Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (from their website) The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has officially opened, marking a new chapter for business events in regional Victoria.
Operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust, which also runs the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Nyaal Banyul brings more than three decades of major event experience to Geelong’s waterfront. The venue opens with more than 80 events secured and over 250 proposed events expected to bring substantial visitor numbers to the region in the coming years.
VCET Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the opening was “the beginning of our journey operating a regional venue in Victoria’s second largest city that is right-sized, distinctive, and embedded in its community.”
The centre includes a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition areas, meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, food and beverage outlets and a public outdoor plaza. It has been designed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, with cultural narratives embedded throughout the architecture, public spaces and visitor experience.
O’Brien said Nyaal Banyul would bring new audiences to Geelong and generate benefits for local tourism, hospitality, services and supply chains across the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road.
The venue’s first major event will be the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball on 3 July. Later confirmed events include the Professional Conference Organisers Association conference in December and the Australian Tourism Awards in February 2027.
General Manager Rick Aylett said: “The Geelong community has backed Nyaal Banyul from day one, and now it’s our turn to deliver.”