The amazing staff at Discovery Parks – Geelong have shared their favourite places to visit in the area and spilled the secrets on where you can’t miss while you’re nearby. Be sure to check them out next time you’re in town!

1.  Barwon River

“One of my favourite places is the Barwon River and luckily it’s directly across the road from our Park.  I go for walks every day with Banksy (my family dog) and have just purchased a bike so I can make use of the incredible bike tracks nearby. No matter which direction, there’s a bike track with the most stunning scenery - I never tire of it.  There’s a café along the way and an even better café located right out the front of our Park.  My favourite time to go out is just before sunset – it’s amazing and a great way to end the day.” - Sandy, Park Manager      

2.  Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

“My favourite place to visit is The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, only 20 minutes from Geelong.  It’s decadent, with free tastings and so many chocolates to choose from.  It’s a must for all chocolate lovers with over 250 varieties! I love the Salty Caramel flavour.” - Debbie, Assistant Manager 

3.  Adventure Park

“The Adventure Park is Victoria’s Biggest Water Park/Theme Park and brings heaps of tourists from all over Australia. It’s only 20 minutes’ drive from Discovery Parks – Geelong and is great value with unlimited waterslide rides, action rides and all-day activities.

My favourite ride is the Lazy River - you grab a tube and just float along the river. It’s so relaxing you won’t want it to end! It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family; something for everyone.” - Mary, Housekeeper 

4.  Waterfront & Botanical Gardens

“I love to take my dog Marlo to the Waterfront & Botanical Gardens. It isn’t far from the park, only an 8 minute drive. It’s especially beautiful in the Autumn with all of the colourful leaves. They also have great Markets on the waterfront over the weekends which I really enjoy taking Marlo to.” - Mandy, Receptionist 

5.  Eastern Beach and Waterfront

“Another favourite of mine is the Eastern Beach, the gorgeous waterfront and Cunningham Pier if you like a bit of fishing. You’ll find the best bit as you meander along – over 100 hand painted bollards! The bollards are based on some of the unique characters who played a part in Geelong’s history. There’s a Bollard Trail that you can follow. The walk features 48 bollards and is approximately 2 hours walking one way, and you can even download a really cool app to your phone, and you can see the bollards “come alive”. If you place your phone on the concrete pad by the site and then lift your phone up you can see the bollards moving; really fun and a great family activity. All of them are in a central location at the Waterfront.” - Sandy, Park Manager 

6.  Fairy Park

“It makes me so happy to take my grandchildren to Fairy Park. My granddaughter loves to dress up as a fairy princess and see all the animated Fairy-tale and Medieval displays light up. It’s 30 minutes’ drive from Discovery Parks – Geelong, and the best spot to have a magical day out with the family.” - Alison, Housekeeper 

7.  Wineries

“I live down on the Bellarine Peninsula where there are a lot of beautiful wineries that I like to visit. My favourite one is Basils Farm. There’s nothing more relaxing to do on a Sunday afternoon than spending it with my family and friends, having lunch with a nice glass of wine overlooking the spectacular views.” - Heather, Housekeeper

8.  Geelong Gaol

“One of my favourite places is the Geelong Gaol, especially the Ghost Gaol Tours. I like to go on the night tours with my mates for the extra thrill, and it’s only 8 minutes from the Park.” - Wes, Maintenance 

9.  Werribee Zoo & Werribee Mansion

“I love the Werribee Zoo. If you want to experience a closeness with the animals, I suggest that you jump onto the Safari Bus which drives through the enclosures with the animals. My favourite animal to see are the lions. Also, just down the road from Werribee Zoo is the Werribee Mansion. It is a great place to wander around and get lost in the rose garden where they have lots of weddings and buildings. It’s only 40 minutes’ drive to the Werribee Zoo and Werribee Mansion from Discovery Parks - Geelong.” - Annette, Housekeeper 

10.  Bellarine Adventure Golf

“I love a day out at mini golf with my kids. Bellarine Adventure Golf has two great mini golf courses to choose from and the gardens are beautiful. It’s fun to do both of the golf courses and then treat my kids to an ice cream afterwards.” - Mandy, Receptionist

Geelong sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Make sure you check out these activities with the family next time you’re exploring Geelong, VIC.