places to visit in geelong melbourne

16 Top Things to Do in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

On the western side of Port Phillip Bay, the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula sits about 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, opposite the Mornington Peninsula. Equally as gentrified as its nearby sister peninsula but much quieter, the Bellarine Peninsula is a blend of history with a modern twist. Long, curving beaches and quaint seaside villages with hip cafés, museums, and heritage architecture are some of the region's top attractions.

The bustling city of Geelong is the gateway to the peninsula, and it's packed with things to do. It's also a popular stopping-off point for travelers heading to the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's top scenic drives. Other top Bellarine Peninsula places to visit include the charming seaside village of Queenscliff ; the beautiful beaches of Barwon Heads ; and the sleepy town of Point Lonsdale , with dramatic views of the Port Phillip Heads.

Families can hang out with their favorite Aussie animals at wildlife parks or swim and splash at Adventure Park Geelong water park, and foodies can feast their way around the region visiting boutique food producers and family-owned farms. Plan your trip to this picturesque region with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

See also: Where to Stay in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

1. Stroll along Eastern Beach Reserve & See the Baywalk Bollards, Geelong

2. smell the flowers at geelong botanic gardens, 3. experience geelong's history & culture, 4. visit the national wool museum, geelong, 5. get your art fix at geelong gallery, 6. explore barwon heads, 7. sightsee in queenscliff, 8. hop aboard the bellarine railway, 9. linger at point lonsdale, 10. get active on bellarine's beaches, 11. bike the bellarine rail trail, 12. swim with seals and dolphins, 13. tantalize your taste buds on the bellarine taste trail, 14. learn about the world's oldest living culture at narana aboriginal cultural center, 15. shop at bellarine peninsula markets, 16. ride the antique carousel, geelong, where to stay in geelong and the bellarine peninsula for sightseeing, geelong, australia - climate chart.

One of the top things to do when you arrive in Geelong is take a relaxing stroll through Eastern Beach Reserve on the waterfront. You'll find plenty of activities for the whole family here. A flat, smooth promenade runs along the edge of Corio Bay, and picturesque picnic spots beckon along the way, with beautiful bay views.

On hot days, you can bask on the white-sand beach or take a dip in the shark-proof Art Deco swimming pool. Kids can paddle in the children's pool or climb until their heart's content at the nearby playground. A short stroll up the beach, the historic carousel and a Ferris wheel await for more family fun.

Other fun things to do include casting a fishing line from Cunningham Pier or sipping a coffee while you soak up the bay views. Between Cunningham Pier and Eastern Beach, you'll find SteamPacket Gardens, another perfect picnic spot. Plenty of cafés and restaurants surround the gardens, too.

Punctuating the promenade are one of Geelong's top sights: the colorful and whimsical Baywalk Bollards. Carved out of wood from the pylons of one of Geelong's piers, these colorful characters depict local history, from a group of lifesavers reeling in a buoy to a military brass band pumping out a tune . Local artist Jan Mitchell painstakingly created an entire exhibition that spans the length of the Promenade, bringing smiles to tourists of all ages.

If you're looking for fun things to do in Geelong for couples, take a romantic stroll along the beautiful promenade at sunset – it's one of the best free things to do in the Bellarine Peninsula.

If you're craving a green fix, head to the Geelong Botanic Gardens. This is a lovely spot for a stroll among a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms and impressive plants and trees from around the world.

Paths meander through the themed gardens, and all the plants are clearly marked. Inhale the sweet fragrance at the rose garden, wander along the Camelia Walk, admire the feathery specimens in the fernery, or relax with a picnic on the TeaHouse Lawn. Prefer the tropics? Immerse yourself in a jungle of lush botanical beauties in the conservatory.

After exploring all the gardens, you can treat yourself to a Devonshire tea at the little café. Best of all, admission is free

Address: Wadawurrung Country, Corner Podbury and Eastern Park Drives, East Geelong, Victoria

Official site: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/about/article/item/8d0c4a2039918e7.aspx

As Victoria's second largest city, Geelong is a wonderful spot to soak up the region's history and culture before heading out to explore the rest of the peninsula. You'll also find plenty of things to do in Geelong for families.

Geelong is known as Wadawurrung Country, and a visit to the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center is a rewarding way to learn about the region's rich Indigenous culture.

Geelong was also once an important port for the goldfields of Ballarat and the wool industry. For more insight into the city's role in the wool industry, stop by the excellent National Wool Museum – it's one of Geelong's top tourist attractions.

Geelong's history is also reflected in its heritage architecture. Of particular note is the beautiful Christ Church , the oldest Anglican Church in Victoria; St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic Church ; Customs House; and the Town Hall , fronted by grand columns.

Art lovers should stop by the free Geelong Gallery, one of the country's best regional art galleries. This is also one of the top things to do in Geelong in winter, when rain dampens your plans for outdoor adventures.

Learn all about the city's role in the wool industry at this engaging museum. Housed in a former wool factory, the exhibits cover everything from the beginnings of the wool industry in Australia in the 1840s to its economic impact, influence on fashion, and stories from workers in the industry, as well as plenty of pure tactile fun.

Children will find plenty to keep them engaged. They can feel the fresh fleece, step inside a shearing shed, try the sock-knitting machine, see a heritage carpet loom, and come face-to-face with exhibits on the different types of sheep. Temporary exhibits enhance the permanent displays.

After brushing up on everything there is to know about wool, you can purchase some high-quality woollen gifts at the little museum shop.

Address: Wadawurrung Country, 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong, Victoria

Official site: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm/default.aspx

Art lovers will be impressed with the collections at this esteemed gallery. Established in 1896, it's one of Australia's oldest regional art galleries – and one of its best.

More than 6,000 works are on display here, including Australian and international paintings, sculpture, works on paper, portraits, and decorative arts. In particular, the gallery spotlights colonial paintings and metalwork, English painted porcelain, and contemporary Australian paintings and sculpture.

Among the many treasures in the permanent collection are Russell Drysdale's Hill End (1948) and Frederick McCubbin's A bush burial (1890), as well as paintings depicting Geelong in its early days.

More than just a rainy day diversion, this excellent gallery deserves a visit during your stay. This is also one of the best things to do in Geelong for free.

Address: Little Malop Street, Geelong, Victoria

Official site: https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/

Laid-back and charming, Barwon Heads is a popular seaside town, made famous in the long-running Aussie TV show, Sea Change, about Aussies moving to idyllic coastal towns. Today, beautiful Barwon Heads still offers the good life.

The Barwon River is the only river slicing inland through the Bellarine Peninsula, and its mouth is an inviting and sheltered spot for a picnic.

Sweeping 13th Beach is renowned for its surf, and the Barwon Heads Golf Club offers visitors a memorable round among the sand dunes overlooking the rolling waves. The Bluff Lookout at Point Flinders also offers beautiful views of the rugged coast, with a network of hiking trails fanning out around it.

Families and animal lovers will enjoy the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can get up close to koalas, kangaroos, and other Aussie animals without the crowds often found at bigger zoos.

Other popular things to do in Barwon Heads include hanging out at the boutique shops and cafés on Hitchcock Avenue. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Sign up for a skydiving adventure or scenic flight.

Just north of Barwon Heads, bird-watchers and anglers will find plenty to keep them busy at Lake Connewarre and its surrounding wetlands.

If you look at the Bellarine Peninsula map, you'll see the equally popular holiday destination of Ocean Grove on the other side of the river, with one of the best beaches on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Handsome old hotels reminiscent of past grandeur dominate the elegant township of Queenscliff, surrounded by beautiful views of the deep blue bay. Although not as popular as Sorrento, its counterpart on the opposite side of Port Phillip Bay, this small Victorian town offers plenty of culture, with excellent art galleries, classy restaurants, and boutique shops.

A great place to start your tour is at Queenscliff Harbour, where you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the bay from the 42-meter-high observation tower. For a dose of history, Queenscliff Fort dates back to 1860 and was instrumental in the defense of the Victorian coastline. Today, it serves as an excellent museum and is considered one of the best preserved forts in Australia . The black lighthouse at the fort is one of only a few unpainted in the entire world.

Full of mystique, in the same area, Buckley's Cave is where escaped convict, William Buckley, lived for many years among the local Indigenous people. This is where the local phrase "you have Buckley's chance" comes from.

Other popular things to do in Queenscliff include seal and dolphin swimming tours, and taking a ride on the historic Bellarine Railway .

