Council has adopted the Geelong Waterfront Master Plan , guiding development, management and investment to enhance the waterfront precinct as a recreational and tourism hub.
An implementation strategy is being prepared to guide delivery in stages, drawing on a mix of funding including new leases, partnerships and external grant opportunities. Priority projects are proposed to deliver tangible outcomes early while advancing longer-term ambitions.
Recommended initiatives include:
- Western Beach Restoration Precinct (Rippleside Park to Western Beach Boat Club): Installation of artificial reef pods to fight coastal erosion and create habitat for marine species such as oysters and mussels. Upgrades to Bob McGovan Path and connections. New plants, trees and bike repair station. Manage seagrass at Griffins Gully Jetty.
- Convention and Creativity Precinct (Western Beach Boat Club to east of Cunningham Pier): Improve public spaces and food and beverage attractions. Upgrade Poppy Kettle Playground. Expand Youth Activities Area to accommodate both basketball and netball. Reimagine Cunningham Pier through a private partnership to create a vibrant mixed-use attraction.
- Central Celebration Precinct (Steampacket Pier to Royal Geelong Yacht Club): Support more activations including a Yarra Street plaza for outdoor dining and community events. New pavilion-style building between Cunningham Pier and Steampacket Quay to support marine and tourism-based activities.
- Heritage Leisure Precinct (Eastern Beach to Eastern Beach Reserve): Improve accessibility and shade structures in the Central Swimming Zone. Toilet block upgrade. Increase tree canopy at the Eastern Beach Playground. Reconfigure Ritchie Boulevard car park to create additional parking spaces.
- Limeburners Nature Precinct (Limeburners Point): New seating, plants and interpretive signage at the historic mineral springs. Potential to connect paths along Limeburners Road and Ryrie Street to the Bellarine Rail Trail. Build a modest community facility to support marine-based activities by local groups.
The Geelong Waterfront Master Plan was shaped and refined by feedback from community members from across the region, long-term residents, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, visitors and other stakeholders in 2023 and 2025.
The draft master plan was tested in the most recent consultation, receiving strong overall support (average score 88/100). Respondents highlighted Convention and Creativity, Western Beach and Limeburners Point as priorities for activation, environmental protection and recreational improvements.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The Geelong Waterfront is integral to the region's identity and offers a unique mix of recreation, culture and dining experiences.Our beautiful north-facing Geelong Waterfront is a special place that attracts thousands of local, Victorian, Australian and international visitors annually.
We have a duty to improve, protect and enhance this vibrant destination through the Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, which will guide development, management and investment in the long-term.
Thanks to the community's feedback, our renewed waterfront will be a legacy for generations to come.
The Geelong Waterfront Master Plan builds on the 2011 master plan by honouring the past and looking boldly to the future.
It will help us get a staged refresh right, by ensuring it remains vibrant, accessible and resilient, while balancing environmental, social and economic priorities.
Geelong Waterfront will better integrate with surrounding locations and major projects, such as the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
