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For a limited time, elevate your end-of-year celebration with our exclusive 
Gala Dinner Offer,
 including a 
complimentary Red Centre Sour cocktail
 and upgrade to our 
Celebrate beverage package
.
But first, let’s explore why Darrwal Room is perfect for your next gala.
We’ve Thought of Every Detail
A flexible, expansive space basking in natural light, Darrwal Room brings people together for gala dinners, celebrations or awards night. For an end-of-year function, it’s the ideal space to impress your guests.
Room highlights include:
Sweeping views:
 Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sparkling views of Corio Bay, filling the space with light by day and glowing with golden sunset moments as evening settles in.
Flexible layouts:
 Dynamic setups let you realise your vision, with space to host up to 190 guests banquet style.
Thoughtful design:
 Industry-leading accessibility and sustainability principles underpin all our event spaces. 
And the name? 
Darrwal 
means ‘dingo’ in Wadawurrrung, the language of the Traditional Owners of Djilang (Geelong). Just like our venue name – Nyaal Banyul was gifted to us by the Wadawurrrung and means ‘open your eyes to the hills’ – 
Darrwal further 
connects our space to Country
.
We’ve Created Menus People Get Excited About
Great 
gatherings centre around food
, and our galas in Darrwal Room are no exception. Guided by the region and the seasons, our 
in-house chefs
 have curated a fresh, vibrant 
gala menu
, where every dish invites you to experience the bounty of Geelong and The Bellarine.
Pair local wines, craft beers and thoughtful non-alcoholic options with creative takes on the classics, like an entrée of spiral raviolo with pumpkin, ricotta and lemon myrtle crumb or a main course of slow-cooked Otway pork with rhubarb and ginger chutney, baby fennel and sweet potato fondant. Dessert might be a spiced meringue with seasonal berries and a Davidson plum Chantilly cream. Vegan or vegetarian, gluten- or nut-free, our menus cater for a wide range of tastes and dietaries.
To take your gala celebration to the next level, add a live experience, from caviar bumps and live oyster stations to ice cream carts or a wall of sweets.
We’ve Streamlined Audiovisual to Make Event Organising Easier
Darrwal Room comes fully equipped with built-in audiovisual elements, including smart lecterns, microphones, screens, powerful projectors and crisp high-definition displays. Everything you need for a seamless AV experience is ready to go.
For events needing a little something extra, our in-house 
audiovisual and production team
 is on hand to build a solution around your theme. Talk to us about lighting design, staging, sound, recording and broadcasting, or full creative production.
With expert technicians onsite and the latest technology at hand, you can scale your setup, all under one roof, all via one team.
We’ve Connected You to the Best of Geelong and The Bellarine
Situated on the Geelong waterfront, Nyaal Banyul provides a distinctive setting inspiring fresh thinking, meaningful conversation and genuine connection. Access is seamless: there’s parking close by, a dedicated drop-off zone and 
onsite accommodation
.
Beyond the venue, your guests can experience one of Victoria’s most exciting destinations, with the Bellarine Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and a thriving food and wine scene all within easy reach. Come for a gala, stay to recharge.
We’ve Made It Easy to Book Your Next Gala Celebration with Us
Elevate your end-of-year celebration when you book a gala dinner in Darrwal Room before 24 December.
Treat your guests with a 
complimentary arrival cocktail and beverage package upgrade
 featuring standout local producers.
Want to create a gala experience your guests won’t forget? Check out our 
Exclusive Gala Offer
 and start planning your next gathering.

A flexible waterfront venue for 190 guests, with in-house AV, chef-curated menus and bay views. Find out why you should host your gala in Darrwal Room.