Train buffs can get their fix on The Bellarine Railway. Both steam and diesel trains operate from the Queenscliff station on most weekends, and special themed rides means there's a unique experience for everyone in the family.

Kids love A Day out with Thomas, and everyone enjoys the Heritage Rides. If you're a music lover, make sure you buy a ticket on the popular Blues Train , with a full meal, dancing, and different blues bands in each carriage. You can even sign up for an experience driving one of the locomotives. Are you a foodie? Book a seasonal multi-course degustation dining experience on The Q Train.

In addition to riding the trains, the station houses a unique collection of rolling stock.

Official site: http://bellarinerailway.com.au/

A few kilometers from Queenscliff , the sleepy township of Point Lonsdale is a quiet paradise overlooking a tumultuous stretch of sea. The lighthouse provides a perfect spot to watch vessels negotiate the Rip, the two-kilometer stretch of water through the Port Phillip Bay Heads . Every pleasure and industrial ship has to pass through this narrow crossing, and Point Lonsdale provides the best view.

If you're looking for some beach time, you can swim in the sheltered bay or surf the breaks of the back beach. To soak up the beautiful views, take a stroll along the old pier. It's a prime vantage point for photographers, especially at dawn.

Bellarine beaches offer something for everyone. Love to surf? You'll find plenty of wave-washed beauties on the ocean side of the peninsula. Intermediate surfers will usually find great breaks at 13th Beach near Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale or Ocean Grove. Raffs Beach also offers beach breaks that decrease in size extending to the river mouth.

Are calm seas more your style? Head to the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay. You can paddle a kayak, float with the kids, or boat on the Bellarine's beautiful bayside beaches. Families will enjoy Indented Head, St. Leonards, and the beaches at Queenscliff. Portalington Beach is another favorite family hangout, perfect for a refreshing paddle and playtime with the kids.

No matter where you go, pack a picnic, take a coastal walk, or do a spot of bird-watching–the scenery will take your breath away.

Biking the Bellarine Rail Trail is a great way to stay fit and enjoy some sightseeing at the same time. Following the route of the former train line, this 35-kilometer trail stretches from South Geelong to Queenscliff Railway Station.

The trail is flat and easy to negotiate on most types of bikes. From South Geelong to Drysdale the trail is paved, and from Drysdale and Queenscliff, it's composed of fine gravel.

Soak up beautiful views of the countryside and coast, stop at historic train stations, and if you work up an appetite, you can refuel at one of the cafés or restaurants along the route.

Don't feel like biking the whole way? No problem. Just hop on the steam train for part of the journey. Check the website for a map of points to access the trail.

This is the perfect thing to do on the Bellarine Peninsula for families, or anyone who loves to stay active and soak up some sights in the fresh air and sunshine.

Official site: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parks/paths/article/item/8cc9e1ca0578791.aspx

Ever wanted to come face-to-face with a friendly fur seal or wild dolphin under water? This is your chance! From October through May, you can meet these lovable marine mammals in their natural surroundings on an exhilarating 3.5-hour Sea All Dolphin Swim.

The tours depart from the seaside village of Queenscliff and take you out to Port Phillip Bay Marine National Park, where you can practice your snorkeling skills along the fish-rich reefs. Once you're feeling confident, you'll have a chance to swim with wild Australian fur seals and, if you're lucky, pods of playful bottlenose dolphins. You might also see rays gliding along the sandy bottom.

The experienced instructors cater to all level of swimmers and show the utmost respect for these wild animals. All equipment is provided, including snorkel gear and wetsuits.

Official site: http://www.dolphinswims.com.au/

Foodies can taste their way around the bountiful Bellarine Peninsula on The Bellarine Taste Trail. More than 50 stops along the way include artisan food producers, local growers, craft beverage makers, and local cafés and restaurants.

Pick your own blueberries and strawberries at Tuckerberry Hill; sample creamy, locally made cheeses and yoghurts at Drysdale Cheeses; savor smoked fish at a boutique smokehouse; and taste tangy olive oils.

Restaurants and cafés include everything from gourmet Aussie pie shops to a six-course degustation menu aboard The Q Train , a historic train on the Bellarine Railway. Don't forget to stock up on local goodies for souvenirs.

Pick up a map from a local visitor center or your hotel and off you go!

Official site: https://www.thebellarinetastetrail.com.au

At Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center, you can learn about the world's oldest living culture through hands-on immersive experiences. Try your hand at throwing a boomerang, sample bush tucker, listen to dreamtime stories, and admire vibrant Indigenous art.

Tucked amid native gardens, the center is a great place to visit for families who are looking for an educational experience presented in an engaging way. Kids will also love meeting the resident wallabies and emus.

After admiring all the exhibits, head to Cafe Narana for dishes prepared with Indigenous ingredients and flavors. You can also pick up some boomerangs, didgeridoos, or bush herbs at the gift shop before you go.

Address: 410 Surfcoast Highway, Charlemont, Victoria

Official site: https://www.narana.com.au/

Farm-fresh produce, arts, crafts, and local treats – you'll find all this and more at Bellarine Peninsula Markets .

Barwon Heads Community Market (Wadawurrung Country, 77 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads) is one of the most popular. Artisan jewelry, crafts, fresh fruits and veggies, clothing, and plants are just some of the items you can buy here. It's held every Saturday from December and January then on the last Saturday every month from February to November. You can also pop into the Community Hall for a Devonshire tea.

Rotary Ocean Grove Craft Market is a great option for gifts. Arts, crafts, jewelry, toys, and children's clothes are all on sale here, as well as local produce and excellent coffee. You can't miss these little markets – the park in the center of Ocean Grove hosts them on the first Sunday of the month, from October until the Easter weekend.

Feel like a snack while you shop? From September through May, on the last Sunday of the month, you can feast on food from around the world at Queenscliff Community Market's food trucks. You'll also find fresh produce, artisan creations, and plants here. Just head to Lower Princess Park between 9am and 2pm.

And if you love antiques, stop by the Geelong Vintage Market (1 Mackey Street, North Geelong). With more than 70 stalls and 4,000 square meters of undercover space, it features stall after stall of quality antiques and just plain quirky stuff. This trip down memory lane is just as good for window shopping as it is for serious collectors. You can find everything here, from rustic furniture and secondhand books to vinyl records and vintage clothing.

One for the kids and kids at heart is the meticulously restored steam-driven c arousel centrally located on Geelong's waterfront. Originally built in 1892, this hand-crafted wooden carousel is a rare sight. More than 40 layers of paint were scraped off each horse to reveal the original color scheme, and it's said that more than 300 hours of work went into restoring every horse.

Large glass windows offer a spectacular sea view whilst riding one of the well-loved steeds to the sound of carnival music. With free entry to the carousel building (and a small fee to ride), it's an opportunity to relax and reminisce.

Address: 1 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong, Victoria

We recommend these unique hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in Geelong and the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula:

• Starhaven Retreat is a luxury bed-and-breakfast, with wonderful hosts, bay views, a stylish design, and floor-to-ceiling windows. During your stay, you can enjoy the jet-stream swim spa and sauna, and view the latest screenings in the private cinema.
• The 4-star Novotel Geelong offers Eastern Beach views, comfortable rooms, a waterfront restaurant, and lovely indoor pool.
• BIG4 Beacon Resort is a relatively affordable Queenscliff resort packed with amenities. The apartments come with kitchenettes, and you'll also find a games room, kids' club, indoor pool, and day spa on-site.
• Budget-friendly hotels are hard to come by in Geelong, but the Quality Hotel Bayside Geelong offers great value in the city center, with water views, modern decor, and a small outdoor pool.

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11 Best Things to Do in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Victoria’s second-largest city of Geelong is an increasingly popular place to visit. Set just to the southwest of Melbourne, the natural delights and small seaside towns of both the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road lie nearby.

Once a thriving center of industry, thanks to Port Phillip Bay, it has a rich history and there are plenty of things to do in Geelong with grand old buildings and interesting museums to explore. As well as exquisite gardens and galleries, there are also brilliant bars and restaurants to try out at the lively Corio Bay waterfront.

Bordering the city is the Bellarine Peninsula which has countless beautiful spots. Idyllic ocean beaches and superb surf spots sit next to small coastal towns, historic forts and heritage railways.

With so much to see and do, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula definitely warrant at least a visit or weekend away from the state’s cosmopolitan capital of Melbourne.

