A hidden gem in Australia, discover all the best things do in Geelong with our local guide!
Australia is famous for its world-class beaches, stunning outback, unique wildlife, and incredible landscapes.
With beauty, leisure, and adventure at every turn, it’s no wonder this country is such a popular tourist destination.
However, to truly appreciate Australia you need to get off the tourist trail and explore its hidden gems.
If you’re in Melbourne we suggest hiring a car or jumping on a train and heading down to the city of Geelong.
Located on the shores of Corio Bay this beautiful bayside town is not well-known outside of Australia. Yet, Geelong has a lot to offer visitors and the city has been a popular holiday destination for domestic tourists for decades.
Gtown, as us locals call it, is Victoria’s second-largest city but it still retains its small-town charm with friendly locals and a chilled-out vibe.
Visitors can enjoy cafes and bars, industrial spaces, laneways filled with graffiti art, galleries and museums, festivals and events, and the most spectacular waterfront south of Sydney!
It’s best to schedule several days in the town to allow enough time to experience everything it has to offer. Geelong has a variety of accommodation options with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Visitors can choose from cheap motels, luxury apartments, hotels, heritage houses, and even caravan parks. The best places to stay are found on the waterfront where you’ll be close to everything and have fantastic water views.
Things To Do in Geelong
The Waterfront
Situated on the shimmering blue Corio Bay, the Geelong foreshore is one of the most magnificent waterfronts in Australia. It’s easily the city’s biggest drawcard with its natural beauty attracting a multitude of visitors every year.
This cosmopolitan area offers wide expanses of greenery, picnic areas, bars, cafes, restaurants, and a boatload of activities to enjoy. Choose from Harley Davidson rides, helicopter trips, stand-up-paddleboard lessons, Segway tours, boat charters, or ride the Giant Sky Wheel.
There are heaps of things to do for kids as well with a cute Thomas lookalike train, a historic carousel, the Poppy Kettle Playground, Youth Activities Area, water activities, and amusement rides.
Eastern Beach
An outstanding feature of the city’s waterfront is the stunning Eastern Beach. Loaded with an abundance of history and charm visitors flock to the precinct on sunny days, at weekends, and on public holidays.
It was built in the Art Deco style during the 1930s and with its palm-tree-lined staircase, historic pavilion, and iconic promenade this popular spot has the feel of a by-gone era.
Eastern Beach is surrounded by manicured lawns that are perfect for picnics and barbecues. It’s a fantastic space for kids to burn off energy with swimming, diving, a playground, and lots of room for ball games and running around.
There’s also a children’s pool, change rooms, a kiosk and café, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Pro Tip: If you’re down under during the warmer season, check out these must-do summer activities!
Geelong Baywalk Bollards
Dotted all along the Geelong foreshore are quirky pieces of art made out of timber pylons from a demolished city pier.
They are the creation of local artist Jan Mitchell and each piece tells a story about the people who played a part in the town’s history.
Favourites include English explorer Matthew Flinders, the 1930’s Bathing Beauties, Surf Lifesavers, the Sailor And Floozy near Cunningham Pier, and a Koori Family.
The bollards have become an iconic feature of Geelong and no visit to the city is complete without snapping a selfie with one.
Tip: Look for the hidden rabbits found lurking at the bottom of the bollard’s feet.
Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Geelong and its surrounding area is the traditional home of the Wathaurong Tribe, part of the Kulin Nation.
The Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers visitors the chance to gain an understanding of this remarkable culture. You’ll learn about Dreaming Stories, Connection to Country, Spirituality, and even how to throw a boomerang!
The centre has a large collection of artwork and is a leading promoter of authentic Australian Indigenous Art. Most of the collection is available to buy and each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity and the story behind the painting and the artist.
The complex sits on more than 4 acres and it has a beautiful bush setting. Visitors can wander around on their own and meet the kangaroos, wallabies, and emus that call Narana home. The kangaroos are friendly and will hop up to you for a pat!
Also onsite is a lovely café that serves unique dishes inspired by indigenous ingredients. Try an emu hot dog or wattle seed scones with lemon myrtle cream.