Host an Unforgettable Gala Dinner on the Geelong Waterfront

A snapshot of the scale and impact of a momentous occasion:
1st
 black-tie gala ball held at Nyaal Banyul
$10,059,014
 raised for the Barwon Women's and Children's Appeal
8
-carat diamond won by one lucky guest 
1,000
-plus guests in Delama Event Space
3000
-plus plates served
Making History on the Waterfront 
There are moments in a city’s story that feel different — moments that carry a deep sense of purpose and pride. On Friday, 3 July 2026, more than 1,000 guests gathered for a night to be remembered: the very first gala ball held at our newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Beyond the black-tie glamour, fine dining and clink of Champagne glasses, the evening was for a noble cause, the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Appeal. An important fundraising initiative for the 
Barwon Health Foundation
, the gala plays a crucial role in delivering the largest health infrastructure investment in the region history.
An evening where the community gathered under one roof, it was also a milestone event for Nyaal Banyul and a night Geelong won’t forget. 
Coming Together for a Greater Cause
Barwon Health has long stood as the beating heart of the Geelong community, providing critical care and transformative health services across the broader region. When the time came to plan a fundraising event of this historic scale, the Foundation sought a stage as magnificent and ambitious as the moment itself.
Hosting the gala at Nyaal Banyul was a symbolic choice. As Senior Manager of Sales and Planning Karen Austin explains: 
“Being the first event at Nyaal Banyul was about more than opening a new venue. It was an opportunity to bring the community together for a cause that matters. As a long-awaited venue designed to host community events and celebrations, Nyaal Banyul provided the ideal setting to support Barwon Health Foundation's fundraising efforts and demonstrate what’s possible when a community gets behind a shared vision.”
The gala showcased the power of community support, connecting Geelong’s newest gathering place with the Foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across the region.
A Night of Firsts
Rising along the waterfront, Nyaal Banyul delivered a gala atmosphere of breathtaking scale and sophistication. 
Overlooking the sparkling expanse of Corio Bay, Nyaal Banyul’s architecture blends striking modern design with deep cultural heritage. Inside the venue, flexible, state-of-the-art spaces can be transformed into an immersive black-tie wonderland. 
The setup for the Barwon Health Foundation Gala pushed every “first” operational boundary, says Karen, with 
Delama Event Space
 operating at a maximum capacity of 1000 guests.
“Our first event had everything. It had aerialist performers and horn procession from Fresh Creative Entertainment. It had pyrotechnics. It had musical theatre and 
The Voice
 star Stellar Perry bring tears to the eye. It really was a display to everyone in the room of ‘look at what we can achieve’.”
To accommodate the grand scale of talent and production, the team used backstage areas and the upstairs 
Monngarrk Room
 for an exclusive VIP cocktail pre-show. Overlooking the Delama Event Space below, Monngarrk allows organisers to keep an eye on proceedings as an event unfolds.
While the behind-the-scenes setup took lots of rigorous planning, the vibe on the night was electric. Buzzing with the passion of its guests, the gala cemented Nyaal Banyul’s new status as a place of connection.
Built for Big Moments
Reflecting on the technical scale of Nyaal Banyul’s debut event, Andy Etherington, AV Event Project Manager, says the goal was to deliver immediate impact using elements built into the infrastructure – from in-ceiling lighting and vibrant projection screens to robust steel beams and truss systems capable of suspending acrobatic performers mid-air. 
“Everything is already in place and ready to go — the lighting, projection, staging and PA system — with all control equipment seamlessly integrated so we can maximise the space to its full potential,” says Andy.
“Lighting is pure visual candy. It catches the eye and delivers that instant wow-factor,” he adds. 
Andy also highlights the distinct advantage of Nyaal Banyul’s in-house AV specialists. For the gala, this meant effortlessly accommodating last-minute additions like cold sparks and streamer cannons, while collaborating with the Foundation’s chosen performers. “We worked with the aerialists directly. They briefed us on what they wanted to do, and the riggers were able to test it and make it happen.”
Every element on the night showcased what the venue and team are capable of, setting an elite new standard for future events.
Celebrating the Best Local Flavours
Finally, it’s not a celebration without food, and for the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, guests were treated to a meticulously curated multi-course menu that captured the finest coastal flavours of Geelong and The Bellarine. 
“It was all about showcasing our premium menu offerings, the beautiful local produce our executive chef Andreas Gober is so passionate about and weaving native indigenous ingredients into the dishes. Those elements were absolute highlights,” says Karen.
Local purveyors had their moment too. As Karen explains: “Many of our suppliers had tables at the event, giving them the opportunity to see their ingredients brought to life and served to guests. It all comes back to the community piece of showcasing what Geelong has to offer.”
Every course artfully paired seasonal, sustainably sourced local ingredients with premier regional wines. The dining experience celebrated Geelong’s culinary culture, offering guests an authentic taste of the region while they dined in support of a vital cause.
Launching a New Era for Gala Events in Geelong 
From record-breaking fundraising to breathtaking theatrical production, Nyaal Banyul’s inaugural gala proved that Geelong’s new waterfront landmark is more than just a venue — it is a stage for the community’s biggest aspirations. 
As the lights dimmed on a historic night, the event left an enduring legacy, setting a soaring new benchmark for what’s possible.
Ready to 
plan your own gala
? Get in touch to explore how Nyaal Banyul can help bring your vision to life.