11. Point Lonsdale

Perched at the southeastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula you can find the small sleepy settlement of Point Lonsdale, half an hour’s drive from the city of Geelong. Despite overlooking rather rough waters, it is a peaceful place to explore and offers great views, outdoor activities and historic tourist attractions.

Located right at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, it was established in 1863 following the construction of its bright white lighthouse. Remarkably still operating to this day, the atmospheric old concrete tower makes for a spellbinding sight. It acts to guide ships through the ‘Rip’ – one of the most treacherous navigable passages in the world.

Besides taking in breathtaking views from the rocky headland and watching all the boats pass by, visitors can lounge on its beach or swim in the sheltered bay.

10. Ocean Grove Beach

Just a short drive west of Point Lonsdale is another outstanding place to head if you are after some sand, sea and surf; idyllic Ocean Grove Beach. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, it looks out onto Bass Strait with lifeguard stations and safe swimming spots dotted up and down the coast.

Stretching over two kilometers in length, its soft sands are perfect for kicking back and relaxing, while various rips, barrels and breaks can be surfed offshore. Aside from swimming, beachgoers can explore nearby nature reserves or enjoy scenic hikes, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

On top of all this, countless local cafes and restaurants can be found in the centre of Ocean Grove, which is a lively seaside resort.

9. Geelong Gallery

If it’s awe-inspiring artworks that you are interested in, then you’ll definitely want to check out the exquisite Geelong Gallery. Full of paintings, photos and sculptures, it is widely considered to be one of the leading and oldest regional art galleries in Australia.

Impressively founded in 1895, it now boasts a huge collection of over 6,000 works by Australian and International artists displayed in its light and airy galleries. As well as contemporary prints and centuries-old ceramics, it showcases iconic artworks, such as Frederick McCubbin’s ‘A Bush Burial’ and Eugene von Guerard’s ‘View of Geelong’.

Set in the center of town, the gallery occupies a grand historic building and is an important and prestigious part of Geelong’s Cultural Precinct.

8. You Yangs Regional Park

Rising dramatically above the low-lying plains are the distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs. Protected as part of a regional park, their craggy confines have all kinds of epic outdoor activities and stunning scenery wherever you look.

Held sacred by the local Wathawurrung people, the ridge reaches 319 meters at its highest point. And the summit of Flinders Peak offers commanding views over the seemingly endless plains. While the higher reaches are quite bare, the lower slopes are home to fauna and flora. Koalas, kangaroos and wallabies can be spotted amidst the bushland.

There are over fifty kilometers of trails to hike, bike and horseback ride along. The park is also renowned for its brilliant birdwatching. As it lies less than half an hour’s drive north of Geelong, the You Yangs are certainly well worth visiting when in town.

7. Fort Queenscliff

Located to the north of Point Lonsdale is another interesting historic sight to check out besides the lovely old lighthouse. Set in a strategic spot atop Shortlands Bluff, Fort Queenscliff was once instrumental to the defense of the Victoria coastline. Its sturdy fortifications now act as one of the area’s top tourist attractions.

Initially built in 1860 to defend the entrance of Port Phillip, it later became the headquarters of a huge chain of forts all around the bay. The most heavily fortified port in the Southern Hemisphere, its defenses bristled with guns with batteries, barracks and even two lighthouses around its ruddy red brick keep.

As well as taking tours around the historic fort, visitors can stop by the magnificent museum that contains old and important weapons, uniforms and documents.

6. National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum is not to be missed if you want to learn all about Geelong’s past as the ‘wool center of the world’. Well-presented artifacts and exhibits highlight the profound impact the wool industry had on not only Geelong’s economy and society, but even its architecture too.

Opened to the public in 1988, it occupies a delightful bluestone building in the center of town that used to be a wool store. Inside are interactive displays and dioramas that focus on everything from sheep and their wool to how fleeces were selected and turned into textiles on the giant looms.

Aside from shining a light on Australia’s centuries-old wool industry and highlighting all the grand buildings that sprung up in Geelong due to the flourishing trade, the museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibits on a wide range of different subjects.

5. Barwon Heads

Lying at the mouth of the Barwon River, the small seaside town of Barwon Heads makes for a great afternoon out or quiet weekend getaway. Set on the southern shores of the peninsula, its beautiful beaches and stupendous coastal scenery can be reached in just twenty minutes’ drive from Geelong.

Since the popular TV show SeaChange was shot here in the eighties, the town has seen a significant increase in tourism, and it is easy to see why. Besides lounging on either its ocean beaches or those of its gentle estuary, visitors can surf offshore, see awesome animals at the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary or explore the rich habitats of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary.

Despite hotels and golf courses shooting up, the town still retains its charm and slow pace of life, with friendly local cafes and shops located along Hitchcock Avenue in the center.

4. Geelong Botanical Gardens

The gorgeous Geelong Botanical Gardens can be found within Eastern Park along the city’s waterfront. Home to myriad plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

One of the oldest botanic gardens in Australia, it was established in 1851 and its massive collection now includes colorful plants from all around the world. Lovingly landscaped, its many manicured lawns and flowerbeds lie alongside sections dedicated to oak and walnut trees, ferns, camellias and roses.

While wandering along its paths you’ll come across conservatories full of tropical plants and marvelous modern garden sculptures. There’s also a charming tea house where you can stop for a coffee, tea or snack.

3. Bellarine Railway

A wonderful way to see as much of Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula as possible is to take a ride around the peninsula on the Bellarine Railway. The oldest Victorian branch line still in operation, its heritage trains take you from Queenscliff to Drysdale with sightseeing trips running most weekends of the month.

First opened in 1879, the line used to connect South Geelong station to both the port and fort at Queenscliff, transporting passengers, goods and military ware along its tracks. It was closed just under a century later, so a dedicated team of volunteers opened up one branch as a tourist service in 1979 and still operate and maintain the trains to this day.

Nowadays, the sixteen kilometer-long stretch of track is lots of fun to ride along with its old steam trains and locomotives helping you relive the sights and smells of a by-gone era of train transport.

2. Geelong Waterfront

Curving its way gently along Corio Bay is the lively Geelong Waterfront, which is undoubtedly the most popular place in town. Packed with things to see and do, it boasts umpteen attractions, activities and amenities with something for everyone to enjoy.

Once a humble port that fell into disuse, it was revamped and revitalized in the nineties. Scenic piers and striking sculptures are now to be found beside grassy sections, swimming areas and historic sights. As well as a nineteenth century carousel and Ferris wheel, there are playgrounds and picnic spots to make use of, while grand houses and more than a hundred gaily painted Baywalk Bollards line the promenade.

On top of all of this, the bars and restaurants that dot the waterfront offer phenomenal views over the bay, with particularly spectacular sunsets. With white sand beaches to laze on, a 1930s Art Deco pool to enjoy and resplendent botanic gardens to stroll around, the Geelong Waterfront really is the heart and soul of life in town.

1. Great Ocean Road

One of the most scenic drives in Australia, and the world, the Great Ocean Road meanders its way along the south coast of Victoria. Stretching 243 kilometers in length, it takes you past epic limestone sea stacks and secluded coves, with pristine beaches, lush tracts of rainforest and fertile winelands also on show.

Due to its proximity to the seaside town of Torquay – the rambling route’s start point – Geelong is often called the ‘Gateway to the Great Ocean Road’. As such, it is certainly well worth driving along at least part of it when in town. Stupendous natural sights such as Bell’s Beach and Point Addis Marine National Park lie not too far away.

Nearer to the road’s end point in Allansford, you can find other fantastic features, such as the Twelve Apostles sea stacks while the majestic landscapes, scenery and nature of the Great Otway National Park lie around the midway point. With so many superb surf spots to stop by and incredible ocean views wherever you go, it is no wonder that driving along the Great Ocean Road is the highlight of many people’s visit to Geelong.

Map of Things to do in Geelong

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One Day Itinerary in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula

Geelong is a beautiful waterfront city about 65 km southwest of Melbourne . It is the second largest city in Victoria & one of the fastest growing regional cities in Australia. The ideal location of Geelong makes it a perfect getaway from Melbourne & a great stopover between Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road .

With abundant activities and attractions to visit in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, you can spend multiple days purely in Geelong to soak in its beauty. However, one day is sufficient to visit the popular attractions in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula if you are time-restricted.

In this article, I will take you through a one-day itinerary to visit Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula to explore their iconic landmarks. Suggestions on accommodations and mode of transport are also provided for your convenience.

