Make the most of Ironman 70.3 Geelong
Ironman 70.3 Geelong is set to return to the waterfront on Sunday 24 March.
A multi-looped fast course, triathletes will race through a challenging and scenic route along Geelong’s spectacular waterfront.
The first lot of athletes start at 7:32am with the last racer expected to cross the finish line at around 4:10pm. with presentations soon after at Steampacket Garden.
Make the most of your visit to the region with a few things to see and do over the weekend. And a spots to celebrate as well!
For a look at the swim, bike and run courses and the interactive map, head to ironman.com.
Where to eat and drink
Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, enjoy quality food in a relaxed atmosphere at Wharf Shed with Corio Bay as the stunning backdrop.
Here you’ll find a dish to suit all tastes, with everything from traditional favourites to international cuisine, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. And there’s a diverse drinks menu to match including the new addition of Brewery Fresh Carlton Draught Tank Beer.
One of the earliest risers on Geelong’s Waterfront, you’ll have time to grab a coffee (made with Inglewood Beans) at Pavilion Geelong 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.
The menu is a considered fare of modern brunch, offering up a prawn and kimchi omelette and cauliflower and haloumi fritters beside more traditional chilli scrambled and various Acai bowls.
‘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 side lines 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.
What to see and do
There’s no golf course like it in the world. It may well be one of the most fun courses to play Australia-wide with water views throughout. It’s designed as a deliberate throwback to an earlier age – nostalgically challenging.
Lonsdale Links is also the highest ranked in the region, coming in at #19 for Australian golf courses. And there’s a restaurant on site for when you get peckish after a game.
Curlewis Golf Club & The Range @ Curlewis
One of the most improved courses in this country during the past decade with a spectacular new clubhouse, eco suites and French restaurant. What’s not to love at Curlewis Golf Club?
For those wanting a quick hit or to practise your swing, The Range @ Curlewis automatically tees up balls after each shot and is a great day out solo or with a group.
For a playground that will keep everyone happy, it’s hard to go past the You Yangs Regional Park, a mass of granite slabs and boulders bubbling up from the Western Plains. 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.
Where to stay
Nestled in the botanical gardens within the Eastern Park Precinct, Eden Oak is a stunning retreat with function spaces, 46 accommodation suites, restaurant, in ground swimming pool and sprawling gardens.
A short, and scenic, 15-minute walk to Eastern Beach will take you straight to the start line of Ironman 70.3 Geelong and beyond.
With 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.
Next door to Vue Apartment Hotel you’ll find 4.5 star rooms inside a heritage gem built in 1854 at R Hotel. The hotel offers a range of accommodation choices including hotel rooms, one and two bedroom apartments, pet-friendly one and two-bedroom loft apartments, and one and two-bedroom park and ocean view apartments.
And just like Vue, it’s a very short stroll to catch all the Ironman action and a great base for exploring central Geelong and beyond.
What else is on this weekend
– Gin tasting at Queenscliff Distillery – Saturday 23 March
– The Music Man at Geelong Arts Centre – until Saturday 23 March
– Lara Food and Wine Festival – Sunday 24 March
– Autumn imagination at Museum of Play and Art – until Saturday 24 March
– Wildlife Photographer of the Year at National Wool Museum – until Saturday 18 May
Explore more events on the What’s On page.
