Geelong Adventure

South Geelong Circuit via beach and Barwon, Distance: 29km
Region: Regional Victoria - Near Geelong
Written up by: U3A Yarra City OYB
Last ridden: 7 October 2016

Cafes  |  Terrain  |  Getting There and Back | Ride Details  |  Variations  |  Maps

The ride cuts across from Rippleside Park to the old Fyansford Cement Works Railway. The silos here have recently been adorned with artwork. The path alongside the railway is up a slow gentle incline to the abandoned cement works, a historical Geelong landmark. What goes up must come down and there is a very steep bike track to the confluence of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers. 

The final part of the route again follows the Barwon River through wetlands and parks. The final river crossing has great views of the Barwon.

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You can take your bike on the train to South Geelong station from Melbourne and other stations between and return the same way. This is best done when it is not peak hour. Most Geelong trains take either up to 6 or 12 bikes per train. So if a lot of people choose to travel by train, some will have to go early and hang around in a café.

You can also can drive to South Geelong  and park near the start of the ride.

South Geelong Station to Limeburners Road (7.3km)

1. Start at South Geelong Station.
2. Head right out of the car park and turn left in Yarra Street
3. Follow Yarra Street down to the Barwon River. The trail is between the rowing sheds and the river.
4. Turn left and follow the trail until you pass under Fellmongers Street. The trail exits onto Gundog Lane.
5. Turn left onto Gundog Lane and the immediately left onto Tucker Street. Turn right into the dedicated bike lane in Fellmongers Street. 
6. Turn left into the dedicated bike lane in Boundary Road. Follow Boundary Road to Ryrie Street/Port Arlington Road.
7. Cross Ryrie Street and find the path heading left parallel to Ryrie Street between Try Boys Centre and Ryrie Street. Follow this path to Limeburners Road.
   
   Limeburners Road to North Geelong Station (6.4km)
    
8. Turn right into Limeburners Road. After the golf club Limeburners Road turns to the left. 
9. Turn left on the second road after this to reach Eastern Park Circuit and then turn right.
10. After checking out the views make your way down to cross Hearns Road and find the path along the beach.
11. Follow the coast for 3.8km to Rippleside Park which is shortly after a boardwalk. The trick is to stay on the path as close to the water as possible. You will pass the sea baths and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
12. Cross Rippleside Park and turn left to ride up to Liverpool Street.
13. Turn right onto Liverpool Street. This turns to the left and becomes Balmoral Crescent.
14. At the end of Balmoral Crescent turn left into Victoria Street. 
15. Cross at the lights and use the underpass to cross the railway line near North Geelong Station.
    
    North Geelong Station to Moorabool River (6.8km)
     
16. Continue on Victoria Street.
17. Turn right into Giddings Street.
18. At the end of Giddings Street turn left on the trail next to the old Fyansford Cement Works Railway. Follow this to the old cement works.
19. Cross McCurdy Road and slightly to the right pick up a bike trail that goes down to the river next to Hyland Street.
20. Cross Deviation Road and make your way into Fyansford Commons to a turning loop at the end of the car park road near the Moorabool River. 
    
    The Moorabool River to South Geelong Station (8.0km)
     
21. At the end of this loop turn take the path next to the Moorabool River. Keep the river on your left.
22. Turn left to cross the Moorabool River and then immediately turn left again.
23. Ride through the wetlands, cross the Barwon River and turn left.
24. Follow the Barwon River going under two major roads until you reach a high footbridge.
25. Cross Barrabool Road and use Riverview Terrace to get onto the bridge. Near the top in Seaview Park there are excellent views.
26. Cross the river and turn right.
27. Follow the river back to the rowing sheds and go up Yarra Street to find South Geelong Station.

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To shorten the ride finish at North Geelong Station.

There is a side trip at 22. Turn right here and follow the river to the picnic area. Go left uphill to Buckley Falls Road. Take the next driveway to your right to find the falls. You may find it easier to leave your bike in the first picnic ground and walk.

• Melway or Melway Online: Starts at map reference 452 B7
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