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The Geelong Waterfront is a vibrant and fascinating place. It is a beautiful bay and working harbour featuring great restaurants and cafes offering alfresco dining and stunning views. The foreshore is lined with sculptures and boating memorabilia along the walking and cycling paths. Geelong's famous Eastern Beach, just a short walk from the city centre, is a hive of waterfront activity. Waterfront Geelong's jewel is an art-deco swimming pool and park complex off Ritchie Boulevard and Eastern Beach Road. Built in the 1930s, the park and pools have become City landmarks, drawing crowds for more than 70 years.
During the 1990s a public appeal and city council support funded a multi-million-dollar rejuvenation. The main pool's promenade and swimming decks were replaced; the children's pool cleaned up, stairways reconstructed, the ornamental fountain and its flamingos rebuilt, new paths constructed and rotundas renewed. The main pool, which covers five acres, is undergoing rejuvenatation and is currently closed.
Visitors to Eastern Beach soon realise there's much more on offer than a swim. The lawns, playground, pavilions, restaurants, cafés and kiosk provide wide scope for fun and enjoyment for all. You can walk around the main pool promenade with Corio Bay and the city in the background, have a picnic on the lawns or relax under a tree.
Geelong Waterfront Carousel The Geelong Waterfront Carousel is a portable 1892 Armitage-Herschell (formerly steam-driven) New York carousel with a c1888 Herschell-Spillman steam engine, accompanied by a replica 1898 Gavioli Band organ. It is magnificently restored with 36 original Dare horses and two handcrafted chariots. The carousel is open 7 days a week. Souvenirs, ice creams, drinks, snacks and multi ride tickets are available. Entry into the carousel is free. See Waterfront Geelong advertisement for details. P 03 5224 1547 Eastern Beach Rd Geelong
Baywalk Bollards Walk Geelong’s most photographed and talked about icons, the bollards tell of Geelong’s history. There are over 100 colourful wooden bollards, created by local artist Jan Mitchell. Take the Baywalk Bollard Walk from Limeburners Point to Rippleside Park at Drumcondra, along the waterfront (one hour one way).
Geelong Botanic Gardens Explore the original gardens, established in the 1850s, featuring traditional botanic gardens with sweeping lawns and magnificent trees, many of which are classified by the National Trust. Gardens open daily 7.30am-5.00pm. P 03 5272 4379 Eastern Park Geelong |