Nyaal Banyul hosted Barwon Health Foundation for our first black-tie gala event on the Geelong waterfront. Discover what made it a night to remember.

Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball: Setting a New Standard for Gala Events in Geelong

When we open, 
Blak Brews
 will bring a deeper connection to that pause. A First Nations owned and operated tea company, each blend draws on native ingredients, cultural knowledge and a strong sense of Country, creating a distinctly Australian flavour in every cup. 
Every sip holds something more. Of land, of tradition, of time. 
We spoke with Troy Benjamin, Founder and CEO of Blak Brews, to talk about how it all began, what makes their tea different, and what it means to be part of the Nyaal Banyul experience. 
A truly authentic Australian Product 
With a background in coffee and running cafés, Troy has always had a sharp eye for what makes something worth drinking. But tea, he noticed, had been left behind. 
“I’d always kind of wondered whether or not tea was going to take the same journey as wine and cheese.” 
“Tea’s probably a category that’s still pretty untouched. It’s a bit archaic.” 
He saw that as an opportunity. 
So, how did Blak Brews come to life? 
It didn’t start with a big plan. 
“What started as a side thing turned into the main thing.” 
Husband and wife duo Troy and Cerisa Benjamin didn’t set out to build a tea brand. Like most good things, it found them anyway. 
“The first tea was dunked in 2023 and the first bag sold a few weeks later.” 
From there, it grew quickly, shaped by new ideas, new collaborations, and a growing audience drawn to something that felt both familiar and entirely new. 
What makes Blak Brews different? 
It starts with the ingredients, and the story behind them. 
“It’s a bit archaic, and I think it’s really important to showcase what’s been here for 60,000 years, finger limes, Kakadu plums. We grow so many varietals from overseas here in the Daintree, so it’s exciting when people start to think about what’s truly Australian. The best teas come from the outback. Indigenous ingredients. Organic goodness. Wildly Australian.” 
Blak Brews is built around native Australian ingredients, sourced as locally and ethically as possible. Sourced, blended and packed in Australia, working with Australian suppliers. It’s a product grounded in place, both in flavour and in origin. 
There’s a strong sense of purpose behind the brand. How do you define that? 
“We’re a little Australian tea company that’s bringing people, health, culture and tastebuds together through a cup of the good stuff.” 
Blak Brews is First Nations owned and operated, with a focus on connection to Country, to community, and to the people drinking it. 
“Australia’s got a long history with the British way of drinking tea. But now we’ve got something really exciting that feels distinctly, truly Australian.” 
And the tea itself, what can people expect? 
Clean, bold flavours built from native ingredients, with a range broader than you might expect. 
“The Mint Tea Green is a really special one. It’s a nice digestive — something to start or finish a meal.” 
“We’ve got eight key blends — two black teas and six herbals. The most popular are Red Centre, Desert Sunrise and Lemongrass and Ginger.” 
Troy’s advice for first-timers is simple. 
“Don’t add milk...don’t add anything…don’t add a drop of honey…just taste it! Because more than likely, you’ve never tasted anything like it.” 
You’ve had a big year. What’s changed? 
“Winning Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars in 2024.” 
The award marked a turning point. It brought national recognition to 
Blak Brews
 and highlighted the brand’s unique place in the market: a premium native Australian tea company grounded in Country, culture and flavour. It’s a milestone that reflects how quickly the brand has grown and how strongly it’s resonating. 
What does it mean to be part of Nyaal Banyul? 
Blak Brews is now part of the experience at 
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
. Set along the waterfront, the venue brings people together to share ideas, connect and experience the region in a meaningful way. 
For Troy, it’s personal. 
“I was born and raised here, nothing matters more to us than making sure that when people visit Geelong, they can see this is proudly owned and operated by a local Geelong business. We’re just really excited to be able to present something that Geelong’s proud of.” 
Tea becomes part of that moment. A pause between conversations. A reset within a busy day. 
“I hope people feel warm and that we’re a conversation starter. We just need to be talking and feeling and connecting. You look at our producers here in Geelong, we are world class, premium level producers.” 
“If people are coming here, usually they’re looking for something unique and different and if they can have an experience amongst the centre and enjoy a cuppa in a nice closed moment of their own, I think it’s going to be a really powerful experience.” 
And where do you want to take Blak Brews next? 
“Our journey is to become the best tea on the planet and we want you all to be on the tea-m.” 
Bringing Geelong and The Bellarine into your event experience means more than just a location. It’s a sense of place you can taste, feel and connect to from the moment you arrive.  Blak Brews is part of that story. A reflection of culture, community and a different way of doing things, slower, more thoughtful, and deeply connected to Country. 
At Nyaal Banyul, that matters. 
Explore our menus
  

