Geelong will host the 2022 Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase in May, bringing together Australian Emeralds stars and some of the country’s top female prospects for an action-packed four-day event.
The May 5-8 showcase at Geelong Baseball Centre will be supported by the Victorian Government through its Significant Sporting Events Program.
Baseball Australia’s official travel provider SportsLink Travel are here to make sure you can not only take in the top-level baseball action at the beautiful Geelong Baseball Centre, but soak up the good life in Geelong and the Bellarine.
SportsLink Travel package inclusions include:
- A number of flexible accomodation options in Geelong
- Option for additional stay in Melbourne before or after to take in an AFL game, do some shopping or go sightseeing
- Free entry to all Womens Showcase games
- Torquay, Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles day trip options
- Social events
- Flight & car hire options
- All bookings go into draw to throw out first pitch at a game
For more information on packages tailored to your needs contact SportsLink Travel at admin@sportslinktravel.com or on 1300 666 675.
GEELONG & THE BELLARINE
Soak up the good life in Geelong and the Bellarine. Wander along the picturesque Geelong waterfront, explore historic seaside villages and tee off at lush golf courses. Explore the vibrant foodie scene, complete with craft breweries, local wineries, farm gates and provedores.
Enjoy endless days at the bay and ocean beaches – surf, paddle, swim and enjoy mesmerising sunsets, and get close to local wildlife in Port Phillip Bay. There is so much to discover in Victoria’s second largest city, only 75km southwest of Melbourne.
PLAY
Art & culture
Delve into the city’s vibrant creative scene, visit the Geelong Gallery to see the outstanding collection of Australian paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Wander around Boom Gallery a complex that houses galleries, workshops and studios. Urban art lovers must experience the Powerhouse Museum to see work by some of the country’s finest street artists.
Seaside villages
You cannot top a sunny day at the beach, so head down to a seaside village. Think sand between your toes, salt on your skin and the sound of waves crashing in the background…
Located at the mouth of the Barwon River, this town is stunning year-round. Relax on the river beach, snorkel, paddleboard and have an epic surf at Thirteenth Beach. Spend your days eating delicious food at cafes, shopping at boutiques and have a swing at the nationally renowned Barwon Heads Golf Club.
Sip, savour and discover the region. You will devour seafood fresh out of the bay, sample award-winning wine and fill your car boot with country provedores and seasonal farm gate goods. Don’t forget the bay, where you can swim, kick back and relax, fish from the pier or hire a boat to explore the bay.
Once a historical seaside village, there’s old and new to unearth. There’s stately churches, Victorian-era hotels, fisherman’s cottages and heritage streets to wander. Visit Hesse Street for heritage architecture, cafes, shops and galleries. To wine and dine, the modern waterfront development is perfect. Enjoy a beach day to dive down to see reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. Swim with dolphins and seals, hire a boat and have a crack at fishing.
Outdoor adventure
The best way to discover Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula is by cycling along the Bellarine Rail Trail. The 32.5km track starts at the Geelong Show Grounds and will take you through to Queenscliff. Ride through areas rich in wildflowers and native birds, stop off at seaside villages and along the way you will be rewarded with views back over Geelong and the You Yangs.
Let the family run amok at Adventure Park Geelong. Enjoy unlimited action – make a splash with some of the best waterslides in Victoria, including the Aqua Racer and their newest ride the Tsunami. There’s classic dryland fun including, a Ferris wheel, archery and mini golf.
For an unforgettable experience, you’ll love a cruise on Port Phillip Bay with See All Dolphins Swims. You will be able to snorkel and interact with dolphins, seals and colourful reef fish. This immersive experience is educational too, you’ll learn about early maritime and military history.
For a classic end to your day, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, whilst watching the sunset. Perfection!
History & heritage
Geelong has a rich manufacturing past and now the region is bursting with converted industrial spaces including hip eateries, accommodation, galleries and creative places to explore.
Uncover the industrial history at the National Wool Museum and then wander through the picturesque waterfront precinct. Take a selfie with a whimsical bollard and finish up with a ride on the historical carousel, a hand-carved wooden carousel constructed cira 1892. Remarkably, it’s one of the only 200 still operating in the world.
