The best hikes from bus stations in Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve

This short bridge runs parallel to Queens Park Road over the Barwon River. It is a narrow, one-lane, bridge and bikes sometimes cross, so make sure you pause and check if there is any oncoming traffic before you start walking across.

The Barwon River flows for 160 kilometres through Victoria and is lined by trails on both sides as it flows through Geelong. The name is an anglicized version of the Aboriginal word Parwan, which means either magpie or great wide. The river is popular for walking, jogging, cycling, kayaking, and rowing. There are also many parks and reserves along its banks, so there is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time at the river.

Barwon River Trail follows the Barwon River through Geelong on more than 20 kilometres of mostly sealed paths, connecting Fyansford to South Geelong. The trail runs along both sides of the river, passing through a mix of parkland, wetlands, and open riverbanks. Along the way, it links key spots like Queens Park, Balyang Sanctuary, Belmont Common, and Buckley Falls. You’ll also pass playgrounds, picnic areas, and quieter sections of river, with multiple access points and parking throughout, and no entry fee.

Named after a former chief engineer for the Geelong Waterworks and Sewerage Trust, this bridge spans the Barwon River. The pedestrian and cycle crossing is an important link in the city and also provides access to the parklands on either side of the river.

Eastern Beach sits along the sheltered waters of Corio Bay, and is a beautiful spot to unwind by the water. The foreshore is lined with a wide promenade, shaded lawns, and palm trees, making it a popular spot that's perfect for walks or picnics, or a casual day at the beach.

The Eastern Beach Swimming Enclosure is a historic, shark-proof sea bath in Corio Bay, with a unique curved boardwalk and Art Deco design dating back to the 1930s. The large saltwater enclosure includes a large tower, diving boards, floating platforms, and a separate shallow children’s pool, making it one of Geelong’s most popular and family-friendly swimming areas. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped open space it's ideal for a picnic. You'll also find toilets, dressing rooms and an on-site café, which is why it remains a central attraction on the waterfront.

Barwon Heads Bluff is a prominent coastal headland overlooking the confluence of the Barwon River and Bass Strait, offering beautiful sweeping views of the ocean, river, and surrounding coastline. This area is part of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, where rock platforms and reefs support diverse marine life that are exposed at low tide for exploration. The walking tracks around the bluff offer fantastic panoramic views, and if you’re here during the right time of year (May to July and September to November), you’ll have a chance to spot migrating whales offshore.

The Barwon River runs for about 160 kilometres from the Otway Ranges to the coast at Barwon Heads, passing through Geelong as a wide, slow-moving waterway. Along this section, it flows gently between tree-lined banks and open parkland, with calm water and soft bends. This lookout is a great spot to pause and take in the view.