Why Geelong’s Waterfront Is Made for Your Next Gala or Cocktail
By Bree Pagliuso |
We understand what it takes to host a gala or cocktail event that stays with your guests long after the night ends. As Geelong’s newest event destination, Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre is designed to make planning simple and every gathering feel effortless from the start.
Here, the bay becomes part of the experience. Light shifts across the water, the foreshore hums with energy, and every space carries that sense of occasion before the first glass is even poured.
Whether you’re creating a black-tie gala or a cocktail celebration , each detail has been shaped for connection. State-of-the-art facilities meet flexible design, helping you bring your vision to life with ease and the calm, natural flow that only the waterfront can bring.
Discover how Nyaal Banyul makes hosting galas and cocktail events feel seamless, inspired and entirely your own.
Part of Your Event Story
Every room and space is designed to adapt to your vision and give your guests a true sense of place. Light-filled and modern, they create the perfect balance between atmosphere and flexibility.
Host cocktails under the stars on Turtbarrama Gallery and Terrace , where Wadawurrung Elders once shared stories guided by the same constellations above. Or gather in Gheringhap Plaza ... an open-air space alive with waterfront energy, ideal for up to 100 guests, with every detail handled by our expert planners.
For larger occasions, Delama Event Space provides ample space to move. The Barbarka Room invites connection in softer light, while Wala Mirr Theatre , seating up to 1,000 guests, brings a sense of performance and grandeur.
Each space is distinctive and deeply connected to Geelong...so your event becomes part of the story this place is already telling.
Flavours Made for Celebration
Our chefs work with local growers and producers to create menus that carry the flavours of Geelong and The Bellarine from ocean-fresh seafood to native herbs and seasonal produce grown nearby.
You’ll taste that connection in every bite. Bellarine sparkling beside oysters dressed with finger lime and dill oil, local whiting paired with hand-cut chips, or kangaroo braised in Bellarine Estate red wine. Each dish captures a sense of place.
Seamless by Design
With light, sound and vision built in, every space is designed to work in harmony.
Our in-house Audio-Visual team brings each element to life, whether you’re connecting guests across the globe or creating an atmosphere that draws everyone into the moment.
Guided by Universal Design Principles, each detail has been thoughtfully considered so all guests feel comfortable and included. From a Changing Place Facility and sensory rooms to fully accessible seating, augmented hearing assistance and high-contrast wayfinding, every feature helps guests move easily and experience the event in their own way.
Easy to Gather
When guests arrive relaxed and ready, everything else flows. Geelong makes that simple...connected by road, rail, air and ferry, with every journey ending right on the waterfront.
By road: A one-hour scenic drive from Melbourne. The bay greets you on arrival, and our onsite at Wilson Parking on Cavendish Street makes it convenient.
By rail: V/Line services from Southern Cross Station Melbourne take under an hour, letting your guests skip the traffic and enjoy the ride.
By ferry: Port Phillip Ferries cruise directly between Docklands and Geelong’s waterfront on weekends, an arrival that perfectly sets the tone for an event by the bay.
By air: Avalon Airport is only 20 minutes away, making regional, interstate and international connections refreshingly simple.
Many Ways to Stay
Connected to the venue, the 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong offers your guests an easy transition between the energy of the event and the calm of their accommodation.
Across the city, more than 1,500 rooms capture Geelong’s character...from light-filled hotels with sweeping views to boutique laneway stays and welcoming spots in the heart of the city. Whether your guests stay a night or a weekend, there’s time to unwind, explore and feel part of the story unfolding by the water.
The Perfect Place for Celebration
When you visit Nyaal Banyul, you’ll see why it’s made for bringing people together. Inspired by Geelong and framed by the waterfront, every detail has been designed to help gatherings flow with ease and purpose.
Ready to bring your next gala or cocktail event to life?
Connect with us to start planning an experience that reflects your vision.