Looking for an easy winter escape that’s packed with family fun? Just over an hour from Melbourne, Geelong is the perfect destination for a weekend away. With a stunning waterfront, a brand-new luxury hotel and the magical Adventure Park Winter Glow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Here’s our full itinerary to help you plan your own winter getaway.
Day 1 – Check in to Crowne Plaza Geelong
We stayed at the brand-new Crowne Plaza Geelong, which opened in January 2026 and is located right on Geelong’s waterfront precinct.
The hotel features 200 modern rooms and suites, an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, Sociali Trattoria & Bar, Verde café and the stunning Skyline Bar on level 10.
Why we love it
- Spacious modern rooms
- Interconnecting rooms available (subject to availability)
- Indoor heated swimming pool
- Waterfront location
- Walking distance to attractions
- Family-friendly restaurant
- Buffet breakfast
- Gym and fitness centre
- Valet parking available
Our kids made a beeline for the heated indoor pool while we soaked up the beautiful bay views from our room.
Dinner at Sociali Trattoria & Bar
That evening we enjoyed dinner at Sociali Trattoria & Bar, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant showcasing fresh local produce in a relaxed family-friendly setting.
It’s the perfect option if you don’t want to venture far after a busy day exploring.
Explore the Geelong Waterfront
One of the best things about staying here is that everything is within walking distance.
Nearby attractions include:
- Eastern Beach
- Geelong Waterfront
- Cunningham Pier
- The famous Geelong Bollards
- Waterfront playground
- Westfield Geelong
- Deakin University Waterfront Campus
- Cafés, restaurants and ice cream shops
The waterfront is beautiful during the day and even more magical at sunset.
Evening – Adventure Park Winter Glow
As the sun went down, we headed to Adventure Park’s award-winning Winter Glow Festival.
This incredible winter event transforms the park into a magical wonderland featuring:
- Over 3.3 million dazzling lights
- More than 1,000 light installations
- Thrilling rides after dark
- Ice toboggan slides
- Live ice sculpting demonstrations
- Roasted marshmallows
- Winter-themed entertainment and characters
- Delicious winter food and hot drinks
Our kids loved spotting the Ice Princess, watching the ice sculptors at work, racing down the ice toboggans and exploring the spectacular illuminated trail.
There are countless photo opportunities throughout the park, making it one of Victoria’s best winter events for families.
Day 2
After a delicious buffet breakfast back at Crowne Plaza Geelong, spend the morning exploring more of Geelong before heading home.
If you have extra time, we’d also recommend:
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Saturday
- Check in to Crowne Plaza Geelong
- Swim in the heated indoor pool
- Explore the Geelong Waterfront
- Dinner at Sociali Trattoria & Bar
- Adventure Park Winter Glow
Sunday
- Buffet breakfast
- Morning stroll along the waterfront
- Visit a local attraction
- Head home
Tips for Visiting Winter Glow
❄️ Book your tickets online before you go.
🧤 Dress warmly with waterproof jackets, gloves and beanies.
📸 Arrive before sunset so you can enjoy both daylight and the illuminated displays.
🎢 Allow at least 4–5 hours to experience the rides, lights and entertainment.
🏨 If travelling with a larger family, request interconnecting rooms when booking your stay.
This getaway ticked every box for a family weekend away—comfortable accommodation, fantastic dining, a beautiful waterfront location and one of Victoria’s most spectacular winter events.
Whether you’re planning a school holiday adventure or simply looking for a weekend escape, Geelong and Adventure Park are the perfect combination for making unforgettable family memories.
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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