Geelong

Where is it?

On the shores of the western side of Port Phillip, just a short hop down the M1 from Melbourne, about an hours drive away.

What is it like?

A lively enough place, Geelong is not however the stuff of picture postcards.

The city first came to prominence as a port town, feeding the goldfields insatiable need for men and supplies during 1850's. Subsequently the port has made it a continuing centre of the wool trade and there is heavy industry here in the form of a large Ford car factory.

What to see and do.

For a wider understanding of the wool trade and its historical and social relevance to the area, a visit to the National Wool Museum should slake your thirst for knowledge, you wild thing you.

If the pace here is too fast then a wander down Little Malop Street with it's fine Victorian buildings should calm you down. Nearby is the Geelong Art Gallery, follow the road a little further to reach the Geelong waterfront. This recently restored area is a buzzing place where the life of the city is concentrated into some decent bars restaurants and cafes

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

People do not usually choose to stay here long; as such, although there is not a massive choice of places to stay you should find somewhere reasonably priced without too much trouble.

The range of food on offer reflects the industrial nature of the town. There are plenty of greasy spoons to choose from but at the waterfront, quality and level of sophistication aspires to something better.

The mix of students and workers gagging for a beer do ensure a lively atmosphere after dark. Many pubs offer live music, again the seafront is the best place to head.