A new convention centre is just part of Geelong and The Bellarine’s evolving event appeal

Meet Geelong and The Bellarine recently hosted its largest famil program to date, driven by interest in the soon to open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Only weeks away from opening, Geelong’s new $450 million convention centre has spurred a total reinvention of what the region can offer.

More than 50 local businesses will help deliver events at Nyaal Banyul, supplying local food, wine and equipment, something general manager Rick Aylett is very proud of.

“Driving economic growth is one of the main reasons we exist, so working with local suppliers – supporting business growth and employment opportunities – is central to our operating model,” he said.

“We are proud to have more than 50 local businesses involved in the operation of our venue – whether it’s the food on the plates, logistics in the warehouse or supporting our world-class AV technology.”

This includes 28 local wineries, breweries and other beverage producers, a marker of the region’s diversity of culinary experiences.

The famil participants arrived by air, ferry and rail, some even beginning their culinary journey on board The Q Train before starting the day with a Mussel Masterclass at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.

Gin tasting at The Whiskery, cider tasting at Flying Brick Cider House, blending at Provenance Wines, culinary masterclasses at Crowne Plaza Geelong and cocktail experiences at Novotel Geelong showed how the region takes its F&B as seriously as its footie.

What was equally remarkable was the depth of event venues on offer. The newly redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre has some standout spaces for both conferences and social functions in a truly unique setting.

A progressive dining experience at Higher Mark, GMHBA Stadium also showcased its versatility, with the Geelong Cats’ warm-up room transformed into an immersive networking space before guests then enjoyed a progressive dinner across multiple event spaces throughout the stadium.

Located directly opposite Nyaal Banyul, Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus also offers event planners a convenient offsite option for gala dinners, networking events, exhibitions and conference sessions, allowing delegates to move effortlessly between venues while experiencing another of Geelong’s exceptional waterfront event spaces.

The gala dinner at the Waterfront Pantry offered a uniquely Geelong event experience combining heritage architecture, waterfront views and contemporary hospitality, accompanied by a superb selection of wines from the nearby Clyde Park winery.

From wellness experiences at Mt Duneed Estate to bespoke event experiences in a stunning coastal venue from Tarra Events, Geelong and The Bellarine has so much to offer event planners.

The region’s accommodation sector has also been lifted with the newly opened Crown Plaza Geelong offering waterfront views and direct connectivity to Nyaal Banyul and the expansion of nearby Novotel Geelong, which will become the region’s largest hotel upon completion in 2027.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Nyaal Banyul provided an early look at the landmark development that will significantly increase the region’s capacity to host national and international conferences from July.

The Centre features 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, a 1,000-seat theatre and cutting-edge AV technology. Around 70 events are already booked, and more than 260 additional enquiries are in the pipeline.

Meet Geelong and The Bellarine Business Events Manager Tamie Ryan said the best way to understand what the region can offer is to experience it firsthand.

“Our region is home to exceptional venues, outstanding accommodation, immersive experiences and passionate operators who consistently deliver memorable events,” she said.

“With significant investment occurring across the destination, including the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, there has never been a more exciting time to consider Geelong and The Bellarine for conferences, meetings, incentives and corporate events.”