Excitement is building in Greater Geelong ahead of some of the biggest events in our calendar.
Visit Victoria's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (29 January – 2 February) is set to feature a revamped course, including a new loop around the beautiful Geelong Botanic Gardens and reverting to a clockwise direction from the first race in 2015.
Tens of thousands of spectators and participants will descend on our region for the 10th anniversary of this world-class cycling event, with last year's attracting 140,000 spectators and generating an economic benefit of $17.8 million to Greater Geelong.
In addition to our increased sponsorship, we have a pop-up display at Wurriki Nyal featuring the illustrious main trophy designed by Victoria's own master craftsman Flynn Silver, every People's Ride jersey of the event's history, and more.
We're also helping the region celebrate by encouraging residents to showcase their community spirit and creativity by decorating their home or business for the chance to share in more than $2,000 worth of prizes.
Community members can use recycled items like old bike parts, old fabric and clothing, cardboard boxes and more to create eye-catching displays. We'll be looking for vibrant colours, innovative designs, and sustainable materials.
To ensure the safety of the participants and the community, there will be both rolling and fixed road closures in place across Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February. Delays of 15–20 minutes are expected.
Drivers are also encouraged to be extra careful during the recreational TAC People's Ride on Saturday as thousands of riders will take to the road, predominantly under normal traffic conditions.
The Festival of Sails , which is also supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, is expected to see up to 100,000 people visit the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and the Geelong Waterfront this Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January.
Featuring RAAF Roulettes Aerial Show, live music, dazzling fireworks, Come and Try Sailing sessions, Yoga by the Bay, a ticketed Regatta Cruise and delicious food and drink, there will be something for everyone.
We sponsor the festival through Geelong Major Events (GME). The 2024 Festival of Sails generated $8,823,253 for our region.
Check out Australia's best golfers at Visit Victoria's 2025 Vic Open Golf Tournament (6 – 9 February) for free at 13th Beach Golf Links, known as the first event in the world where men and women play at the same time, on the same venue and for the same prize money.
The evening of Saturday 8 February sees an Australian Long Drive Event where players hit over 350 metres.
The 2024 event, sponsored by GME, pumped more than $2.1 million into our economy.
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council is thrilled to welcome back the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Festival of Sails and the Vic Open Golf Tournament.I encourage community members to enjoy everything the free and ticketed festivities have to offer over the next few weeks.
Our region is excited to host a jam-packed schedule of sporting festivities, where you can get up close to some of the world's best sailors, golfers and cyclists, including local legend Cadel Evans.
There's no better place to be than Greater Geelong!
Councillor Anthony Aitken
Council and GME are proud to support these major events.The Geelong region has a strong reputation as a successful major events host that supports local businesses and the community, and showcases our impressive region to the world.
We are lucky to have a north-facing bay and city centre, coupled with coastline, bushland and rural areas to make our region a unique and appealing place to host major events.
The Festival of Sails and the Vic Open Golf Tournament receive Victorian Government funding.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP
The upcoming events are highly anticipated.The highlight of Geelong's major events calendar is approaching, featuring a lineup of iconic celebrations that embrace the excitement of sports and the passion for Geelong and its community.
This is a unique opportunity to witness some of the world's finest athletes showcase their talents whilst boosting and supporting local businesses and tourism in the region.
