Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria and is located just 75 km's south west of the states capital, Melbourne. It is sited on Corio Bay and has a population in excess of 160,000 people.

The first non-aboriginal that sited the area that would later become Geelong was believed to have been Lieutenant John Murray who 'discovered' the area in 1802 whilst commanding the Lady Nelson. While unable to enter Corio Bay due to a sandbar Nelson moored the Lady Nelson and sent some of his crew ashore to investigate what the region offered. But it wasn't until 1836 that three European settlers, David Fisher, James Strachan and George Russell arrived to settle the area was subsequently named 'Geelong' in 1837. A name derived from the aboriginal name for the area 'Jillong'.

It should be noted that in 1803 a convict by the name of William Buckley escaped from incarceration and lived amongst the Wautharong aboriginal people in the Geelong area until 1835 when he surrendered to authorities arriving to survey Geelong. Buckley was eventually pardoned and worked as an interpreter.

During the gold rush of the 1850's Geelong grew rapidly as it was the most direct route from the port to the goldfields of Ballarat. A number of significant buildings including the Geelong Hospital and Town Hall are a legacy of this time and feature amongst the towns historic heritage.

As the goldfields dried up Geelong's growth slowed but the town was well established and whilst it was quickly outgrown by Melbourne, Geelong grew into Victoria's second largest city. In 1902 Geelong began to develop a number of infrastructural industries including its own power station and waterworks. Soon after the Ford Motor Company established a production plant in 1920 as did the Shell Refinery some 16 years later in 1936.

Geelong has continued its growth into a modern and vibrant city and is the 12th largest in Australia.

Geelong's coastal location on Corio Bay provides many water based attractions such as the impressive foreshore pool, walk and beaches. There are also plenty of fishing, swimming and boating opportunities.

Within Geelong there are highlights which include The Ford Discovery Centre, National Wool Museum, Old Geelong Gaol and the Maritime Museum. There are also a number of historic buildings and points of interest which can be seen during self guided or guided tour. There are also plenty of fine eateries, shops, the carousel which dates back to 1887, Cunningham Pier, The Botanical Gardens, Waterfront walks, Waterfalls and more, all waiting to be discovered.

Throughout the year Geelong hosts a number of annual festivals including music festivals, a Celtic Festival, the Geelong Cup, Cycling events and Air shows. Geelong is also the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road which include such iconic Australian attractions as the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach and Whale watching

Surrounding the Greater Geelong area you will also find a number of convenient day trips to such places as the amazing geological formations of the You Yang's granite peaks, Werribee Zoo, Brisbane Ranges and the Anakie Gorge.

For wine lovers and 'foodies' the Geelong region produces some of the finest varieties and wines in Australia. Throughout Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula you will find a number of cellar doors and complimenting restaurants.

For those that want to enjoy some more active activities during their visit to the Geelong region there are some great bike tracks, surf beaches and surfing lessons, plane and helicopter flights, boat charters, scuba diving trips and amusement parks

Geelong is also home to the Geelong Football Club ("The Cats") which in 2007 enthused the local community by winning the AFL (Australian Rules Football) Premiership. The club plays many games at its home ground at Kardinia Park in Geelong and is open to both the public and members.

Jamie Horne is the webmaster of a network of regional Victoria, Australia websites including http://www.geelong.ws