During this 1-Day Itinerary in Geelong, we will first explore Geelong’s city centre before visiting Geelong’s picturesque coastline. Towards the end of this itinerary, we will head off to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula for some stunning sunset views.

Where to Stay in Geelong

During my recent visit to Geelong (May 2022), I found most accommodations around Geelong were charging AUD 100+ for a standard room . This was certainly more pricey than Melbourne and the nearby towns.

After comparing various accommodation options, I ended up booking myself into a 3-bedroom cabin in Discovery Parks – Geelong . It was definitely a great decision. Although I was travelling solo, this 3-bedroom cabin was one of the more affordable options at the time (AUD 117 for 1 night). This can be even more affordable if you have travel companions to share the cost with. The place was spacious and clean, with a kitchen and basic amenities available. This is one of the places I will stay again on future visits.

1. Geelong Gallery

Geelong Gallery is also known as Geelong Art Gallery . It is positioned in Geelong’s city centre and is a popular attraction for visitors to Geelong. Together with its neighbouring Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Geelong Gallery forms an essential part of Geelong’s culture precinct .

2. National Wool Museum

Geelong was built on its wool industry and was once regarded as the world’s wool capital. Although the wool industry is no longer the leading industry in Geelong in the modern days, its influence on Geelong’s culture and economy can still be found today.

To showcase Geelong’s wool industry, a National Wool Museum was opened in Geelong in 1988 for visitors to discover Geelong’s history through its wool industry. It is also Australia’s only comprehensive wool museum , which is well worth a visit.

Within the National Wool Museum, you can find an extensive display of Geelong’s wool industry from its early settlement era to its various industrial revolutions. Within the museum, visitors can also find a range of looms and tools used for wool making. There are also re-created millworker’s cottage and shearer’s station from the early 1900s, which are very interesting and educational.

After visiting National Wool Museum, we will take a short walk from Geelong city centre to visit Geelong’s beautiful waterfront.

3. Geelong Bollard Trail Walk

Geelong Bollard Trail Walk is one of the most popular attractions in Geelong. It features over 100 reclaimed timber pylons , transformed into sculptures of iconic characters from Geelong’s history. These bollards are dotted along Geelong’s beautiful waterfront area between Rippleside Park and Limeburners Point , which forms one of the best walking trails in Geelong.

The one-way walk between Rippleside Park and Limeburners Point can take at least 1-hour to complete. There are also many interesting attractions to visit along this walk, such as the Carousel, the Giant Sky Wheel, and Eastern Beach. Hence, I suggest planning at least 2 hours for completing the one-way walk between Rippleside Park and Limeburners Point .

With that being said, most of the popular attractions along Geelong Bollard Trail are located between the Cunningham Pier and Eastern Beach. This walk itself takes only as little as 30 minutes one way. If interested, you can join the Wangim Walk and visit East Beach Promenade as well. For people who are only planning 1-day in Geelong, this can be a much better option .

4. Wangim Walk

Wangim Walk is a 440-metre long wave attenuator near Royal Geelong Yacht Club. It is a relatively new addition to Geelong’s waterfront area but provides an unparalleled view of Geelong’s skyline and Corio Bay. It is also a great spot for sunrise and sunset in Geelong.

This walk is flat and easily accessible. It took me only 20-minutes for a return walk in a leisurely manner. You can also complete this walk in a shorter time frame if in a rush.

5. Eastern Beach Promenade

Eastern Beach is a popular bathing beach in Geelong. Towards its eastern end, you can also find one of Geelong’s most recognisable landmarks, the Eastern Beach Promenade.

Eastern Beach Promenade is a 200-metre long, semi-circular, wooden platform that forms a shark-proof sea bath area along Eastern Beach. Visitors can take a leisure walk along the wooden platform to appreciate the stunning Corio Bay. There are also a diving tower and platforms along the promenade for visitors to enjoy a range of water activities within the sea bath.

A kid’s pool is also available nearby for children to enjoy the water safely. Toilets, showers, and changing facilities are also available at the pavilion on-shore. Kids’ playgrounds and picnic facilities are available as well. These all make Eastern Beach Promenade a great place for the entire family to enjoy.

6. Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Botanic Gardens is a beautiful botanic garden located near Eastern Beach Promenade. Although relatively small in comparison, Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of the most gorgeous botanic gardens I have visited in Australia.

Within Geelong Botanic Gardens, you can admire the tropical plants within the conservatory, take an Insta-worthy photo in its picturesque rose garden, and check out a range of native and international plants with a coffee in hand. A walk around the Geelong Botanic Gardens can take as little as 15-30 minutes . However, you may wish to spend a much longer time here to chill and relax.

7. The Dell & Clifton Springs

The Dell is a stunning spot between Geelong and Portarlington. It is famous for being home to a former mineral spring, Cliffton Springs.

On arriving at The Dell, you will first be greeted by a breathtaking view from its lookout platform, overlooking the beautiful Port Philip Bay. From this lookout, you can also obtain a great overview of Clifton Springs and the beautiful jetty remains.

To access the old jetties and Clifton Springs, there is a staircase near the lookout platform. Alternatively, there is also a long ramp to the beachfront for people with mobility issues.

Clifton Springs is a mineral spring, which was popular among locals and visitors between the 1870s and 1920s. This spring has since become inactive and no longer serves its original purpose. However, this site is still of cultural and environmental significance & is currently listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

To protect the relics from the site of the former springs, a boardwalk has been built around the former Clifton Springs. This boardwalk also provides a great view of The Dell. Educational information is also available along the walk for visitors to gain more insights into The Dell and Clifton Springs.

The drive between Geelong and The Dell takes about 25 minutes on average . Free carparks are available near the lookout platform. To make the most out of your visit to The Dell and Clifton Springs, make sure you plan at least 1-hour to spend around this spot .

8. Portarlington Pier

Portarlington is located at the northern end of the Bellarine Peninsula. It is a beautiful little town with stunning coastal views. There is a lot more to discover around Portarlington. For this one-day itinerary, we will only be visiting its gorgeous Portarlington Pier due to limited time.

Portarlington Pier is about a 12-minute drive from The Dell and a 30-minute drive from Geelong . It is formed on a 500-metre-long breakwater, which stretches into the bay and provides a peaceful harbour for everyone to enjoy.

The views along Portarlington Pier are absolutely surreal and magnificent. This is especially true around sunset times. If time allows, you can also bring your fishing rod to catch some Pinkies or Snappers while waiting for sunset.

A return walk along Portarlington Pier takes about 30 minutes to complete , but you may wish to plan for more time to enjoy the views and serenity along Portarlington Pier.

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50 Things To See and Do In Geelong

About geelong.

Geelong is my hometown, so I can safely say that this is an in-depth locals guide to the city. I have picked the best things to see and do in Geelong. In fact the list started with 50 things to see and do in Geelong, but the list just kept growing. 

Geelong is a lovely waterfront city with a unique town-like appeal. Spend a few days exploring the city itself and you will discover some little hidden gems. Geelong has come a long way over the last 20 years, the result is a magnificent waterfront that continues to evolve as tourism is on the rise. During the summer, Geelong’s population swells with holiday makers visiting the city and surrounding region for some fun in the sun. All that awaits is the world to discover what the locals already know – make Geelong a destination on your itinerary. A mere one hours drive from Melbourne, Geelong offers a seaside retreat away from the hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan city.

The waterfront exudes a relaxed social vibe filled with people enjoying the many restaurants, cafes, parks and activities lined along the beach road. There are also a number of popular bars that also serve as meeting places for the locals and tourist alike. It’s location makes Geelong the ideal base for visiting a number of world class tourist attractions within Victoria.

Anytime is a good time to visit Geelong but even more so in the summer months, when there is a lot of activity and numerous festivals along the waterfront.

The Christmas holiday season sees Geelong become Australia’s home of Christmas celebration, with Australia’s tallest (and only) floating christmas tree, standing over 25 meters tall. City light projections and christmas spirited activities are located throughout the city. There is a positivity about the city that is not captured anywhere else. Summer is also a time where pop-up bars appear, festivals and night markets (such as the nightjar in February). Winter is a lot quieter during the week although weekends remain the hive of activity along the waterfront any time of year.

The heart of Geelong and where all the action occurs, the waterfront precinct encompasses Eastern Beach & the Promenade, Steam Packet Gardens that is spread out over 2 km. Within this area you will find many things to do, see and photograph. Towards the eastern part of the beach is some steep hills that offer some great opportunities to photograph the whole waterfront region.

