10 local attractions within 10 kilometres

Monday, 19 September 2022

In April we shared fun things to do close to home for the school holidays and with the September holidays now upon us, here’s a snapshot of 10 more local attractions within 10 kilometres.

10 local attractions within 10 kilometres

Nestled between the famous seaside town of Barwon Heads and the central business district of Geelong, Warralily is ideally positioned for a lifestyle that has it all.  Within a 10km radius of the thriving Armstrong Creek community you’ll find sun-soaked beaches, world-class golf courses and a sheltered bay for all things water sport - as well as a huge range of places to eat, museums through to indie galleries and for hand-crafted wares there’s outdoor markets at a town nearby. 

 

 
1. BEACH  

BARWON HEADS has a dream mix of gentle estuary, rocky coastal headland and ocean beaches. Families swim in the shallows of the river inlet after a solid session at the playground, fishing enthusiasts cast a line, while serious surfers enjoy the renowned surf break at THIRTEENTH BEACH where the waves pound in from Bass Strait. Off the water, wander along the white sandy beach or make a beeline for the shops on HITCHCOCK AVENUE, where you’ll find boutiques, food stores, homewares, beach gear and delightful little spots to browse. To break up your trip down the street stop at one of the many friendly cafes where you’ll find delicious food for all tastes, Melbourne-quality coffee or even a stylish spot for a wine.  A surf at 13th and a coffee at Annie's - now you're doing it like a local!

 
2. BAY 

Geelong’s stunning WATERFRONT is a hive of activity all year round.  The outlook over CORIO BAY is a wonderful side dish to the vast number of places to eat and drink, for a casual walk that stretches from the BOTANICAL GARDENS to RIPPLESIDE and beyond, or for taking in one of a range of events held in the vicinity throughout the year.  As a centrepiece, the ROYAL GEELONG YACHT CLUB plays host to many major yachting events, including the colourful FESTIVAL OF SAILS event on the Australia Day long weekend. Enjoy true absolute water frontage views from the Members' Lounge, The Yot cafe deck or the upstairs balcony. Check out Geelong’s new 440 metre wave attenuator named WANGIM WALK for a chance to walk on water. For serious fisherman or a family-friendly adventure, there are also a range of fishing charters that depart from Wangim Walk to the sheltered waters of Corio Bay.  Or if staying on land is for you, wander along to EASTERN BEACH to sit and watch the on-water spectacle while enjoying a gelato!

3. CITY 

What many residents know, and like to keep secret, is that the GEELONG CBD has changed.  The city centre has seen some significant redevelopment. In 2018, the WORKSAFE office building was opened, followed by the NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE AGENCY (NDIA) national headquarters in 2019, along with new multi-storey apartment buildings to significantly alter the skyline. With new work opportunities and inner-city living, we are seeing a revitalisation of Geelong’s CBD.  A great place to visit for shopping, eateries, sport and arts, this city by the bay has it all and is getting better every day.  And while you’ll be impressed by the new award-winning architecture - check out the GEELONG LIBRARY - you’ll also come across many of the city's historic landmarks such as the GEELONG TOWN HALL, the T & G BUILDING, JOHNSTONE PARK, GEELONG RAILWAY STATION and the OLD GEELONG POST OFFICE.

 
4. RECREATION 

Golfers have it made with three of the top 30 public access courses in Australia woven into the nearby seaside dunes, BARWON HEADS GOLF CLUB and two at THIRTEENTH BEACH GOLF LINKS. Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, 13th Beach Golf Links is famously known for its two award-winning courses and a newly opened Short Course. For thrill seekers, BARWON HEADS AIRPORT is the launching place for all manner of sky-high adventure: scenic flights, aerobatic adventures and skydiving with epic views of the coast.  In the other direction, standing tall over the city, and even visible from some homes at Warralily, are the lights of GMHBA STADIUM where local folk love to spend the footy season cheering on their beloved Cats. 
 
