Geelong Off the Beaten Path Tips by Marpessa

Melbourne
This is an obvious day trip from Geelong, since most people come to Geelong via Melbourne. The easiest way is to take the train up. Walk through the shops, visit Federation Square, National Art Gallery of Victoria, a footy or cricket match at the MCG, tennis at the Tennis Centre (Rod Laver Arena) or go to the Melbourne Zoo. There is also the Moomba Waterfest in March (one of the largest outdoor festivals in Australia) and in September there is the Royal Melbourne Show.

Melbourne was the host for this years Commonwealth Games (with 71 countries participating). It also hosted the Olympics in 1956 (the first country in the southern hemisphere to do so).

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Website: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

Ballarat
Ballarat is a favourite place of mine, but one I haven't been to in a while. I love going to Sovereign Hill where they recreate what Victoria was like in the 1850's - the time of the Gold Rush. They even have a sound and light show of the Eureka Stockade called 'Blood on the Southern Cross' (And an excellent lollie shop - hard boiled sweets, all kinds of chocolates and fudge - yum!). Another place that focuses on history in Ballarat is Kryal Castle. They focus on English medieval times. It's more of a place for parents to take their kids - who can have a go at archery if they want.

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Website: http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/

Geelong to the Great Ocean Road
One part of living in Victoria that I love is our beaches, and the history of those beaches. Along the Great Ocean Road there are numerous places where many ships and mariners died off the coast in the 18th and 19th Century. Warnambool is a particularly good place to go to find out about all things maritime (Check out http://www.flagstaffhill.com/#).

Other places to see on the Great Ocean Road: Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the 12 Apostles.

Towns or places to check out, between Geelong and the Great Ocean Road: Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Torquay, Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, Lorne and Port Campbell. All have good beaches.

Or if you are looking to move away from the beach and into a bit of nature - go to the Otways. The Otways National Park is a great place to enjoy bushwalking, see waterfalls and amazing views of the coast along the Great Ocean Road. It goes from Apollo Bay to Princetown, see the website below for more details.

*The photos for this tip were taken at the main beach at Pt Lonsdale near the lighthouse*

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Website: http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/otways/otwaynp.asp

One part of Australia that I believe everyone should experience is the bush. I believe there is a kind of freedom when you are out in the bush and it is just such a relaxing atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for a picnic/BBQ and a great place to go on nature walks.

Also a lot of these areas are historic sites having played a special part in the early stages of the foundation of our society today. This is because a lot of people came to Australia in the 19th Century during the Gold Rush and lived out in the bush and surrounding areas to seek their fortune.

For more photos and information check out my travelogue on The Bush (and Bushfires).

Parks around the Geelong area that I would recommend (about 30 mins outside of Geelong) are: Steiglitz Historic Park, the You Yangs and Angahook-Lorne State Park (about 50 mins).

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Website: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/

William Buckley was an Englishman born in 1780, who was later accused of stealing and sent to Australia. He escaped from the penal settlement. With no food or water Buckley collapsed on the grave of an Aborigine named Murrangurk. The people of Murrangurk's tribe (the Wathaurong - indigenous to the Geelong area) then assumed that Buckley was the reincarnation of Murrangurk.

For the next 32 years Buckley became part of the Wathaurong tribe.

Along the Barwon River is Buckley's Falls, one of the places that Buckley stayed while escaping the penal settlement. There is also Buckley's cave in Pt. Lonsdale.

William Buckley died in Hobart in 1856, saddened by the massacre of Aborigines and disheartened by 'white' civilisation.

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Website: http://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/Visiting_Geelong/History/Buckley/

I recently got my nosed pierced and went straight to Purely Piercing to get it done. This is because Purely Piercing has a high reputation - one that is well deserved. They are strict on hygiene (so no Piercing guns are used), and they give essential aftercare (to make sure your body reacts well to your chosen piercing). There is an age limit on some types of piercings (a parent/guardian may have to be present for those under 16/18).

Their pricing is very reasonable. They have a large range of designs for different kinds of jewellery/piercings. The staff are fun and friendly, they're out and out cool.

Update: I no longer have my nose pierced as I had to keep removing it for my work (nose-rings weren't allowed), but if it weren't for my job, I'd get it done again.

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Phone: (03) 5229 4999
Other Contact: 74 Lt Malop St, Geelong