We spoke with Troy Benjamin, Founder & CEO of Blak Brews, about its origins, what makes their tea unique, and its role in the Nyaal Banyul experience.

Meet Blak Brews Tea Rooted in Country

We met with Pat Kelly, Founder of 
Constant Coffee
, to talk all things small-batch roasting, Geelong coffee culture, and the new partnership with Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. 
So, let's start at the beginning. How did Constant Coffee come to life? 
"My name is Pat. I'm the founder of Constant Coffee. I started this business six years ago in my garage, and then slowly moved it up into a warehouse." 
Today, Constant Coffee operates out of its Newtown space, but the approach remains hands-on and in-house. 
"With Constant Coffee, everything's done in-house from our roasting process…we roast each individual coffee tailored to a specific profile.” 
What does small-batch roasting actually allow you to do differently? 
"Small batch roasting at Constant is special because it allows us to tailor the roast profile to each individual bean." 
"In doing that, we bring out diverse flavours and complexity which you can really taste." 
Each coffee is roasted individually before being blended, allowing greater control over flavour and balance. It's a process built around precision, with each coffee treated on its own terms and one that keeps people coming back. 
How much does Geelong influence the way you roast? 
"Knowing the Geelong locals…we've really tailored a lot of our roast profiling towards them." 
"I think looking at how we roast for the Geelong locals, bringing out a bit more body, but also offering those complex flavours and balancing those two through our roasting." 
That balance, body and complexity, is what defines the cup. 
Traceability seems to be a big part of what you do. Why does that matter? 
"Traceability is really important." 
"We source from a lot of small and large farms…to bring those coffees seasonally." 
Each origin is roasted individually, allowing the natural characteristics of the coffee to come through. 
You work closely with local venues. How important is that network? 
"The connection to the Geelong region has been that we work with like-minded cafés who share our values… they act almost as an extension of our brand." 
That shared approach to quality carries through from roastery to cup, creating something familiar, reliable and worth coming back to. 
Let's talk about Nyaal Banyul. What does this partnership mean for you? 
“We're proud to be part of Nyaal Banyul, supplying the coffee." 
That pride is well placed. Constant Coffee is the official coffee partner of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Set along the waterfront, Nyaal Banyul brings people together to share ideas, connect and experience the region in a meaningful way. Coffee becomes part of that experience, something familiar, local and quietly consistent from the first cup of the day through to the last break between sessions. 
There's always one blend that defines a brand. What's yours? 
The High Street blend continues to anchor the range, balanced, dependable and built to work across any setting. 
"This is the blend that really started Constant… Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia origins, bringing those together." 
"And I can't say that enough because we spent over a year developing this blend. So we're really proud of it." 
And finally, how are you drinking your coffee when you get a moment? 
"Black… that's the best way to taste everything that's going on." 
Bringing Geelong and the Bellarine into your event experience means more than just a location. It's a sense of place you can taste, feel and connect to from the moment you arrive. From coastal influences to a strong community of local makers, it's a region defined by quality, character and a slower, more considered way of doing things. 
Constant Coffee is part of that story. Consistent, balanced and grounded in where it comes from. 
Now, as part of Nyaal Banyul, that same approach becomes part of a larger experience. One that reflects the region through the details: thoughtful sourcing, local partnerships and flavours that speak to this place and the people who call it home. 
Because when people arrive, it often starts with something simple. A cup of coffee. 
Explore our Menus
 

