Geelong and The Bellarine: A New Era for Business Events

Geelong and The Bellarine has long been a go-to destination for unforgettable business events, and now, the region is taking things up a notch. With a large array of world-class venues, stunning waterfront views, and an ambiance that perfectly blends city sophistication with coastal charm, this region is a business event planner’s dream. From unique meeting spaces to global hotel brands and wineries, Geelong and The Bellarine offers the perfect backdrop for both large conferences and incentive experiences.

Only an Hour Away: Easy Access, Endless Possibilities
Just an hour from Melbourne, Geelong and The Bellarine is incredibly accessible for delegates coming from all over Australia and beyond. Whether by ferry, car, bus, or train, the region offers seamless travel options which make getting to Geelong a breeze. For those flying in, Avalon Airport is located just a short drive from Geelong, providing convenient access to the region. With big plans to open Avalon to the world, the airport has re-entered the international market with the launch of flights to Bali—marking the beginning of a broader global expansion with more international routes to follow. Alternatively, the ferry ride from Melbourne offers a scenic and relaxing route across Port Phillip Bay.

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Nyaal Banyul: Transforming the Region’s Event Landscape
2026 marks a landmark moment for Geelong and The Bellarine with the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre in July 2026. This world-class, waterfront venue is set to transform the region’s business events offering, allowing conferences of all sizes large and small, exhibitions, and tradeshows to access the area like never before. With 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, including a 1,000-seat theatre, expansive exhibition halls, multiple breakout rooms, and the capacity to accommodate up to 2,475 delegates, Nyaal Banyul enables events of any scale to be delivered with ease and style. Its prime waterfront location provides spectacular views year-round, offering an inspiring backdrop for conferences, gala dinners, and networking events.

Crowne Plaza: The Perfect Complement
Opening in summer 2026, Crowne Plaza Geelong sits directly connected to Nyaal Banyul, bringing convenience, luxury, and sophistication to the waterfront precinct. With 200 rooms spanning contemporary guest rooms, suites, and apartment-style accommodations, plus versatile meeting spaces, boardrooms, high end dining, bars, and wellness amenities, Crowne Plaza ensures delegates have everything they need within steps of the convention centre. Together, these venues create a seamless, all-in-one destination for business events of any size.

Venue Wonderland: From Waterfront Views to Unique Spaces
Geelong and The Bellarine is packed with unique venues that bring both style and personality to your business events. For something truly one-of-a-kind, The Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, a UNESCO City of Design treasure, combines modern design with an atmosphere that sparks creativity and fresh ideas.

For those looking to host something grand, GMHBA Stadium’s Higher Mark is the place to be, with 32 premium event spaces and incredible views that will take your event to the next level. Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus is another prime location, with many of Deakin’s meeting rooms overlooking the beautiful bay.

Geelong growing it’s Incentive offering
While Nyaal Banyul and Crowne Plaza set the stage, Geelong and The Bellarine offers unmatched experiences to complement any event. Award-winning wineries, coastal adventures, luxury retreats, and outdoor activities - from dolphin swims to meet the makers provedore experiences - allowing delegates to mix business with unforgettable leisure experiences. For those seeking truly immersive activities, options such as berry picking, pottery classes, and bespoke culinary experiences such as mussel farming and cooking fresh from the bay, give groups the chance to connect, create, and explore the region in a uniquely interactive way.

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Looking Ahead: Novotel Geelong Redevelopment
The region’s business events offering will continue to expand in 2027 with the Novotel Geelong redevelopment. The hotel will feature 243 rooms (including 15 apartment-style rooms), a mix of suites and bay-facing guest rooms, and 13 conference spaces, including a 300m² banquet-style function room accommodating up to 300 seated guests. Once complete, Novotel will be the largest accommodation hotel in the region, providing even more options for large conferences, corporate events, and incentive programs.

Geelong and The Bellarine: Where Inspiring Business Events Happen
With the opening of Nyaal Banyul, the connected Crowne Plaza, and the upcoming Novotel redevelopment, business events hosted in Geelong can operate at an entirely new scale, with access to world-class facilities, flexible spaces, and premium accommodation in a spectacular waterfront setting. From large conferences and exhibitions to gala dinners and boardroom meetings, these venues enable planners to deliver truly exceptional events.

Beyond the venues, Geelong and The Bellarine is now more than ever a destination for unique incentive experiences. The region continues to develop new, one-of-a-kind offerings - from coastal adventures and culinary experiences to luxury retreats and immersive cultural activities - that complement business programs and create unforgettable memories for delegates.

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