Geelong tour experience eyes state title

A GEELONG cemetery experience has achieved finalist success in the Cultural Tourism category of this year’s RACV Victorian Tourism
Awards.

Geelong History Alive Cemetery Tours sees its participants transported back in time, as a team of actors step into the shoes of the notable figures who helped establish the township.

The experience serves as an opportunity to learn about the history of Geelong, particularly the stories of people who founded and shaped the city after European settlement.

Geelong Cemeteries Trust chief executive officer Darryl Thomas said despite children’s – and adults’ curiosity for cemeteries, they were often considered a scary and sad place.

“Our History Alive tours aim to demystify the idea that cemeteries are a dark and scary place to visit, especially for children.

“The tours are an educational and fun activity to teach people about the significance of European settlement in Geelong, and the building of what our city is today.

“The Eastern Cemetery is now 180 years old and is home to the graves of pioneers, men and women who were advocates for human rights, as well as convicts and criminals. Many of the historical graves have an interesting story to tell.”

The costumed tour guides part of Geelong History Alive Cemetery Tours are Australian Rules great Charles Brownlow, Godfrey Hirst, Captain Foster Fyans and James Harrison.

The winners will be announced at the annual RACV Victorian Tourism Awards gala ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 28.

The ceremony recognises winners in 28 business categories and three individual categories.