Disclaimer: Symposium delegates need to make their own accommodation bookings, preferably directly with the accommodation providers, using promo codes where available. MAANZ cannot be held responsible for bookings made by delegates. Geelong has a wide variety of accommodation options and the following are suggestions only.
Choosing Your Geelong Accommodation
The Novotel on Geelong’s picturesque Corio Bay waterfront will be the Symposium hub. It is within close walking distance of the other venues, and the central Geelong arts and restaurant district. If you are without a car, you can easily walk everywhere you need to from the Novotel. Please note that there is very little unrestricted parking in central Geelong, so if you have a car with you we recommend that you ensure you have parking included by your accommodation provider. Alternatively, or if you are driving from out of town, you can leave your car each day at Eastern Park, a 15 minute walk from the Novotel.
High – Mid Range Accommodation Options
Novotel
Promo Code: 2024MOSAIC (To use, phone reservations and quote code, Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)
Stay right in the Symposium hub at Novotel Geelong, the region’s premier hotel where the location is A1 and the Corio Bay view is spectacular.
About $290-$390/night room for 2 pp including breakfast. Rates vary for different days – see flyer
10-14 Eastern Beach Road Geelong VIC 3220, Australia Tel: +61 (0) 3 5223 1377 reservations@novotelgeelong.com.au
www.novotelgeelong.com.au
Vue Apartments
Promo Code: MAANZ (A green tick will appear when booking using this code)
Vue Apartments are recently renovated, offering lovely rooms and great apartment options ideal for small groups, only seven minutes easy walk to the Symposium hub at the Novotel, (same operators as R Hotel).
About $180/night room for 2 pp – $300/night for 4 pp apartment
6 Bellerine St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia Tel: +61 (0) 3 5246 1588
www.vueapartments.com.au
1 x parking space complimentary per apartment when booking on Vue Apartments website.
R Hotel
Promo Code: MAANZ (A green tick will appear when booking using this code)
R Hotel offers a great range of hotel rooms and apartment options for small groups, and some are even dog friendly! Opposite a little park and only seven minutes easy walk to the Symposium hub at the Novotel, R Hotel offers great value mid-range accommodation, (same operators as Vue Apartments).
About $180/night room for 2 pp – $300/night for 4 pp apartment
10 Bellerine St, Geelong VIC 3220 Australia Tel: +61 (0) 3 4206 0500
www.rhotelgeelong.com.au
1 x parking space complimentary per apartment when booking R Hotel direct.
Budget Accommodation Options
Quest Central Geelong
Promo Code: MAANZ24
Quest offers great apartment options as well as standard hotel rooms.
Offering a 20% discount off normal price for stays from 10 – 23 November 2024, about $220/night for 2 pp, no breakfast included, but use of complimentary shuttle bus services, by arrangement.
16 minute walk to the Novotel (small hill).
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220 Australia Tel: +61 (0) 3 5212 9100
www.questapartments.com.au/properties/vic/geelong/quest-geelong-central
On-site parking is not provided
Eden Oak
No Promo Code
A funky, mid-century retro former motel, Eden Oak is newly restored, has an outdoor spa and pool and is located adjacent to the East Geelong Golf Club within the verdant Eastern Park.
32 minute walk to the Novotel (great for those who like a daily walk – through the park and via the waterfront).
Eden Oak is a very good quality budget hotel. ($161 – $170/night for 2 pp including breakfast)
Howard Glover Reserve, 20 Adams Ct, East Geelong VIC 3219 Australia Tel: +61 (0) 3 5225 5888
www.edenoak.com.au/
Free on-site parking
DINING OPTIONS
Geelong has has no shortage of yummy eateries, and Helen BodycombSymposium Coordinator’s special recommendations include:
The Arborist – degustation fusion with killer negronis and new rooftop
Geelong Cellar Door – classy local wines with charcuterie, cheeses and dangerous desserts
Caruggi – excellent northern Italian cuisine
Felix – modern interpretation of French classics (treat yourself)
Tomodachi – Izakaya & Bar – café style Japanese, good quality and well-priced (2 locations, waterfront AND Little Malop Street)
Also in close proximity to the Noveotel Symposium hub are –
Sumi – yummy Asian barbeque
Wah Bah – modern Asian cuisine out on Cunningham Pier, watch the dolphins while enjoying Happy Hour, Wed – Sun 4-6 pm
Hommali – Thai, always delicious
Eastern Spice – Indian, a great local staple
Centra – award-winning pub with excellent Italian fare
Shinya Ramen – cheap and cheerful Japanese
AND if you’re looking to dance the night away and then grab a gelato before bed …
Piano Bar – also Geelong’s Drag Queen central, with live music
Augustus Gelatery – for the seriously best gelato outside of Rome (open late)
GEELONG – THINGS TO SEE AND DO
How is your pre and post Symposium adventure planning going? It’s time now to get excited about all the region has to offer.
Not only is Geelong a vibrant waterfront city and an end destination itself, but Geelong, (Jilong on Wadawurrung Country), is close to numerous premier Australian tourism sites. It is the gateway to the incredible food bowl and winery-rich Bellarine Peninsula. It is also just minutes from the start of the world class Great Ocean Road – an Australian National Heritage-listed 240-kilometre stretch of state and national parks, with countless spectacular beaches.
Just 35 minutes from Geelong, the surf capital of Australia – Bells Beach – sets the standard for beach lovers and holidaymakers heading down the Great Ocean Road, towards the Otway Ranges. Beyond the koalas and dramatic old forests found there, is the rugged splendour of the 12 Apostles and the wild shipwreck coast, flanked by extinct volcanoes and dramatic limestone outcrops. So much to see!
For those heading further south, Geelong is also the arrival and departure point for the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry, that links the Australian mainland to Tasmania – the apple isle – with daily sailings.
So don’t come to Geelong only for the Symposium. Take advantage of where you are, and have a blast.