enjoy some of them. The WATERFRONT, Steampacket Place, takes pride of place with its new harbor, antique carousel, restaurants, picnic lawns, fascinating bollards, promenade walk, bay cruises, sandy beach and immense enclosed swimming area.
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The award winning NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM located one block from the Waterfront in the centre of the town is one of Geelong's major attractions. The Museum is situated in the beautifully refurbished historic bluestone woolstore that has been a landmark in Geelong since 1872 and tells the story of our rich wool heritage from early settlement to present day. The Museum regularly features exciting exhibitions providing entertainment and education.
The
FORD DISCOVERY CENTRE
is again located in the Waterfront precinct. Here you will discover the past,
present and future of Ford Australia. Experience
the behind 
the
scenes action to find out how cars are designed, tested and manufactured. Watch the virtual
"factory tour" in the theatrette and take in the displays which
include crash test dummies, operating cutaway vehicles and components,
production robots in action and Fords cars of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Visit the OLD GEELONG GAOL
and see one of Victoria's most authentic prisons,
preserved in much the 
same
condition as when it was closed in 1961. Small unheated, un-sewered
cells with
barred openings where prisoners were locked for up to 14 hours of a night in
appalling conditions. See the hanging scene, ring the muster bell and view the
kitchen and surgery, it is all a sad reflection on the Victorian era. GO TO GAOL.....do
not pass GO.
GEELONG NAVAL & MARITIME MUSEUM situated in The Stables at the rear of Osborne House is a unique display where you will walk in the footsteps of many Australian Naval heroes. Built in 1858, Osborne House was the first Royal Australian Naval College (1913-14) and first Royal Australian Naval submarine base (1919-24).
GEELONG
BOTANICAL GARDENS are
situated only 5
minutes from the city centre and feature unique and majestic
trees, exotic shrubberies, heritage rose garden,
camellia walk, perennial
plantings and pelargonium collection. Historic fountains and conservatory are
integral part of the landscape.
BARWON RIVER REGION is
popular for a wide range of leisure activities where you can walk or cycle for
kilometres. The river is renowned for fishing and popular with rowers and
canoeists. The Balyang Santuary features walking paths and wetland lakes
and is a wonderful spot for a picnic. The Barwon Valley Fun Park is a
great
place for the kids and you will
find picnic tables, seats and
barbeques
for your use. The Yollinko Wetlands features a diverse environmental
ecosystem, boardwalks and bird hides. Also on the river is Buckley Falls
named after escaped convict William Buckley, these beautiful falls can be
accessed by car where the Old Barwon Paper Mill can be found adjacent.
Geelong boasts many
wonderful historic buildings of which THE HEIGHTS HISTORICAL HOUSE AND GARDENS
and BARWON GRANGE are two National Trust properties that are a "must
see". The HEIGHTS was erected in1855 and is the largest German timber
pre-fabricated dwelling in Victoria. The extensive garden, which is a sight to
behold, stables, outbuildings, and water tower survive intact from the 19th
century. BARWON GRANGE is an old homestead that has been maintained in its
original condition and is noted for the picturesque roofline, elegant windows
and unusual veranda design.
Whatever takes your fancy in the entertainment field you
will be sure to find it in Geelong and only a stones throw away from the HYATT
APARTMENTS. The city is indulged by having not one, but two, Cinema
complexes both with multiple
theatres and a vast array of current films showing
constantly. Night Clubs are abundant in the central city area especially
on the
weekends and during holiday periods allowing patrons to dance till they drop.
Live music fans are also catered for with a swag of venues hosting some of the
biggest name bands, solo performers and groups. The Geelong Performing Arts
Centre is renowned for its top class stage productions with world class acts
regularly being featured.
If you care for a spot of Bingo or a game on the Pokies you
will be well catered for in Geelong. If you are still feeling lucky there is
always the “racing scene”, Geelong has the best of facilities at any one of
the racing
tracks whether it be Horse racing, Harness racing or the spectacular
Greyhound racing. Then again, you may desire a serene stroll through the
renowned Geelong Art Gallery.
Remember to keep your eye out for the next spectacular,
world class Air Show. This is an event you will never forget.
If sport is your interest then look no further than
Geelong. It matters not whether
your interest is as a spectator or a
participant you will be well
satisfied in this vibrant City.
During the football season (Australian Rules) there is no
better pastime than following the fortunes of the “Mighty Cats”. Visit Kardinia Park/Shell Stadium (just around the corner from HYATT
APARTMENTS), the home of the Geelong Football Team and watch these
superb athletes training or playing the greatest game on earth.
Fishing is the pastime of thousands and they can all be
catered for in and around Geelong. Wet a line here and you
will be sure to come home with a bag full.
It doesn’t really matter what your particular interest
is, it will be satisfied in Geelong, the City of Sport. Try your hand at Bowling, Ten Pin
Bowling, Basketball, Golf, Swimming, Sailing, Rowing,
Surfing, Bike Riding, Tennis, Squash or even Ice Skating, in fact you name it
we’ve got it.
North, South, East or West there is a place for you to
shop. If it’s not the Bay City Plaza or the Market Square then perhaps it’s
Waurnvale Shopping Centre or even the Corio Shopping Centre. Each of these
spacious, modern, air-conditioned centres provides all your requirements with
ease and a minimum of fuss. For something different shop in Ryrie Street or for
an absolute delight try Pakington Street, the cosmopolitan heart of Geelong. Any
or all of these Centres are only a few minutes drive from HYATT
APARTMENTS.