There's a rhythm to it. Coastal air, early mornings, long lunches, weekends that stretch out just a little longer. The coffee has to keep up.

Slower, Better: Constant Coffee and the Geelong Way  

A Shift Toward Meaningful Gatherings 
In 2026, regional destinations are emerging as powerful settings for events that prioritise connection and purpose. Choosing to host beyond the city centre reflects a desire for experiences that resonate long after the event ends.
Today’s audiences gravitate toward places with character. They notice when a venue belongs to its surroundings. They feel the presence of local culture throughout the experience. And they remember gatherings that feel authentic, distinctive and deeply connected to place. 
Where Place Shapes Experience 
On the shores of Corio Bay, Nyaal Banyul embodies this shift. Positioned on Wadawurrung Country and developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, the venue carries story within its architecture. Materials, forms and spaces respond to land and water rather than sitting apart from them. From the moment delegates arrive, there is a sense of connection to place, history and community. 
That grounding creates emotional resonance. It transforms an event from something interchangeable into something meaningful. 
Designed For What Events Need Now 
Regional hosting now signals a future-focused approach to how events should work. 
Today’s gatherings demand flexibility, inclusion and sustainability. Hybrid participation is expected. 
Accessibility
 is non-negotiable. Environmental impact is scrutinised. Venues must adapt quickly while delivering a cohesive experience for everyone involved. 
Purpose-built regional facilities are responding through intentional design. Universal access principles ensure all guests feel welcome and supported. Sustainable infrastructure reduces the footprint of large gatherings. Technology is integrated from the outset, enabling events to reach global audiences while maintaining the intimacy of a physical setting. 
Here, flexibility is built in. 
Space To Breathe Between Sessions 
Perhaps the most powerful difference lies beyond the venue itself. 
Geelong and The Bellarine
 offer something city centres rarely can: space. Space to think clearly. Space to walk along the waterfront between sessions. Space to step away and return feeling refreshed, focused and ready for what comes next. 
And increasingly, delegates are choosing to stay. 
A regional event becomes a long weekend. A solo reset by the coast. A chance to bring family and turn business travel into shared time away. Coastal walks, cellar doors, galleries and beaches sit within easy reach, inviting guests to extend their experience beyond the program. 
Delegates leave a keynote and step onto a waterfront promenade instead of a congested footpath. Conversations continue over coastal views rather than traffic lights. The pace slows naturally, creating room for deeper discussion, stronger relationships and more creative thinking. 
Ease of access keeps it practical, just over an hour from Melbourne, while the setting feels worlds away. 
A Taste of The Region 
Food and wine bring the landscape to the table. 
Menus
 guided by regional producers reflect seasonality, provenance and the character of the coast. Shared meals become moments to pause, connect and take in the experience. Delegates taste the region as vividly as they experience it. 
When Community Is Part of The Event 
Regional hosting creates impact beyond the event itself. 
Local hotels
, restaurants and small businesses benefit directly, while creative industries and suppliers gain new opportunities. Visitors move through the community, bringing energy and economic activity with them. The event becomes part of the region’s life, with locals, businesses and visitors all sharing in the experience. 
A Different Experience 
Geelong and The Bellarine are particularly well placed for this moment. Close enough to Melbourne to remain convenient, yet distinct enough to feel genuinely different. The destination offers professional infrastructure alongside natural character and deep cultural context. 
Delegates leave with more than 
conference
 notes. They leave with a sense of place shaped by coastline, community and shared experience. 
Why Regional Events Deliver More 
As plans for 2026 take shape, many organisers are looking beyond delivery to the kind of experience that stays with people. 
By the water, with space to think and stories embedded in the landscape, gatherings take on a different tone. Conversations deepen. Connections last longer. Outcomes feel more meaningful. 
Regional Australia is becoming a leading space for the future of events. 
Nyaal Banyul stands at the heart of this shift, bringing world-class capability together with a strong sense of place, culture and community. 
Explore what’s possible at Nyaal Banyul
 

