The Geelong Crowne Plaza Hotel has officially opened – a 200-room hotel occupying a prime location along Geelong’s waterfront stretch.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the hotel is part of the Nyaal Banyul convention centre precinct, developed by Plenary Group in consultation with Traditional Owners.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal Sarah Alessi says the hotel design incorporates soft textures, coastal tones and elevated details, engaging with its waterfront context overlooking Corio Bay.

“The interior scheme channels water in its various states, referencing an historic waterway that geographical maps show previously ran through the site,” says Alessi.

“Ascending vertically up the building, water is represented in increasingly vapourised states, from deep, oceanic blues at ground level, becoming diffuse and mist-like within the guestroom levels, referencing the treetop canopy. At the sky bar, colours culminate in orange and red hues of a sunset horizon.”

This hotel is Crown Plaza’s first foray into regional Victoria, favoured for its picturesque coastline, vibrant promenade and thriving industry. Last year, the region overtook the Sunshine Coast as a top tree- and sea-change destination for Australians escaping capital cities.

“Geelong is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia,” says Geelong Crowne Plaza General Manager John Dickson. “To really set it apart from another regional town, this hotel will be a game-changer as far as bringing national and international visitors to the region.”

The $120-million hotel includes a relaxed ground-floor lobby and café, first-floor restaurant serving handmade pasta, and a rooftop bar with spectacular views overlooking Port Phillip. Wellness amenities include a gym and indoor pool, while flexible event spaces are designed to host weddings to conferences and executive retreats.

Geelong-based artist Kate Robertson was commissioned to design site-specific artworks for the hotel, drawing on the native flora of the region. These photographic works appear in guest rooms and corridors, weaving stories of the local landscape into the interior experience.

The precinct’s Aboriginal name, Nyaal Bunyul, means “look to the hills”, a reference to the You Yangs and culturally significant sites visible from the waterfront. Gifted to the project by Wadawurrung People, the project incorporates strong cultural overlay. Once completed, Nyaal Banyul Convention Centre will be the first convention centre in Australia designed from inception with local Traditional Owners.

The convention centre is slated for completion in July this year, completing more than $260-million worth of investment works in the waterfront precinct in associated retail, commercial and mixed-use space.

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