Nyaal Banyul convention & events centre
We're proud to be hosting the 2026 First Nations Clean Energy Symposium at the brand new 'Nyaal Banyul Convention and Events Centre' on Wadawurrung Country on the shores of Corio Bay, Djilang (Geelong, Victoria).
The name Nyaal Banyul, meaning 'Open your eyes to the hills,' was gifted to the Centre by the Wadawurrung People, inviting all who visit to experience the power of discovery and connection. Where the tradition of knowledge-sharing and gathering on this waterfront has spanned thousands of generations, we will come together to share stories, strengthen relationships, and build the clean energy future our communities deserve.
Nyaal Banyul is also powered by solar and renewable energy. Designed with Universal Design principles from the ground up, the venue ensures everyone is welcomed and accommodated with care with wheelchair accessible seating and hearing assistance, and all-gender bathrooms. Nyaal Banyul reflects the values we bring to this work.
location
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre
Main Entrance: 80 Western Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9235 8000
Website: www.nyaalbanyul.com.au
getting there
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is located at 80 Western Beach Road, Geelong VIC 3220, on the waterfront of Wadawurrung Country.
TRAIN: V/Line runs regular services between Melbourne and Djilang (Geelong). From Geelong Station it's a comfortable 10 minutes walk to the venue along Brougham and Gheringhap Streets. Plan your journey at ptv.vic.gov.au.
CAR: Djilang (Geelong) is less than an hour's drive from Melbourne via the Princes Freeway. On-site parking is available through Wilsons Parking, accessed via 7 Cavendish Street. Taxi and rideshare drop-off / pick-up zones are located on Western Beach Road and Smythe Street.
AIR: Fly into Avalon Airport (just 20 minutes from Nyaal Banyul) with direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Melbourne Airport is also an option, with transfers available through Gull Airport Service.
FERRY: Port Phillip Ferries offers a scenic route to arrive on Country, they run weekend services between Melbourne's Docklands and Geelong.
accommodation
There's plenty of accommodation within easy reach of Nyaal Banyul to suit a range of budgets and preferences.
See the table below for a few options close by.
ACCOMMODATION LINK |
DIST. FROM NYAAL BANYUL |
INFORMATION |
700m / 8min walk |
A waterfront hotel offering bay views, comfortable rooms and top-notch amenities. |
|
850m / 11 min walk |
Serviced apartments in a great location, close to Geelong's beaches, bars, restaurants and shops. |
|
950m / 15min walk |
Modern serviced apartments minutes from the waterfront and CBD, with studio through to three-bedroom options. Book using code FNCESYMP26 to access the discounted Symposium rate |
|
1.1 km / 15 min walk |
A 4-star hotel conveniently positioned a short walk from the Geelong Gallery and Cunningham Pier, with 24-hour front desk. |
|
1.1 km / 15min walk |
A beautifully restored heritage-listed building on Bellerine Street, five minutes' walk from Eastern Beach with hotel rooms through to two-bedroom apartments. |
|
1.1 km / 15min walk |
Modern CBD apartments just moments from Eastern Beach and Deakin University, well-suited to both conference delegates and leisure stays. |
|
1.1 km / 15min walk |
A CBD hotel offering views over Corio Bay and an easy walk to Eastern Beach, with on-site dining at Nautica Bar & Kitchen. |
Djilang / geelong
Djilang, meaning "tongue of land" in Wadawurrung language, has been a place of gathering, trade, and connection for thousands of generations. Between sessions, we encourage delegates to take time to experience this beautiful Country.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
The Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre in Grovedale is a warm and welcoming space run by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. Visitors can connect with culture through yarning sessions, ochre art, language, and a café menu that brings native ingredients from the region, think kangaroo ragu with Kakadu plum and lemon myrtle chicken. Just around the corner, Wathaurong Glass in North Geelong is a not-for-profit enterprise owned by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, producing unique and striking artworks in glass.
GETTING OUT ON COUNTRY
Djilang sits within a rich cultural landscape, significant sites nearby include Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs), Corio Bay, and the Moorabool and Barwon Rivers, a connected system between the mountains and the sea. The Geelong waterfront is a beautiful place to walk and take in the bay. Great Ocean Road is also on the doorstep for anyone wanting to venture further afield. The Bellarine Peninsula also offers wineries, local produce, and coastal villages just a short drive away. See more at City of Greater Geelong.
DJILANG (GEELONG) WEATHER
Late August sits at the tail end of winter, with average daytime temperatures around 15-16°C and cooler nights that can drop to around 7-8°C. As is typical of Victoria, the weather can be changeable, we recommend packing layers and being prepared for a mix of sunshine and showers.
For more local activities, see the Nyaal Banyul website.