In 2026, regional events step into focus as organisers look beyond scale and toward meaning. What sets event experiences apart now is place, perspective and the kind of connection that lingers long after the closing session.

Why 2026 is the Year of Regional Events

Set on the Geelong waterfront, our venue is Victoria’s newest purpose-built space for 
live performance
, designed for audiences who expect more and for organisers who want a venue that works with them. 
What is it about live music, comedy or performance
s
 by the water that makes it feel different?
 
New, coastal and thoughtfully designed, Nyaal Banyul is a place where shows feel elevated, organisers feel supported, and every detail from arrival to final applause is considered. 
From major touring productions to stand-up comedy, screenings, live music and cultural showcases, our venue brings together technical readiness, considered hospitality and a waterfront location to support seamless event delivery. 
Designed for Moments 
Wala Mirr Theatre
 sits at the heart of live entertainment at Nyaal Banyul. Purpose-built for concerts, comedy, screenings and headline events, it seats up to 1,000 people in a room that feels intimate yet powerful. 
Acoustics are crisp. Lighting is flexible. Technology is already in place. Performers benefit from well-planned backstage spaces, while our technical and operations teams provide the infrastructure and support needed to hit the ground running. 
Spaces That Work the Way You Do 
Not every show fits a traditional theatre, which is why we designed 
Delama Event Spaces
 to flex. 
Delama A and B can be combined to create a large-format performance environment suited to touring productions, cultural showcases, fan experiences and special 
entertainment events
. Used individually, each space supports smaller-scale or immersive formats. 
These spaces scale, shift and transform based on the experience you want to create. 
A Destination Audiences Want to Visit 
Just an hour from Melbourne, 
Geelong
 blends coastal ease with city energy, framed by waterfront views, a growing food and arts scene, boutique accommodation and room to explore. 
That sense of place changes how audiences engage. For events hosted at Nyaal Banyul, a ticket becomes more than a night out. It becomes a reason to stay, explore and make a weekend of it, adding value for organisers through stronger promotion, attendance and overall experience. 
Food Worth Talking About 
At Nyaal Banyul, food is part of the experience, not an afterthought. 
Our menus
 are shaped by local produce, seasonal flavour and generous hospitality, designed to support long days, late nights and everything in between. 
From artist catering and green room refreshments to pre-show receptions and multi-day crew meals, our food offering is flexible, thoughtful and genuinely satisfying. 
There is a strong sense of place on the plate too. Expect flavours drawn from Geelong, the Bellarine and across Victoria, shaped by what is fresh, in season and suited to the rhythm of live performance. 
A Dedicated Planning Team 
Entertainment events
 have their own rhythm, and our team understands it, backed by more than 30 years of experience delivering concerts, touring productions and major entertainment events. 
From your first enquiry, you will work with a dedicated planner who understands concert production timelines, logistics, technical requirements, artist flow, accessibility and audience movement. 
You will have a single point of contact, supported by our full-service production, catering and operations teams. 
Audio Visual That Makes Things Simple 
Our spaces are technically ready from the start. With pre-installed AV, adaptable rigging and an experienced in-house crew, our venue removes unnecessary complexity from live production. 
Our systems are reliable. Our layouts are flexible. Our team on the floor understands the rhythm of a show day. 
That shared understanding makes a difference. Bump-ins are efficient. Changeovers feel calm. Communication is clear. Your production team can focus on the performance, the artists and the audience. 
Why Nyaal Banyul? 
New, coastal and flexible, our venue is designed specifically for live entertainment. The result is an experience that supports your team, your performers and your audience at every stage. 
Enquire now
 to explore what your next event could look like at Nyaal Banyul. 