Jirrahlinga Koala Wildlife Sanctuary
Australia has some of the world’s most unique wildlife and Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to see it.
Jirrahlinga, Aboriginal for “Seek a home for a kangaroo” has been a haven for sick and injured wildlife for over 30 years.
Located in Barwon Heads, it’s run entirely on donations and has an excellent track record in rehabilitating koalas and other animal orphans back into their natural environment.
Jirrahlinga has 3 specialist hospitals that help all types of wildlife including birds, emus, wallabies, echidnas, wombats, kangaroos, and reptiles.
This is a must-visit for anyone who would like to learn about Australia’s native wildlife. A highlight is the animal encounter session that allows you to get up close, pat and maybe hold, these special animals.
Wine Tasting
The Geelong region is one of Australia’s best-kept wine secrets.
The nearby Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Moorabool Valley are home to dozens of vineyards producing top-notch cool climate maritime wine. All of them are surrounded by either sweeping bay views or the magical Victorian hinterland.
The thing that makes these wineries special is that they are all family-owned and operated. So, chances are the person pouring your wine is the very person who made the wine.
Along with their delightful cellar doors, many of the wineries have cafes and restaurants with menus that showcase the local produce. Spend a relaxing afternoon amongst the vines tasting local artisanal wine and scrumptious food.
Festivals And Events
From world-class sporting events and cultural fiestas, to food, wine, and beer fairs, Geelong is home to an abundance of high-profile festivals and events.
Many events are held on the waterfront with the beautiful bay as a backdrop. Australia Day activities are a highlight with the Festival Of Sails, Cadel Evans Road Race, and an explosion of fireworks to finish.
The multi-cultural Pako Festa is a personal favourite. This much-loved street festival celebrates Geelong’s cultural diversity with food from around the globe, music and live entertainment, interactive workshops, and a dazzling street parade.
It’s a great idea to plan your visit around one of these fantastic celebrations.
Helpful Geelong Information
Location And How To Get There
Geelong is located in southern Victoria 75 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. It’s known as the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road and it makes an ideal base for exploring the area.
First, we suggest you spend some time in Melbourne – there’s so much to do there!
Then once you hit the road, it’s an easy one-hour drive along the Princes Highway and there are regular V/Line train services for those without a car. Alternatively, Port Phillip Ferries travel between the Melbourne Docklands and Geelong Waterfront and is a fun way to arrive in town!
Best Places To Eat in Geelong
One of the great things about Geelong is the number of fantastic restaurants and cafes it has.
The city proudly offers some of Australia’s best regional dining with a number of Melbourne’s top culinary names setting up shop in the town.
Here are a few of favourite eateries for you to try:
- Sailor’s Rest on the waterfront is THE place for breakfast. Try the “Jack Sparrow”.
- For lunch, you can’t go past The Boat House for fish and chips with a view.
- Or grab some paella from the Mussel Boat.
- If it’s steak you’re craving, Geelong locals wouldn’t go anywhere else except Parker’s Steakhouse.
- Fishermen’s Pier has the best seafood with the views to match.
- For fine dining, Igni offers an 8-course epicurean adventure with wine pairings.
Best Places To Stay
Geelong has plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. No matter what type of digs you’re looking for you’re bound to find something that suits your needs.
Novotel Geelong: Boasts one of the best locations right on the waterfront. It has an indoor pool and fitness centre and all rooms have balconies.
Devlin Apartments: Located in a heritage-listed building these chic apartments offer some of the best self-contained accommodation in the city.
Admiralty Motor Inn: Value for money motel style accommodation with an outdoor saltwater pool and free cable television.
As you can see, Geelong has a lot to offer visitors to Australia.
It’s an easy, fun place for a holiday with its bayside location, great food, excellent accommodation, and heaps of things to see and do.
Whether you’re a travelling family solo adventurer, or a couple on a romantic getaway, you won’t have any trouble finding something to do in Geelong.
And you’ll be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Guest post by Audrey Chalmers from See Geelong