When you’re down the Bellarine, visit the Bellarine Railway for historical fun. Catch a heritage steam or diesel train ride from Queenscliff and Drysdale.
More information
For more information on what to do in Geelong and the Bellarine, click here.
STAY
One day in Geelong and the Bellarine really isn’t enough, so stay a little longer. You will find the perfect home away from home with a myriad of offerings from boutique hotels to opulent retreats and budget friendly.
Lon Retreat is idyllic, situated on 200 acres of rural and conservation land, and perfectly perched by the ocean in Point Lonsdale. For an indulgent getaway, stay in one the seven luxurious suites and treat yourself with a day spa treatment and swim in the mineral pool.
Beautifully styled in Boho Chic blended with Hamptons style, you’ll love staying in one of the eight rooms. The accommodation is ideally located in the heart of Geelong CBD and only a five-minute walk to the waterfront.
Ideally located in Point Lonsdale, you’ll be mesmerised by the panoramic views from Portsea to Port Phillip Heads, Barwon Heads to even the Otways. You’ll love this bed and breakfast, which offers luxurious, yet sustainable accommodation for your next romantic getaway.
A luxurious and accessible holiday house in Barwon Heads, really is perfect for everyone. The house has full wheelchair access, includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house accommodates up to eight guests.
More information
Find more accommodation options, from high-end to budget here.
EAT & DRINK
Foodies are in for a real treat with exceptional dining experiences, winery restaurants, vibrant cafes and farmgate produce.
Treat your tastebuds to the best of the Bellarine Peninsula. Visit wineries and breweries to sample the best drops of the region. Visit farmgates and provedores to pick and eat succulent berries and purchase tasty goods like jams and chutneys to take home. Savour the flavours of the region by dining at one of the many renowned restaurants or cafes. There’s so much to eat and drink, we encourage that you make a weekend of it for the ultimate epicurean adventure.
Little Malop Street
In the heart of Central Geelong is two dynamic street blocks of great coffee, wine, cocktails, an eclectic range of food from around the world, combined with an array of cultural experiences such as Geelong Gallery, Geelong Arts Centre and the award-winning and imposing Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. For a fun evening you must experience these two venues:
Wine done and enjoy the sophisticated ambience at this popular wine bar and store, which showcases premium cool wines produced within the region. Have a glass of the region’s top drops, whist enjoying a cheese and charcuterie platter.
This quirky venue is inspired by the ‘speakeasies’ era from 1920-1933 in New York and Chicago. The team invites you to enjoy their concoction of prohibition elegance interlaced with modern innovation.
Restaurants
Tucked away in the backstreets of Geelong, is a dining experience based around the charcoal grill. You will love their bold, imaginative flavoursome creations that will form an unforgettable degustation.
Experience fine dining at the historic 1880’s hotel in Queenscliff. The restaurant has received multiple Golden Plate accolades for their sophisticated meals. Vue Grand is renowned for their seafood dishes and knockout wine list.
Wine and dine
This popular winery is nestled on a hill with unrivalled views across Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne. Sample award-winning cool climate wines such as Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz before a delicious a la carte lunch.
Oakdene Vineyards and Cellar Door
Dine at the award-winning contemporary restaurant Marty @ Oakdene for scrumptious Australian and European cuisine. Be sure to save room for wine tasting, you don’t want to miss their top drops including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.
Drink
Visit the retro-inspired venue for delicious lunch, coffee, treats and cider tastings. Visit on a Friday night for dinner, plus roots and live music. Flying Brick Ciders is one of the fasted growing boutique ciders in Australia. Their amazing cider is traditionally crafted and made from 100% fresh fruit.
Set on seven acres in the heart of the Bellarine you’ll discover a cellar door, tasting room and café, all within the Distillery. They produce their own gin – Teddy and The Fox and whisky will be available too. While you’re there have an Australian or international whisky and gin from, whilst having a cheese and produce platter or pizza.
More Information
Find more top dining and drink tips head here.
