Make the most of Ironman 70.3 Geelong

Ironman 70.3 Geelong is set to return to the waterfront on Sunday 23 March.

A multi-looped fast course, triathletes will race through a challenging and scenic route along Geelong’s spectacular waterfront.

The first group of athletes starts at 7:30am, with the last racer expected to cross the finish line at around 4:15pm, followed by presentations at Steampacket Garden.

Make the most of your visit to the region with a few things to see and do over the weekend, and spots to celebrate as well!

For a look at the swim, bike and run courses and the interactive map, head to ironman.com.

The Wharf Shed is the perfect spot to fuel up or unwind. Located right on Eastern Beach, The Wharf Shed offers epic bay views and a relaxed vibe. Open daily from 9 am to 8:30 pm, they serve up a diverse menu, from classic favourites to international dishes, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You may be looking for after a hearty breakfast as a spectator or a laid-back dinner to celebrate after the race. Plus, with an extensive beer and wine list, it's a great place to kick back and enjoy the Geelong waterfront.

Pavilion Geelong is one of the earliest risers on Geelong’s Waterfront, opening at 6:30am you’ll have time to grab a coffee well before the first race kicks off. Right beside the action at Eastern Beach, Pavilion Geelong is a popular spot for its Art Deco building circa 1927 and prime views across the bay.

Justin Lane, ‘Eat, drink and be messy’ is the motto at Justin Lane and it’s a welcome challenge with their range of pizzas and pastas.

Perfect for the pre or post triathlon carb-load or if you’ve built up an appetite cheering from the sidelines and located in a prime spot on Geelong’s waterfront.

Justin Lane’s famous pizza and pasta is all handmade in house and the pizzas bases are all sourdough – which is better for your digestion and delicious.

Lonsdale Links, there’s no golf course like it in the world. It might just be one of the most fun rounds you’ll play in Australia, challenging in all the right ways, with epic water views at every turn. A throwback to classic course design, it’s got a bit of nostalgia mixed with some seriously smart modern touches.

And it’s not just about the golf. The Clubhouse sits at the highest point of the course, serving up top-tier views along with great food and a relaxed vibe. Designed by Wood Marsh Architecture, it’s a space that feels as good as it looks. There’s a restaurant for sit-down meals, an outdoor kiosk for easy bites, and even a playground to keep the little ones happy. Golfers, non-golfers, kids, mates, everyone’s welcome.

Curlewis Golf Club & The Range @ Curlewis has come a long way in the past decade and is now one of the most improved courses in the country. The clubhouse is stunning, there are stylish eco suites if you want to stay a little longer, and there is even a French restaurant. Golf, great food, and a place to put your feet up, what more could you want.

If you are looking for a quick hit or just want to work on your swing, The Range at Curlewis makes it easy. It tees up your next ball automatically, so there is no bending down after every shot, and it is a great spot for a solo session or a fun day out with mates.

Visit the You Yangs for a playground that will keep everyone happy. A mass of granite slabs and boulders bubbling up from the Western Plains, you can hike its 20km of walking trails (the views from the top of Flinders Peak stretch all the way to Melbourne and Geelong), hang out on rock-climbing routes, or mountain bike 50km of graded, purpose-built tracks.

It’s important to note that while action and nature abounds in these parts, the You Yangs region ‘Wurdi Youang’ has been a significant cultural site for the local Wadawurrung people for more than 60,000 years. From the highest peaks, the 360-degree views look over expanses of Wadawurrung Country.

Eden Oak sits right inside the botanical gardens in the Eastern Park Precinct, surrounded by greenery and open space. It has 46 accommodation suites, a pool, and a stylish bar making it a peaceful spot to stay while still being close to everything.

It is only a 15-minute walk to Eastern Beach, so you can soak up the scenery on the way to the Ironman 70.3 Geelong start line.

Vue Apartment Hotel has Eastern Beach virtually on Vue Apartment Hotel’s doorstep, there aren’t many spots closer to the Ironman action than this accommodation.

Experience Geelong’s boutique apartment style accommodation, offering state of the art technology and all the latest comforts including complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, espresso machines and award winning king koil beds.

Choose from studio, one or two-bedroom apartments – which have just received a freshen up.

R Hotel is located right next to Vue Apartment Hotel, it blends modern comfort with a bit of history, sitting inside a heritage beauty from 1854. The rooms are 4.5 star, and there is a stay to suit everyone, from hotel rooms to one and two-bedroom apartments, plus pet-friendly lofts and spots with park or ocean views.

It is just a short walk to the Ironman action, making it an easy base for race day. When the event wraps up, you are in the perfect spot to explore central Geelong, grab a great meal, or just kick back and enjoy the waterfront.

There's heaps to see and do when you come to Geelong, so make a weekend out of it. Explore more events on the What’s On page.