Club facilities
Geelong Canoe Club consists of a club building area that is surrounded by a fenced off compound. It offers easy access to the river and a 50m landing platform to launch from.
- External area and car parking – The club building is within a fenced compound. There is limited parking within the compound and adequate parking just outside the compound.
- Ground level – Craft and equipment storage (818 m2) with the capacity to hold 160 craft and 3 dragon boats. Synergise Health and Fitness Centre, a community focussed gym only available to club members.
- Level 1 – Occupies around 25% of the building area:
- Small meeting room (28 m2).
- Social room with kitchenette (95m2).
- Male and female change facilities.
- Outdoor balcony that overlooks the river (36 m2).
River facilities
If you are paddling always be aware of power boat activities and river access restrictions, especially on weekends or public holidays. See Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s website for the latest information and maps.
River access is located outside of the club’s lease area.
The straights immediately downstream, in front of the club and upstream of the Shannon Ave Bridge each face different directions. This enables paddling in sheltered water regardless of wind strength and direction.
The existing river platform and landings are managed by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA).
Accessible public toilets are available 24 hours a day 50m South of the club at Balyang Sanctuary.
Site history
Geelong Canoe Club stands on the traditional country of the Wadawurrung People who are part of the Kulin Nation.
The club building is an old converted soap factory situated on the Barwon River within the Balyang Sanctuary, one of Geelong's most-popular family picnic venues and waterbird havens.
Over 40 years ago much of the land beside the Barwon River was regarded as either swamp or industrial zones. Woollen mills, tanneries, paper mills, a soap factory and a host of other factories were all established beside the river.
Today, most of the industry has disappeared and efforts to beautify the river's banks and floodplains continue, returning the land to the people as parks and walking, running and cycling paths.
Riverside walking and bike paths link the club with other parks and facilities along the river including: the King Lloyd Recreation Reserve; Barwon Edge Boat Park; Balyang Par 3 Golf Course; Barwon Rowing Club; Corio Bay Rowing Club; Geelong Lawn Regional Tennis Club; and John Landy Athletic Field.
