Ironman 70.3 Geelong returns to the waterfront on Sunday 22 March 2026, bringing a full day of racing, energy and serious atmosphere to the bay.

If you're racing, cheering someone on, or just looking for a great weekend near Melbourne, this is one of those events that turns Geelong into something else entirely. The course winds through Corio Bay, the waterfront and beyond, with plenty of easy viewing spots.

The first athletes hit the water from 7:30am, with racing rolling through the day before wrapping up with presentations at Steampacket Gardens.

A 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run, it’s a huge effort, and seeing it unfold along the waterfront is pretty special.

Make a weekend of it. Here’s where to eat, what to do and where to stay while you’re in town.

Where to watch the race

From the swim start at Eastern Beach, cheering on the athletes as they speed past on their bikes, to the run along the waterfront, there are plenty of easy vantage points to catch the action. Steampacket Gardens is a central hub for the finish line atmosphere, while spots along the bay give you front row views without the crowds.

See the full schedule here

Where to eat and drink

Race day starts early and runs long, so having a few go-to spots helps. Whether it’s a quick coffee, something casual by the water or a place to sit down after, you’ll find plenty nearby.

The Wharf Shed

The perfect spot to fuel up or enjoy a celebratory drink after the race. 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.

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Pavilion Geelong

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.

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Tempo

Right by the action, Tempo’s running a full Ironman weekend line-up.

Lasagne and beers on Friday, quick brekkie and coffee from 7am on race day, then a waterfront BBQ with live music in the afternoon.

Easy, close, and a good place to relax between race moments.

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Eat & Drink

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What to see and do

When the race wraps up, don’t rush off. Geelong and The Bellarine has plenty to fill the rest of your weekend, from coastal walks to long lunches and fun day trips.

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.

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Curlewis Golf Club & The Range @ Curlewis

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.

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You Yangs

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.

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Mountain biking at You Yangs (Wurdi Youang)

things to do

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Where to stay

If you’re staying the night, being close to the waterfront makes race day a whole lot easier.

Novotel Geelong

Right on the waterfront, Novotel Geelong is hard to beat for race weekend. You’re only a short walk from Eastern Beach, so getting to the start line or finding a spot to watch is easy.

Rooms look straight out over the bay, and there’s an indoor pool, gym and restaurant on site if you’re keeping things simple. It’s a good option if you want everything in one place and don’t want to think too hard about logistics.

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Crowne Plaza Geelong

The newest hotel on the waterfront, Crowne Plaza Geelong puts you right in the middle of things.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and there are a few easy options downstairs, a café for your morning coffee, a restaurant for dinner, and Skyline Bar if you feel like a drink with a view after a big day.

If you like the idea of staying somewhere fresh and central, this one’s a solid pick.

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Eden Oak

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.

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Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

With Eastern Beach virtually on Oaks Vue Suites’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.

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Oaks R Suites Geelong

Located right next to Oaks Vue Suites, 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.

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