The river and its environs are marvellous places for watersports, walking, cycling, fishing or just relaxing. There are ample facilities to help you enjoy a visit. You can picnic at riverside Queens Park, watch the water cascade over Buckley Falls or stroll or cycle the kilometres of sealed paths along the river's banks.

They pass fascinating wetlands, parks, a golf course, the Yollinko Aboriginal Garden and urban areas. Enjoy the native birds at Balyang Sanctuary or visit the Barwon Valley Park adventure playground.

Belmont Common is a hive of activity. Dozens of different bird species flock to its Jerringot wetlands beside the Barwon River. Nearby, golfers enjoy a game in the picturesque surroundings of the Barwon Valley course.

On weekends, the many sporting ovals are alive with cricket and football. And then there are the motor-cross and BMX tracks and the rifle range. On Sundays, a market at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre attracts the crowds.

While it is often an active place, visitors can take a relaxing stroll along the river's banks to enjoy the wetlands' tranquillity and the riverside scenery.

The common has an interesting history. Birds of another feather were once housed there when part of the common was an aerodrome. Pioneer aviator Charles Pratt, a New Zealander, leased the common in 1919 and established an aerodrome. Pratt and his brothers ran the business for many years.

The Belmont Common occupies a large tract of land between Barwon Heads Road and the Barwon River in Belmont.

Located at Coolabah Drive, Grovedale.

Located at Heyers Road, Grovedale.

Located within the heart of Highton, the Highton Reserve is a good standard reserve with a turf wicket oval and excellent social facilities. The reserve has well developed tennis facilities and bowling greens. Tenants of the reserve include the Geelong Falcons under 18 football club, Alexander Thomson Cricket Club, Highton Tennis Club and Highton Bowls Club. The Reserve is also home to Football Geelong where administration is carried out for the Geelong and Bellarine Football Leagues.

Queens Park is home to these activities and more, in the pretty valley beside the Barwon River between the Geelong suburbs of Newtown and Highton. The park's 18-hole public golf course is one of the most picturesque and popular within the region.

Sealed walking tracks skirt the river beside the golf course and beyond, providing excellent opportunities for walking, running and cycling. The tracks link with other riverside parks and new bridges have been built across the river to further expand opportunities for walking / cycling. You can go for kilometres beside the river, from Buckley Falls to Breakwater, through native bush, along the valley with impressive homes perched high on the hills, to the southern edge of the city and beyond.

Queens Park also has great areas for picnics and barbecues, and plenty of open space to enjoy. The river and the vegetation along its banks are home to a wide variety of native birds and other animals.

Queens Park is off Queens Park Road, between the Barwon River and Newtown and Highton. It has picnic tables and toilets.

Located at corner Pioneer Street and Princess Highway, Highton.

The parkland contains a skate park and basement centre.