wellness
Group exercise classes at council-run facilities: a guide
Geelong locals can sign up for affordable group fitness sessions run by the City of Greater Geelong at venues near the waterfront and river trails.
How we reported this
The City of Greater Geelong launched its winter timetable for group exercise classes at council facilities on 1 July 2026, with new sessions added at the Eastern Beach rock pool and along the Barwon River walking trail.
Participation in structured community fitness has risen as residents look for low-cost options after months of variable service reliability and increasing private gym fees. Council data shows these classes fill gaps for people who want supervised activity without long-term contracts.
At the Eastern Beach rock pool, aqua aerobics runs three mornings a week for groups of up to 25 people, while the Barwon River walking trail hosts guided Nordic pole walking sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting from the James Street boat ramp. The Geelong Waterfront parkrun continues every Saturday at 8am, organised in partnership with the council and open to all ages.
Current timetable and costs
Each 45-minute class at the rock pool costs $9 for concession holders and $12 for full price, with a 10-class pass available for $80. The river trail sessions are free but require advance registration through the council’s online portal. Last financial year the program recorded 4,200 attendances across all sites, according to the City of Greater Geelong’s quarterly recreation report.
Barwon Health community nurses have referred patients to these classes as part of post-rehabilitation plans, particularly for those recovering from cardiac events. Sessions are led by qualified instructors employed directly by the council, and all participants must complete a basic health questionnaire on first attendance.
Booking and preparation
Residents can register via the City of Greater Geelong website or at the customer service desk at 137 Mercer Street. Spots for the rock pool classes often fill within 48 hours of release, so early booking is advised. Those new to group exercise should arrive 15 minutes early to meet the instructor and confirm any medical considerations with their own GP first.