Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Several fun activities with a local flavour are suggested below at an additional cost to attendees. At the time of registration, you will be asked to express your interest in participating in any one or more of these activities. Conference organisers will endeavour to coordinate participation with fellow conference attendees.  For more information to help make your choice, please see the appropriate links and information below. All bookings need to be confirmed by 5.00pm November 22nd, 2024.

  •  Learn to Surf with Go Ride a Wave. Torquay is known as the start of the Great Ocean Road and Victoria’s surf and beach lifestyle capital. Many world-famous surf companies, including Rip Curl and Quiksilver, are headquartered in Torquay. Surf Coast Plaza, a shopping and dining complex, also houses the Surf World Museum. Every Easter, crowds flock to Bells Beach, Torquay’s most famous beach, to watch the world’s best surfers compete in the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running surf contest, which began in 1961. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, Torquay has something to offer everyone. So come and experience the best that Victoria’s surf and beach lifestyle capital has to offer!

  • Approx. price $79 per person

Booking: Please select the “Learn to Surf” option in your registration cart.

  • Great Ocean Road Tour with Geelong Adventure Specialists. Tour along the iconic Great Ocean Road the best way, with a highly knowledgeable guide in the comfort of a small bus. A short drive from Geelong we'll enter the Great Otway National Park, and drive into Point Addis the first place where you can look out at the spectacular ruggedness of the coastline. Next, we drive on to Lorne for morning tea, then Kennett River to have a look at Koalas and the local birdlife. Not far from there, we'll stop off for lunch in Apollo Bay where you can choose from a range of popular cafes for lunch. Then we'll head inland where if you like we’ll take a walk in the rainforest, marvel at the ancient giants and look for rare wildlife. Next, drive on to the iconic 12 Apostles and take a stroll to view them from their best angles. Then you can have a final cuppa break at the cafe and lastly, we'll stop at Loch Ard Gorge to learn about a little maritime history before finally heading home the inland way.
  • Approx. price $120 per person

 To book. Please select the “Great Ocean Road Tour” option in your registration cart.

  • SMAANZ Golf Day at 13th Beach Golf Day  Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, 13th Beach Golf Links is famously known for its two award winning courses, with first class conditioning all year round. With a modern Clubhouse and great facilities, whether you’re a golfer, or simply want to admire the views, visiting 13th Beach is a must.
  • Approx. price $120 per person (green fees only)

Wednesday 4th December (Opening Event)

Cunningham Pier is probably the most iconic structure on Geelong’s magnificent waterfront. Opening in the mid 1850’s, the pier was a vital part of our port with rail being used to load and unload cargo. Originally knowns as Railway Pier, the post war modernisation of Geelong’s ports saw many larger ships move to Corio Quay. While Cunningham Pier did see some commercial use up until the 1970’s it was no longer suitable for modern ships and fell into disuse. See more at: https://intown.com.au/feature/cunningham-pier.htm

Thursday 4th December, 2024 (Free Night)

Geelong's culinary landscape features a mix of innovative eateries, historic pubs, and fine dining establishments, showcasing a wide range of cuisines to suit every palate. The city's proximity to fresh local produce, and its waterfront location, ensures memorable dining experiences. A concise list of prominent local establishments is provided here:

  • Fishermen’s Pier: A Geelong institution for more than 40 years, Fishermen's Pier serves up award winning seafood in a boat-style restaurant offering marina and bay views
  • Geelong Cellar Door: Located in the heart of Geelong’s inner CBD, Geelong Cellar Door proudly showcases the premium cool-climate wines produced within the Geelong wine region
  • Wah Wah Gee: Funky, fun and fresh. Swing by Cunningham Pier with your friends and take a journey through Wah Wah Gee's collection of Asian inspired sharing dishes 
  • Felix:  Discover modern French laneway dining off Little Malop Street. Felix artfully creates lunch and dinner menus of local produce in a warm and convivial space
  • The Arborist: True to its name, The Arborist’s interior design takes its cues from the ash tree growing at its centre; the result is sustainable and beautiful, all rendered in natural tones of green, cream and timber.
  • Tulip: with a focus on produce-driven dishes that celebrate all things local and sustainable, the award winning Tulip’s share-plate based menu changes frequently 

Friday 6th December (Conference Closing)

Conference Dinner at GMHBA Stadium is home to the Geelong Cats AFL and AFLW teams and VFL and VFLW teams. GMHBA stadium has played host to the Cats’ most successful eras. It includes the Cats Shop, Cats Community Centre, the Gartland Heritage Centre, and one of the largest event spaces in regional Victoria. See more at: https://www.geelongcats.com.au/experience/gmhba-stadium