50 Things to See and Do in Geelong

In no particular order , here are over 50 things to see and do in Geelong and the surrounding region. If you are a local and you think that something really great is missing from the list, then lets get in contact. Email me via [email protected] or just as simple, leave a suggestion in the comment box at the very bottom. 

Skip ahead Sections

Visit Geelong CBD Art & Culture Section Visit a Brewery Visit a Winery Go Shopping Parks and Gardens Markets Activities to Do Things to do with Kids Dine and Drink Annual Events Day Trips From Geelong How to Get to Geelong

Visit Geelong CBD

1. eastern beach .

Eastern Beach has been enjoyed by many generations since it was commissioned for a revamp in the 1930s. The style has remained unchanged since and is a fine representation of an Art Deco era. From the the top of the stairs you will be rewarded with a magnificent view out to the bay. As you come down the stairs, you will pass by the fountain with the stork and tortoise statues, the pool and the wooden promenade. There is also a sandy beach for those who like to frolic in the water or fancy a little beach volleyball.

If you land there on the right day, you may be lucky to witness the calm bay that looks and glistens like plate of glass. 

2. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel

Every summer, Australia’s largest travelling Ferris Wheel makes it’s home along Eastern Beach. Be sure to take a ride, for you will find a wonderful panoramic view over Geelong at the top. If you been down at one of the restaurants along the waterfront for lunch or dinner, then why not wander on down afterwards, get yourself a ticket and finish your day off with a bit of fun.

Photo Credit: Shivapratap Gopakumar

3. Visit the Carousel 

This marvellous carousel, is a restored 1892 Armitage-Herschell portable steam-driven carousel (wow that was a mouthful) and is housed in a specially designed enclosure. The band organ provides a delightful carnival-style music that is synonymous with carousels from a bygone era. The organ itself is also part of the original, being restored to retain some Gavioli parts such as the wind chimes, bellows and the hand carved conductor. The original organ was manufactured in Paris around 1898. This is a firm favourite with the little ones but also as popular with the ‘big’ kids too.

Located on the waterfront next to Steampacket Gardens.

4. Take a Helicopter Flight

See more of Geelong off the ground with a helicopter flight. What better way to get a birds eye view over Geelong, than to hop onboard a helicopter and explore the region by air. If you have never been in a helicopter before then this is your ideal opportunity. Why? Because you don’t have to pre-book it, you can just turn up on the spur of the moment and  take a flight.

Prices are very reasonable for such an amazing breathtaking experience. Geelong helicopters operate daily from the Yarra Street Pier, on a walk in basis. Scenic flights can be taken over Corio Bay, Geelong CBD, the Surfcoast and the Bellarine. 

5. Buy Some Mussels and Paella From the Boat

Whilst you have been wandering around the marina, you may be wondering what to have for lunch or dinner? Then feast your eyes on some fresh mussels or delicious seafood Paella that are being cooked up straight off the boat. The prices are a bargain for this takeaway meal. Once you have your Spanish feast, find yourself a picnic spot somewhere along the waterfront and enjoy!

6. Swimming Enclosure & Diving Platforms

Now this is where kids and teens love to come for some care-free, good old fashioned summer fun. There are a number of diving platforms located around and within the shark protected enclosure. People have been jumping off these very same diving platforms since the 1930s. The art deco platforms are wonderfully maintained, so as to ensure future generations can enjoy all the fun here too. 

7. Take a stroll along the promenade 

The wooden promenade is not only somewhere to enjoy during the summer months, it’s equally a nice place to go for a peaceful stroll during the winter months too. The double wooden promenade was restored during the 1990s during a total revitalisation of the area. The Geelong locals came out in full force, including individuals, families and businesses to help fund the restoration by buying a plank. Each plank has a bronze plaque to recognise these locals contribution. 

8. Eastern Beach Swimming Pool

Located right in front of the Eastern Beach swimming enclosure and promenade is a free public swimming pool. The pool is shallow and suitable for children and it is open all year round. Also located close by is the original lifesavers pavilion which also houses changing rooms and toilets facilities. 

Winter above versus Summer below.

9. Take the Geelong Ghost Tour

If you want to be scared out of your wits then this two hour night tour will do just that.

Geelong Ghost Tour takes you through one of Australia’s largest 1800’s convict prisons after dark. Explore the prison for 90 minutes and be haunted by stories from within these walls. The tour travels through the most intact 3 story cell blocks in Australia, shower block, punishment cells, exercise yard, chapel, kitchen, infirmaries, surgery theatres.

Tours are limited to 30 people, and are led by a team of professional theatrical historians. Tours start at 8pm and depart every 30 minutes depending on demand.

* Geelong Council released a statement back in 2014 of it’s intention to sell off this important piece of Geelong’s history but have yet to find tenders, so as such the tours continue to operate.

For more information click here: Geelong Gaol Paranormal investigation Tour

10. Segway Geelong

Segway Geelong operates on the waterfront in Geelong and out of Leura Park Estate Vineyard on the Bellarine. Segway Geelong offers tours every weekend year round and daily from mid December till the end of January. The Geelong Waterfront Tours run on weekends at 2:30, 4:00 and 5:30pm. All tours need to be pre-booked.

For more info at segwaygeelong.com .

11. Watch an AFL game at Kardinia Park

A visit to Geelong or Australia for that matter, isn’t complete without witnessing an Australian Football League (AFL) game. Simonds Stadium in Geelong is one of three venues within the state of Victoria to host AFL premiership matches and it is the only city to do so outside of Melbourne. The stadium itself is impressive with the edition of the ‘Cats Claws’ rising from the side of the building and the recent addition of the stadium lights that can be seen all over Geelong.

Simonds stadium is the home ground of the Geelong football Club or as they are known around Geelong as ‘The Cats’. There is nothing more exciting than game day, when 20,000 fans descend on Simonds stadium to cheer on their team.

During the AFL season, Geelong Football team plays around 8 home games at Geelong throughout the season (Between April and August).

Photo Credit: Stephen Beaumont

12. waterfront train tours.

Starting at the Carousel, the miniature train will take you on a leisurely ride along the waterfront to the Eastern Beach Pools and back again. The train is about a 20 minute ride, leaving from the carousel every 30 minutes. The train operates every weekend, school and public holidays.

13. Locate all the Bollards along the waterfront

There are 104 huge painted icons guiding visitors along the foreshore walking/cycling track from Rippleside Park, through Waterfront Geelong to Limeburners Point and the Botanic Gardens. They represent a fascinating and fun chronicle of the city’s past, focusing on some of the unique characters who played a part.

Among the sculptures are a Koori family, English explorer Matthew Flinders and a Portuguese explorer which stand overlooking Corio Bay near Limeburners Point. At Eastern Beach, you can see bathing beauties from the 1930s and Ian McDonald, the city surveyor who drew the plans for the landmark sea baths.

The bollards are the work of artist Jan Mitchell. Jan was commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong to transform old timbers and piles from a city pier, that was damaged by fire in the 1980s, into remarkable works of art that stop young and old in their tracks.

For a map of the Bollards trail walk click here

Art & Culture

14. geelong library and heritage centre.

Welcome to the Dome! Situated in the city’s art and cultural precinct is this amazing designed Library and Heritage Centre. This library is guaranteed to challenge the way you think about libraries forever. This iconic building spans over five levels all available to the public. The library houses a diverse collection of print, multimedia and heritage items. Reading rooms, free wifi and high speed internet access.

It doesn’t stop there, with high-end digital technology including digital way-finding kiosks, video wall, gaming machines, internet-access computers and mobile devices, smart tables and exploratory technology including virtual reality and 3D printing.

Wait there’s more! There is also an entire floor dedicated to children and young people, with age-appropriate collections, digital technology and activity spaces.

Opening soon will be a cafe that seats 80 with an outdoor deck overlooking Johnstone Park. Head up to the fifth floor and enjoy some lovely views over Geelong’s waterfront from the deck.

15. Geelong Art Gallery

The Geelong Art Gallery showcases a vibrant artistic program of some 20 temporary exhibitions each year along with a diverse range of artist talks, tours, workshops, lectures and family-friendly activities.

Established in 1896, the Gallery has amassed one of the nation’s finest collections. From colonial masterpieces to compelling contemporary works, the Geelong Gallery’s renowned permanent collection includes Australian and international paintings, works on paper, sculpture and decorative arts as well as new media, and is home to a number of iconic works such as Eugène von Guérard’s ‘View of Geelong’ (1856), Frederick McCubbin’s ‘A bush burial’ (1890) and Arthur Streeton’s ‘Ocean blue, Lorne’ (1921).

16. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an award winning venue that helps you discover and explore the Aboriginal culture. There are educational programs for large groups or you are able to explore the centre on your own. The staff are very welcoming and will be only too happy to guide and answer your questions. There is an onsite cafe that offers you a chance to try ‘bush tucker’, along with contemporary favourites. Check out the Art gallery with the opportunity to purchase original pieces. Get outdoors where there is a native garden with emus wandering about. The gift shop is also an interesting place to check out, with uniquely Australian products and yes you can purchase a boomerang or a digeridoo. If you are on your way to visit the Great Ocean Road, why not combine it with a visit to Narana.

For more information click here: www.narana.com.au

17. National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum chronicles the wool industry journey, since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788. 

Sheep farming at Geelong began in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. A fun fact is that the city was once known as the ‘wool centre of the world’. In 1988, the National wool museum was established, where visitors can learn the history of the wool industry and that of colonial times in Geelong.

18. Catch a show at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre

GPAC is the performing arts hub for Geelong and districts where over 220,000 people interact with live performance each year. GPAC is in Little Malop Street, part of the Geelong Cultural Precinct.

For the latest shows and tickets: GPAC

19. The Potato Shed

The Potato Shed is a multi-arts facility on the Bellarine Peninsula and provides a vibrant arts complex that serves as a multi-purpose arts and cultural centre for joint use by Bellarine Secondary College, St Ignatius College and the regional community.

Offering a diverse program, workshops, a range of all age events (such as mini maestros) and an exciting theatre season. The Potato Shed is becoming a centre for youth lead arts and culture venue with the help from Crash Course Productions.

Find out what is happening at the Potato Shed Facebook page.  

20. Go to the Movies

Geelong has two cinema complexes, one in the city with an art deco style building operated by Village Cinemas and the second is operated by Readings Cinemas located at the Waurn Ponds shopping centre. Both offering multi sessions, super-sized screens and Gold Class. Village boasts 9 screens whilst Readings offers 8 screens, so you will sure to find a session and movie to suit.

21. The Pivotonian Cinema

An independent cinema screening quality films every day. The films are hand-picked from around the globe, including independent, foreign, documentary and art-house movies. The focus here is screening quality movies at an affordable price. The cinema is fully licensed and also offers a candy bar.

For more information click here: www.pivotcinema.com.au

22. Steampacket Gardens Cinema (seasonal)

During the summer month of December every Friday becomes an open air cinema in Steampacket gardens. Steampacket gardens is a large open space that can accommodate large crowds. Bring your rug, chair or bean bag, sit back and enjoy a family friendly Christmas movie.

23. Public Art

There is a number of public art displayed around Geelong. Pictured bove is one of the most recognisable in Geelong, simply called ‘North’. Is it shark fins or sailboats? Other artworks are the Barcode fountain which takes the barcode from Noddy’s soft drink and spans the length of the grass in front of Customs House. Paving splats in front of the Carousel, Flux near the Art Gallery and the Reflection Seat heading towards Limburners point.

For a complete list of where to find Geelong’s public Art Click here  

24. Explore the hidden laneways

Like Melbourne, Geelong has little treasures hidden down it’s lane ways, the more obscure the better! Discover little cafes, wine bars, graffitied lanes and restaurants. Head down to Little Malop Street and explore the lanes in the area. 

25. Murals and Street Art

The Seafarer looking out across Corio Bay.

Take a walk into the city and head down Little Malop Street. There are a number of lanes in this area that have been dedicated to Graffiti Art. 

A Geelong Laneway

26. powerhouse geelong.

Powerhouse Geelong is Victoria’s largest ‘canvas’ for street graffiti art. Many pieces are displayed over 5 stories high and include the works of both Rone and Mayo. There are over 50 other well known street artists from around the world, who have left their amazing work on and inside this derelict building in North Geelong. High on impact, originality and colour it’s a photographers dream. 

For more information click here: www.facebook.com/powerhousegeelong

27. Blues Train

Jump onboard the legendary Blues Train for a ride you will never forget!  Combining a meal, four of Australia’s best blues acts and a train ride along the historic Bellarine Railway, The Blues Train is a one-night mini-festival and a progressive party. The Blues train runs on Saturday nights from August to May. During December additional shows run on Friday nights. 

For more information click here: www.thebluestrain.com.au

28. Sunday Blues Cruise (Monthly)

Once a month on a Sunday afternoon the Hygeia takes on passengers for their Blues Cruise. The large bay cruiser sails around Corio Bay whilst featuring various blues acts. 

Visit a Brewery

29. breweries, little creatures brewery.

Housed in an old woollen mill and retaining it’s character, is the Little Creatures Brewery. It’s one of two Little Creatures Brewery in Australia, with the original opening in Perth. The Geelong locals flock to this place, enjoying an afternoon on the craft beers. Make sure you try a Furphy as it is only made in Geelong.

Little Creatures is a family friendly venue, where parents can sit, meet and enjoy the atmosphere.

White Rabbit Brewery

Little Creatures has a sister brewery in White Rabbit. Originally located in Healesville, it out grew it’s original digs and joined the brewery village in Geelong in 2016. It’s right next door to Little Creatures. It features an impressive barrel hall for ageing beers and offers beautiful eats from the Provedore. 

Odyssey Tavern Brewery

The Odyssey Tavern & Brewery was the first Craft Beer Venue in the Geelong & Surfcoast region. It’s locally owned and operated and offers 8 rotating taps of craft beer and cider. 

Drop in for a beer, something to eat and enjoy the live music on Friday & Saturday nights and of course Sunday arvos!

The Flying Brick Cider

Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, sits this impressive cider house with an expansive al fresco dining area. Here you can enjoy the cider tasting paddles, along with a great selection of beer and wine. Food is also top notch and one could find themselves whiling away the hours on a sunny day.

Visit a Winery

30. wineries.

There is a lot of wine flowing in Geelong, with over 40 boutique wineries, producing award winning wine. There are three distinct regions producing wine – the Moorabool Valley, Surfcoast and the hugely popular Bellarine Peninsula. The Bellarine Peninsula impresses with it’s beautiful cellar doors, high quality restaurants and the unbeatable scenery, with some overlooking a glistening bay. On a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Melbourne’s city buildings. Ask any Geelong local and they will be sure to tell you which is their favourite winery and why you should visit.

Highly recommended 

• Jack Rabbit
• McGlashens Wallington Estate
• Terrindah Estate
• Basils Farm
• Mount Duneed Estate
• Bellarine Estate

Winery Tours

31. take a segway tour.

Not only does Geelong Segway offers tours in the Geelong CBD but they also operate out of the Leura Park Estate Vineyard on the Bellarine. Segway Geelong operates tours every weekend year round and daily from mid December till the end of January. The Bellarine’s  showpiece package includes a beautiful lunch, complimentary wine tasting and glass of wine (or other) with your meal after your segway tour. 

There is also a Ride-Only option on any day.

A special Twilight package is offered daily in Daylight Saving months beginning at 5pm. All tours need to be pre-booked.

For more info check the website segwaygeelong.com .

32. Bellarine Winery Tours

Can’t decide on which winery to visit? Why not take a winery tour, visiting a number of wineries in an afternoon. 

Find a tour at Bellarine Winery Tours

33. Go Sailing at the Geelong Yacht Club

During daylight savings, twilight sailing is offered to visitors who would like to try sailing on Wednesday nights. To book your place on a boat please contact the Geelong Yacht Club office on 5229 3705.

34. Shop Until You Drop

Westfield .

A large scale shopping centre with just under 200 stores.  Major tenants include Myer, Target, Coles and Big W. There are three food courts, a flyover with views to the bay and 187 speciality stores.

Market Square

Located on the site of Geelong’s original town square is the Market Square Shopping Centre. Located opposite Westfield, it is smaller than it’s neighbour with just under 100 speciality stores. 

Pakington Street

A boutique shopping street with an international flair.

Waurn Ponds

Mall shopping with a number of food outlets

Torquay surf outlets

Home of surf retail giants such as Rip Curl, Roxy and Quicksilver. Don’t forget to check out Surf World, a museum that shows the history of surfing within Australia. 

