Werribee and Geelong, Australia
Discover Werribee Open Range Zoo and Geelong's Buzzing Waterfront
Geelong, Victoria's second largest city, sits just south west of Melbourne, the state's capital, and is within easy reach on a day trip, as is the popular Werribee Zoo.
Visitors don’t have to travel too far from Melbourne to uncover a few hidden gems of the most southerly Australian state.
Werribee Park and Open Range Zoo
Located just 30 minutes from Melbourne is Werribee Park, home to the beautifully preserved 19th century Italian style Werribee Mansion, which is furnished as it would have been in Victoria’s boom years. Take a grand tour through the house and Victoria State Rose Gardens before heading off on safari through the Open Range Zoo that sits next to the land.
Originally opened in 1975 to house surplus stock from Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo now covers an impressive 225 hectares where an array of native and non-native animals are allowed to roam freely. Lions, monkeys and hippos join kangaroos, wallabies and emus on the vast Australian savannah, an unlikely sight only half an hour from the bustling metropolis of Melbourne.
The area offers the chance to learn about local indigenous culture too; the Aboriginal people who once lived around Wirribi Yaluk, or Werribee River as it is known now, are keen to maintain their cultural and spiritual links with the area and work with park management to ensure their heritage lives on.
The You Yangs
Jutting up from the Werribee lava plains to the south west of Melbourne are the You Yangs, small grantie tors, or hills. They dominate the skyline even though they’re only about 350 metres high because the surrounding area is so flat. It's an impressive and deceiving sight.
Those who are eager enough to take the leisurely walk to the top of Flinders Peak will be rewarded with a view that extends to Mount Macedon, Geelong and the skyscrapers of Melbourne on a clear day.
Geelong
The second largest city of Victoria is a bustling port town that grew with the state’s woollen industry. Wool has been key in Australia’s growth as a nation so it seems only fitting to have a museum dedicated to the trade. Visitors to the National Wool Museum may have to jostle with hoards of inquisitive school children on tours during the week so time a visit carefully.
The redeveloped beach waterfront in Geelong features vibrant cafes, restaurants and colourful wooden sculptures, with the historic Cunningham Pier being central to the district. Take a stroll along the path or cool off in the restored 1930s Art Deco sea baths. The Wharf Shed Café offers the best spot for watching the yachts come to and from the marina, and of course a great menu. Try the Moroccan spiced chicken; the flavours linger long after the meal has finished and is a refreshing change from chicken parmagiana that litters almost every Aussie menu. The poached pear, pickled beetroot and goat’s cheese salad is perfect for a summer’s afternoon and there are plenty of local wines to choose from.
For those looking for something more energetic, visit around the end of January when Geelong hosts Skandia Week, Australia’s largest sailing regatta. Beginning in 1844, Skandia Geelong Week now sees over 400 yachts competing over the five day event. Every year there are shore side activities, including musicians, arts and crafts fairs, food and wine stalls, buskers and street performers, to keep non-competitors entertained.
Getting There
Geelong now has a local airport at Avalon, about 20 minutes away by car, taxi or shuttle bus. Jetstar offers regular flights from Sydney Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Where to stay
- Mercure Hotel, on Myers and Gheringhap, Geelong 3220, Tel: +613 5223 6200
- Best Western Admiralty Motor Inn, 66 McKillop Street, Geelong 3220 Tel: +613 5221 4288
- Quest Serviced Apartments, 18 The Esplanade, Geelong 3220, Tel: +613 5228 2000
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