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre offers something genuinely different.   Set on the Geelong waterfront, our venue is Victoria’s newest purpose-built space for live performance

A New Destination for Live Performance in Victoria

For eligible conferences, 
subvention funding
 of up to $60,000 may be available for events held at Nyaal Banyul, helping offset costs while supporting a 
conference experience
 delegates genuinely enjoy. 
And that experience matters. The best conferences are the ones people remember for how they felt to attend. It is about the conversations, the connections and the place that framed the experience. 
Set on the Geelong waterfront, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre offers a conference environment that feels considered, connected and genuinely welcoming for everyone. 
Your delegate-first checklist 
Here’s why our venue works so well from a delegate's point of view. 
✔ 
A destination that feels like a reset 
Just an hour from Melbourne, Geelong delivers city energy with coastal calm. Delegates arrive easily but immediately feel the shift. Open skies, water views and a slower rhythm create the kind of destination that gives people space to think, collaborate and have better conversations. 
✔ 
Rooms and spaces that support connection 
From a 
1,000-seat theatre
 to 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and exhibition space, Nyaal Banyul is designed to support conferences of all shapes and sizes. Rooms vary in structure and feel. Some are light-filled, some face the waterfront, but all are adaptable and easy to navigate. This helps delegates move smoothly between sessions without friction or fatigue. Whether it is a keynote, breakout discussion or 
exhibition
 experience, our spaces are purposeful and never overwhelming. 
✔ 
A venue that brings people together naturally 
There is a warmth to the way Nyaal Banyul moves and flows. Our team are experienced, knowledgeable and ready to welcome and adapt. Delegates are not funnelled or rushed. They are invited to gather, pause and connect. With unparalleled waterfront views, calm interiors and a strong sense of place and history, guests are encouraged to interact meaningfully and form lasting connections. 
✔ 
Conference food that propels the experience 
At Nyaal Banyul, food is designed around how 
conferences
 actually unfold. Meals are generous, social and energising, supporting long days without slowing people down. 
Menus
 are built on locally sourced produce and offer sustainable and diverse options. 
On arrival, delegates are welcomed with artisan sourdough, local butter and garden platters layered with pickled, roasted and raw regional vegetables. Lunches are designed for sharing and conversation, featuring seasonal salads, plant-forward plates and comforting classics that feel elevated without being heavy. 
Live chef stations add a sense of theatre and freshness, while thoughtfully curated breaks offer barista-made coffee, baked treats and savoury options that keep energy steady throughout the day. 
✔ 
A place for everyone 
When spaces are designed with inclusion in mind, conferences feel and operate better for everyone. At Nyaal Banyul, 
accessibility
 is not an add-on. It is embedded in the way the venue works. 
Designed using Universal Design principles, the venue offers step-free access throughout, integrated wheelchair and companion seating, hearing loops and assistive listening in key spaces including the 
Wala Mirr Theatre
 and meeting rooms. Sensory rooms, parents’ rooms, a multi-faith prayer space, all-gender bathrooms and a fully equipped Changing Places facility ensure people of all ages, abilities, genders and backgrounds feel comfortable and supported. 
Wide paths, rest seating, natural light, intuitive wayfinding and clear digital signage help delegates move confidently through the venue. Assistance animals are welcome, Companion Cards are accepted, and accessibility is supported by trained teams who understand that inclusion is about dignity, ease and belonging. 
For delegates, this means less anxiety, fewer barriers and a stronger sense that they belong in the room. 
✔ 
Technology that enhances, not distracts 
Pre-installed, full-service technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the venue. From large-scale presentations to hybrid and broadcast-ready events, everything is designed to work quietly in the background, allowing delegates to stay focused on content rather than logistics. 
✔ 
A city that extends the conversation
 