5. CULTURE  

The Geelong region is home to artists and makers of all kinds, from guerrilla street art to framed oil on canvas. In the heart of Geelong, you’ll find an entire cultural precinct featuring GEELONG GALLERY with an ever-more-impressive schedule of exhibitions and the GEELONG ARTS CENTRE which is currently being transformed into one of the best creative and performance spaces in the country. THE GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE CENTRE is so breathtakingly impressive, it’ll convince non-readers to pick up a book, while the NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM is sharing important stories and cool non-wool events too. 
 
6. DINING 

LITTLE MALOP STREET and surrounds has become the go-to place at mealtimes. Eateries with interesting menus and attentive service, alongside venues dedicated to the experience of drinking and a sprinkling of fun live entertainment, make it a memorable night out. If you’re celebrating a milestone, Geelong’s best restaurants make occasions truly special.  Look up ALMA, a contemporary South American shared-style restaurant, FISHERMAN’S PIER for fresh seafood, BISTRO ST JEAN or new LA CACHETTE for an authentic French experience or IGNI for a fine-dining set-course menu surprise influenced by its signature wood-fired grill. 
 
7. WINERIES  

MT DUNEED ESTATE is an iconic Geelong winery and function venue located in the picturesque Barrabool Hills. Mt Duneed Estate is well known for its exceptional food, wine and service. Hosting stunning weddings, celebrations, events and A Day On The Green concerts, it’s a stunning spot for a celebration close to home.  The Barrel Hall restaurant specialises in pairing food with wine and craft beer, so stop by for wine tasting, lunch or coffee. Further afield, you are spoilt for choice with notable wineries down the sea swept Bellarine Peninsular or through the picturesque Moorabool Valley.  Look up JACK RABBIT VINEYARD, OAKDENE VINEYARDS, LEURA PARK ESTATE, CLYDE PARK, LETHBRIDGE WINES or PROVENANCE WINES, just to name a few!
 
8. SHOPPING 

In the heart of CENTRAL GEELONG, you’ll find WESTFIELD and MARKET SQUARE with all the big brands and department stores represented. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a big day of retail therapy.  For a boutique shopping strip head to Pakington Street, Newtown - commonly referred to as the ‘Paris end of Pako’ - with its high density of high-end designer boutiques.  Or for something vintage, scout through the MILL MARKETS at Newcomb for a bargain.  Spread over 12,000 square metres you’ll find everything from furniture, records, clothing, books, fine china, jewellery, antiques and much more.  Of course, for everyday needs you’re just a hop, skip and a jump from the ARMSTRONG CREEK TOWN CENTRE or the ever-expanding WAURN PONDS shopping precinct with an array of retail to meet your needs.
 
9. NATURE RESERVES 

As if living at Warralily, with its conservation reserves and parklands peppered along the National award-winning Armstrong creek isn’t enough, we are blessed with having the internationally recognised LAKE CONNEWARRE as a neighbour. Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve is one of Victoria’s most significant wetland areas and one of the largest estuaries in the state at 880 hectares.  In total, 149 bird species have been recorded in the reserve and the area regularly hosts 10,000 ducks and swans.  Take the family for a picnic at Taits Point and enjoy excellent panoramic views from the viewing platforms.
 
10. FAMILY TIME

For the final attraction on our list, you don’t even need to get in the car!   WARRALILY provides ample opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors with 82 hectares of open space, parkland and conservation gardens. Almost a quarter of Warralily is dedicated to recreation and relaxation including three sports precincts with football, soccer and cricket ovals, all connected to homes by 30kms of landscaped paths. A favourite with locals is the shipwreck inspired MIRAMBEENA PARK or bike enthusiasts can check out the newly completed downhill mountain bike trail at SHOALHAVEN PARK, Warralily Grange.  Plus, there’s always something going on to help residents connect with neighbours and feel a part of the community.  Enjoying time together outdoors is the Warralily way of life.
 
The above list has been compiled with the help of Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine, to find out more on attractions in the Geelong region go to > visitgeelongbellarine.com.au or view > https://youtu.be/AGV8SNNVZIk

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