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  • New Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre district under construction

    January 31, 2024

    Main works have begun on the exciting new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre district, with the Centre and hotel expected to be completed by early 2026.

    Located a convenient 1 hour 25 minute drive from Melbourne, or a pleasant ferry ride with Port Phillip Ferries (complete with onboard licensed cafe), the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre district on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula is one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria.

    This is a wonderful offering for corporate and association conference planners, as the district will include the construction of a purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.

    Nyall Bunyal Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre

    The district will also be home to retail spaces for food and beverage offerings, a large public plaza that promises to become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a 200-room Crown Plaza hotel.

    Both national and international conference delegates will be attracted to the Bellarine Peninsula’s many tourism offerings, including quiet stunning beaches, wineries, fresh seafood (the area is well known for its local mussels), world-class coastal golf courses, and nearby nature experiences including swimming with wild dolphins and seals and the Werribee Open Range Zoo.

    The development of this world-class facility and district has included extensive stakeholder consultation and ongoing work with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation on critical aspects of the precinct’s design, identity and recognition of local cultural heritage.

    The Trust that operates Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will also manage and operate the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, once complete. The two centres will cement Victoria as a premier global destination for events.

    If you're planning your business event for 2026 or beyond, make sure to reach out to the Melbourne Convention Bureau team for further advice, recommendations and introductions.