The $120 million new-build Crowne Plaza Geelong is poised to take advantage of regional visitors and summer events as it sets a January 23, 2026, opening.

The hotel is fully funded by infrastructure developer Plenary Group and is part of more than $250 million being invested by Plenary in Geelong’s waterfront precinct in associated retail, commercial and mixed-use spaces. “Plenary’s investment backs the future of Geelong as the beating heart of some of the greatest tourism attractions in Australia including world-class wine, produce, tourism attractions and major events coming out of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road,” Plenary Chief Executive Officer, Paul Crowe said.

With an events line up including the Festival of Sails, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta, and the IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong, the 200-room hotel will feature meeting and event spaces, food and beverage outlets and a 10th-floor Skybar, which will be a first of its kind for Geelong and regional Victoria at this height.

The hotel’s opening will establish Crowne Plaza’s footprint in regional Victoria, and will provide a variety of accommodation options, with half of the rooms offering water views, and the remaining facing the city skyline, including several accessible rooms.

“We’re excited to introduce a new level of accommodation that complements the region’s existing attractions and encourages more visitors to experience what the region has to offer.” Crowne Plaza Geelong General Manager John Dickson, said.

Plenary is also delivering the adjacent $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project set to open in July 2026. Nyaal Banyul is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, a $676 million commitment from the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.