Spread the love

Only one-hour from Melbourne, Geelong and The Bellarine is the perfect choice for a short break to refresh the senses and the region can’t wait to see you soon as evidenced in a new, enticing video released today.

Accessible by car, train, ferry and soon to be air, the region is synonymous with world-class food and wine, big city regional feels, small coastal villages, a burgeoning cultural scene, water everywhere you look, wildlife, adventure and nature-based activities, all within a short distance of each other.

In line with the region’s reputation of friendly, approachable, laid back and passionate people, especially those that front the many tourism businesses in the region, the beautifully shot video exudes warmth and an open gesture.

The 60 second video features nine businesses, what they’ve been up to during lockdown and a clear message that they can’t wait to see you soon and welcome you back.

Making appearances in the video is the man with the whiskers, Russell Watson, from gin and whisky distillery – The Whiskery, owner operator Lorraine Golightly of BIG4 Beacon Resort in Queenscliff which has been in the family for over 50 years, owner operator Terry Jongebloed of Clyde Park Vineyard in Bannockburn, owner operator of Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Leura Park Estate, Flying Brick Cider and Curlewis Golf Club, Lyndsay Sharp, among a parochial group of passionate businesses.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s Executive Director Brett Ince said the video pays homage to the dedicated tourism businesses in the region, their commitment to stay on track, their resilience during trying times and the strength of their character and their willingness to see visitors back in the region.

“With the easing of restrictions in Victoria, Geelong and The Bellarine are looking forward to seeing visitors back in the region to experience the many fine eateries, sip the cool climate wines, stay in our unique accommodation venues and get out in nature,” Mr Ince said.

“The businesses in the region were quick to adapt, extremely innovative and kept the community engaged, but there’s nothing like welcoming visitors back to the region and seeing people face to face, whether that be on a short break or visiting friends and relatives.”

Geelong and The Bellarine recorded 6.4 million visitors last year and the tourism industry is worth $1.1 billion to the region.

Mr Ince said it’s no surprise the tourism industry can’t wait to welcome visitors, but this video goes one step further in expressing this is in a warm, friendly manner in which the region is renowned.

“We’re not too far away and an easy place to escape and relax, we can’t wait to see you soon.”

The See you Soon video will be distributed through social media, YouTube and directly to the tourism industry to share.

Please see a link to the video here.

The YouTube clip is here.

Please find some still images representing the video here.

This video was filmed and produced by local Ocean Grove videographer, Jarrod Boord, of Streamline Media.

For a full list, in order of appearance, of those featured in the video, please see below.

The Whiskery (Bellarine) – Russell Watson

BIG4 Beacon Resort (Queenscliff) – Lorraine Golightly

Clyde Park Vineyard (Bannockburn) – Terry Jongebloed

Port Phillip Ferries (Portarlington & Geelong) – Connie Trathen

360Q Restaurant (Queenscliff) – Barry Iddles

Geelong Arts Centre (Geelong) – Joel McGuinness

Jack Rabbit Vineyard (Bellarine) – Lyndsay Sharp

The Beach House (Geelong) (The Mulberry Group) – Sam Slattery

Geelong Cellar Door (Geelong) – Jon Helmer