When sessions wrap, 
Geelong and The Bellarine
 region keep the conversation going. Waterfront dining, walkable streets, nature experiences and local history make it easy for delegates to continue connecting beyond the agenda. 
✔ 
A sense of place that adds meaning
 
Gathering on Wadawurrung Country brings depth and perspective to the conference experience. A connection to land, community and story is woven into the venue and its events, leaving a lasting impression long after delegates return home. 
✔ 
Time that feels well spent 
With everything close, considered and easy to navigate, delegates spend less time moving and more time engaging. The result is a conference that feels productive, balanced and genuinely enjoyable. 
✔ 
Support that makes a difference 
For eligible conferences, 
subvention funding
 of up to $60,000 may be available to support events held at Nyaal Banyul, helping organisers deliver a considered, delegate-first experience. 
Ready to start shaping your conference in Geelong?
 Explore what’s possible at Nyaal Banyul and see how a delegate-first experience comes together. 

When you’re planning a conference, every decision matters. Not just how it runs on the day, but how it feels to attend, and how achievable it is to deliver a great experience within budget.

Why Your Delegates Will Love Attending a Conference in Geelong

One Year to Go 
Our One Year to Go celebration brought the future of Nyaal Banyul into focus. Guests moved through the spaces, tasted dishes shaped by local producers and connected with the stories of Geelong and The Bellarine. It was the first glimpse of how this place will gather people in 2026. 
Events Already Locked In 
We’re beginning to share what’s ahead. Four of our confirmed 2026 events are now announced: the Associations Forum National Conference, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Week Dinner, the Business Managers Victoria Conference and the Victorian Principals Association Conference. Each gathering brings its own community into the venue. And there’s plenty more we’ll be revealing soon.
Art Taking Shape 
Behind the venue, RONE’s mural Our Time in Geelong now stretches across the back of the venue, capturing the people and spirit of the region in a work created for this place. It offers an early glimpse of the stories that will welcome visitors to Nyaal Banyul. 
Read the conversation 
A First Taste 
Our menus took shape this year, guided by the flavours and producers of Geelong and The Bellarine. Each dish reflects the region, its growers and its changing seasons, offering a first look at how food at Nyaal Banyul will connect people to this place and to one another.  
Explore our Menus 
Connecting With Our City 
This year we were proud to be a Community Partner for Run4Geelong, joining the community in support of local health and wellbeing. It was a chance for our team to spend time in the city we will soon call home—cooking on the BBQ, sharing stories and contributing to a cause that brings people together. It offered a small glimpse of how Nyaal Banyul will continue showing up for Geelong in the years ahead. 
As we prepare to open in July 2026, our team is here to help you imagine what your event could become at Nyaal Banyul. 
Connect with Us Today
 

2025 was the year Nyaal Banyul began to come to life. From early event bookings to creative reveals, new menus and moments shared with the community, each milestone offered a glimpse of the place we are building together