35. Take a stroll down Pakington Street – North & South

Affectionately known as “Pako” to the locals. Shopping, boutiques, cafe and cultural food. The long shopping strip is divided into two distinct sections. The North, considered the cosmopolitan and multicultural part of Geelong, and the South, simply called the river end of Pakington Street. In the south you will find trendy modern Australian cafes and boutique style shopping. The north has been influenced by Geelong’s past migration of Italians and Greeks in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Getting to Pakington Street from Geelong’s CBD is easy. On foot it is a 20 minute walk or head to the Moorabool Street bus interchange and catch bus 22

Parks & Gardens

36. jirrahlinga wildlife park.

If you are an overseas visitor or a local and would like to get up close and personal to some native Australian animals then Jirrahlinga is the place to go. It’s not a big place and it runs purely on charity. The staff are extremely knowledgable. It’s a safe haven for injured wildlife. You may be lucky and even get to pat a koala.

37. Johnstone Park

Once a swamp, then a dam, the area was transformed into a park in 1872, the idea of Mayor Robert de Bruce Johnstone. A large area of green lawns, it’s a nice place to sit and reflect. The park also incorporates the Art Gallery and Library. 

38. Geelong Botanical Gardens

These gardens are lovely, serene and are well set out for a leisurely meander along it’s paths. It is a conservation site for plants and trees from around the world. It is also a heritage listed site for it’s preserved 19th century gardens. The entry from the street has you entering a contemporary 21st century garden space before eventually finding yourself at the old Victorian style gates that take you through to the original section.

39. You Yangs

Big rock and flinders peak with panoramic views over Geelong, Melbourne and beyond. Picnics, bbqs, pit fires in winter, mountain bikes, hiking tracks, views peaceful walks. Spotting wildlife you may be best to go early morning or just on dusk. If you are lucky you may spot a koala. There is also dedicated areas for mountain bike tracks and is hugely popular pursuit. The scenery is typically Australian bush, may not be pretty but hold lot’s of wildlife if you keep your eyes peeled. Birds etc. Not really frequented by tourists, mainly a place locals go.

40. Balyang Sanctuary

A bird sanctuary with lot’s of walking paths and islands alongside the Barwon River. Have a picnic under the gum trees, Among the birds you will see are swans, pelicans, Eurasian coot, dusky moorhen, Pacific black duck, mallard, pied cormorant, geese and silver gulls.  

41. Go to the Markets

Brougham street market.

Brougham Street Market is located in the CBD not far from the waterfront. Set inside a 100 year old building, you’ll find it a fascinating place to fossick around and reminisce. This place is huge, so you will easy spend an hour or two wandering about. The market sells vintage clothes, antiques, furniture,collectables and of course expect the unexpected.

Steampacket Market

Held on the first Sunday of the month, the Steampacket Market sets up on the open lawn along the waterfront. A market that features artisan and craft people, plants, furniture, clothing, gifts and food.

Belmont Market

The Belmont Market is a popular bric-a-brac market that draws in huge crowds every Sunday morning until the early afternoon. 

42. See All Dolphin Swims

Between October and May is the season to see dolphins, and what better way to experience this than to swim with the dolphins. See All Dolphin swims offers this unique opportunity. They offer half day tours in Port Philip Bay, leaving from Queenscliff. Highlights of the trip include snorkelling at Popes Eye, Chinaman’s Hat, where you can see a colony of fur seals and then ending the trip with (hopefully) spotting the dolphins.

43. Escape Room Geelong

Want to test your problem solving skills? Then check out the Escape room, which is a themed interactive experience, designed to test your problem solving skills and how well you can work as a team. The clock is set to 45 minutes and it’s a race against time to find clues, solve puzzles and progress from stage-to-stage until you ultimately escape.

Suitable for families, friends, couples, work groups, clubs, special occasions and more.

‘Escape Room Geelong – The Mad Scientist’ opened on 3 December 2015 in Belmont and has had over 400+ visitors from local, interstate and international destinations.

For more information click here: www.geelongescaperoom.com.au

44. Learn to Surf & SUP

Learn to surf , Kayak or SUP  with lessons available at a range of beaches within the region.

More information can be found at gorideawave.com.a

45. Play a round of Golf

With world class venues such as the Sands in Torquay and 13th Beach in Barwon Heads, along with various courses located around Geelong.

A complete list of golf venues in and around Geelong can be found by hitting the link.

Things to do with Kids

46. waterfront playgrounds.

There are two playgrounds along the waterfront. One is located beside the children’s pool, catering for both bigger kids and toddlers, whilst the second playground is located near the skate park and suited to smaller children.

47. Adventure Park

Victoria’s biggest theme park located just 20 minutes drive from the centre of Geelong. The park is open during the warmer months from 31st October through to April. It’s predominantly a water theme park and offers around 21 rides and attractions. A great venue for a family day out especially on a warm day, kids and teens seriously love this place.

48. A Maze ‘N Games

A Maze ‘n Games offers fun activities for the whole family. Lose yourself or the kids in one of Australia’s largest timber mazes, try your hand on the 18 hole mini golf course, or solve some of the large range of puzzles. There is a cafe serving home made cakes, light snacks and coffee, along with BBQ facilities.

49. Rollerblading

Public skating from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon, and extra sessions during school holidays. Rollerway in Newtown, Geelong, is one of Australia’s longest operating skate centres. 

50. Fairy Park

Geelong families have enjoyed this fairytale adventure park for decades since if opened in 1959 as Australia’s very first theme park. From humble beginnings this fairytale land has evolved into something magical that kids love. There are 36 interactive fairytale displays that will take you around 3 hours to complete. Each display is based on traditional fairytales such as Jack and the beanstalk, goldilocks and Cinderella. Each are housed in specially stylised buildings of castles, cottages and caves and all set amongst neatly kept gardens, giant boulders and lovely water features.

For more information click here: www.fairypark.com 

Photo credit: @matilda_n_me

51. indoor rock climbing.

Indoor rock climbing centre in Newtown Geelong.

52. Time Zone 

A great place to keep the kids entertained for hours. Featuring Laser quest, video and arcade games.

53. Bungee Trampolines (Seasonal)

Take the kids down to the waterfront in the summer for some bungee trampoline fun. The bungee trampolines are located in Steampacket gardens during the summer season.

54. Play space Eastern Gardens

The Geelong Play Space is anaward winning facility situated next to the Geelong Botanic Gardens. The play space is designed as an inclusive area for children of all ages and abilities.

The space has a Liberty Swing that enables children in wheelchairs to appreciate the joy of using a swing. The key to the Liberty Swing can be collected from the National Wool Museum – 26 Moorabool Street or The Carousel on the Waterfront.

The playspace is located beside the Geelong Botanic Gardens

55. Barwon Valley Fun Park

The Barwon Valley Fun Park is a fantastic park located beside the Barwon River. It offers a multitude of activities, such as playgrounds, cycling paths, river walks, BBQ’s, picnic tables and a basket ball/netball court. Best of all it’s free!

56. Waterfront Skate Park

An outdoor plaza like park, with a cutting edge design. The well constructed park consists of rails, stairs, manual pads, ledges, hubbas and metal edged banks. Great for skaters, BMX riders and scooters.

Located west of Cunningham Pier on the waterfront.

57. Eastern Beach Hills

A favourite with the locals, is to head to Eastern Beach with a piece of cardboard and slide down the steep grassy hills. These hills are steep, so you can get some real momentum up, as you slide down to the bottom. It’s a case of BYO cardboard, although sometimes there may be some cardboard left behind.

58. Kardinia Pool, Leisure Link

Kardinia Pool is seasonal opening from October to end of April.

Leisure Link is open all year round.

59. Go for a run or walk around the Barwon River

20 km of walking track around the river is a nice stroll or bike ride or if you are a little fitter a great place to have a run. Quiet and peaceful way to get into nature.

Food & Restaurants

This section will be evolving over the coming weeks 

60. Meet a friend for coffee

Fuel (cash only).

2 Gore Place, Geelong

Photo credit: Fuel

Coffee cartel .

1/80 Little Malop Street, Geelong

King of the Castle

24 Pakington Street, Geelong West

77a Preston Street, Geelong West

Photo Credit: @boxoffice

A spot for joe.

Warner Place (Off Little Ryrie Street), Geelong

61. Treat yourself to a beautiful dinner

Restaurant igni.

Ryan Place, Geelong

Bistrot St Jean

239 Moorabool Street, Geelong

Photo Credit: @treinamartella

Wah wah gee .

Cunningham Pier, Western Foreshore Road, Geelong

Photo Credit: @margaholic

La parisien.

15 Western Beach Road, Geelong 

Jack & Jill

Moorabool Street, Geelong

Eastern Spice

Not your typical Indian joint

1 Bellarine Street, Geelong

Photo credit: @easternspice

9/111 Pakington Street, Geelong West

Photo Credit: @ashhleighlouise

62. enjoy a high tea, james street bakery.

High Tea is offered on the last Sunday of every month from 2-4 pm

Uforic Food Cafe

Second Sunday of every month

Sandstone Cafe 

Check Facebook page for specific dates

Vue Grand 

Grand afternoon tea, check Facebook page for specific dates

Check website for specific dates

Bar & Nightlife

63. wine & piano bars, union street wine bar, geelong cellar door.

The hottest night out in Geelong! A full house every weekend, in this little intimate venue,  the locals just can’t get enough of Piano Bar. This is Victoria’s only dedicated piano bar, with amazing performances that involves crowd participation in singalongs with the ‘piano man’. The atmosphere at this venue is unbeatable. Be warned you will need to book in advance.

More information here www.pianobar.com.au

64. Annual Geelong Events

Festival of sail (january).

The Festival of Sails is the largest annual keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere with over 300 yacht entries and 3,000 competitors annually taking part in the event. First held in 1844, the Festival of Sails Regatta is one of the nation’s oldest sporting events, and has evolved over many years culminating in its current format as Australia’s foremost keelboat regatta.

Running alongside the sailing action, the free community Waterfront Festival features numerous acts across three stages and a multitude of stallholders to provide you with fine food and wine, live music, entertainment and roving performers, art and craft market stalls, novelty stalls, an on-water Come & Try Zone and a dedicated family friendly kids zone all along the stunning Geelong Waterfront and in the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

The Festival of Sails promises something for all, thrilling sailing action, exciting on water activities for all to try, and a great way to spend quality time with your family over the Australia Day Long Weekend.

Geelong Heritage Wine Walk (February)

On a Saturday in February the streets, laneways and footpaths of Geelong CBD will be busy with walkers with the ultimate cellar door experience. Geelong’s best heritage buildings open their doors, in a self-guided wine tasting experience.

A full circuit of the incredible Geelong Heritage Wine Walk is under 3km.

Geelong Beer Festival (February)

Held at the Geelong Racecourse, this ticketed event showcases over 200 beers and ciders. There is entertainment all day with 3 stages and over 20 acts and roving performers throughout the crowd. 

Pako Festa (February)

Next Pako Festa is Saturday 25th Feb, 2017

Pako Festa is the largest free celebration of cultural diversity in Australia! Every year, since 1983, it attracts scores of people from our local and cultural communities, professional performers, community groups, schools, businesses, street traders and artists from all walks of life.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Easter)

The Rip Curl Pro is the longest running professional surfing contest in the world, 2016 saw the 55th running of the event.

In 1973 Rip Curl put up the prize money that turned the event into Australia’s first ever pro surfing contest. Every Easter trademark swells roll into The Bells Bowl providing consistent waves for the world’s best to battle it out and deliver a show for the thousands of fans lining the beach and grandstands.

Location: Bells Beach is a world renowned surf beach located 100 km south-west of Melbourne near Torquay, a coastal locality of Victoria, Australia. Upcoming Dates: April 12-24, 2017

Toast to the Coast (November)

Now in its 15th year, the 2016 Toast to the Coast Festival will be bigger and better than ever! Enjoy two days of fun, food, wine & entertainment amongst the vines.

See you on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 October 2016

Geelong Revival Motoring Festival (November)

Held on Geelong’s picturesque waterfront precinct in late November, this action packed motoring festival is an event not to be missed!

The event stands for all things vintage, from the largest companies, down to the backyard builders. Take pole position for the historical quarter-mile sprints, as over 400 classic and exotic cars and motorcycles sprint down Ritchie Boulevard at full throttle. 

The Geelong Waterfront will be covered with over 600 quirky, valuable and fascinating vehicles, and is guaranteed to please anyone with an appreciation for unique vehicles.

The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival is the ideal way to spend a day out with the whole family, with the festival featuring live music, trade expo area, delicious food and entertainment. Also featuring vintage caravans and the vintage Fashion Awards.

Christmas in Geelong (December)

Geelong comes alive in December as the Christmas spirit takes hold. Nowhere in Australia does Christmas quite like Geelong! Geelong has Australia’s tallest and only floating Christmas tree, standing 25 metres high. Each night from late November to early January, the tree lights up to a soundtrack of christmas carols. A walk around the CBD will take you various christmas themed activities and sites. 

New Years Eve

Bring in the New Year with a fireworks party on the waterfront. Grab a spot on the lawn or head to one of the local restaurants in the city. There are two fireworks displays, one 

65. Day Trips from Geelong

Take a coastal drive around the bellarine peninsula.

There’s nothing like a Sunday drive to broaden your horizons and taking in the scenery. Begin your driving journey at Geelong, passing through the towns of drysdale, Clifton Springs, Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and finishing at Barwon Heads.

Take a coastal drive along the Surf coast

Begin your journey from Geelong, passing through the beach side towns of Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Lorne. An opportunity to spot native animals in the wild can be found along the Great Ocean Road, such as Koalas and kangaroos. Kangaroos roam freely on the Anglesea golf course (they aren’t bothered by the golfers who share the course with them) and look up into the trees and you might spot a koala.

Visit the 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks off the coast of Port Campbell. A world class tourist attraction, 2.5 hours drive south of Geelong that sees around 5 million day trippers visit per year. 

Taking a road trip to the 12 Apostles

Take the Ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento for a day trip

Leaves on the hour every hour, from 7 am to 6 pm, seven days a week. The 40 minute journey takes passengers from Queenscliff to Sorrento passing 12 landmarks on the way. You may even get lucky and spot some dolphins and seals on the way. 

Getting to Geelong

Getting to Geelong is relatively easy, with the two main ways for tourists to reach Geelong being either via the train from Melbourne or from a domestic flight to the Avalon Airport. There is currently a third option currently being trialled (High speed Ferry from Portarlington to Docklands Melbourne). 

How to catch a train from Melbourne

Travelling to Geelong from Melbourne is a fairly simple process. All Geelong bound trains leave from the Southern Cross station, which is located on the outer edge of the Melbourne CBD in Spencer Street.

The first thing you will require is a Myki card which will enable you to ride the Victorian transport system (buses, trains and trams). A myki card can be purchased at the train station itself or at any 7-Eleven stores. The initial outlay for the card is $6 and you will then be required to load the card to cover the cost of the journey. A one way journey from Melbourne to Geelong will cost around $8 for off peak times (between 9 a.m and 4 p.m) and $11 at peak times.

How to identify which train is the Geelong train. Look for the arrival and departure screens within Southern Cross station. For the Geelong train, you will be looking for the following services: Waurn Ponds, Marshall, South Geelong or Geelong service. If you see any of these end points displayed then you will be on the right train, you just need to get off at the Geelong station. If you have luggage, there are overhead racks for small cabin bags and at the end of each carriage is a section for large cases. This service can be extremely busy during peak times, so if at all possible try and catch a train in the off peak time. The journey takes around 60 minutes.

Hiring a car

Driving around Geelong is relatively easy and it’s well worth hiring a car for a few days to explore the region. Car rentals are located throughout the city, with all major companies represented.

Buses from Geelong to other coastal areas

There are two bus companies that service the Geelong region. The main bus terminal is located in Moorabool Street Geelong. Servicing Geelong is the Benders Busways and for the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surfcoast you will be looking for a McHarry’s Bus. Popular coastal areas are Queenscliff and Torquay.

Finding a Taxi

There are two companies that serve Geelong and it’s outer regions. The Geelong Taxi Network will service the Geelong and the Surfcoast, whilst Bellarine Peninsula Taxis service the Bellarine Peninsula. If you are staying within the city, there are a number of taxi ranks throughout. The main one being located along Moorabool Street. All taxi’s are metered and in Geelong, taxis commence with a $3.70 charge to the meter.

Uber Taxis can also be found in Geelong as an alternative to the official Taxi companies.

Geelong is served by Avalon Airport which provides domestic travel within Australia and is located just 20 minutes from Geelong. A shuttle service meets every flight that lands at Avalon. These services will then transport passengers to Geelong, the Surfcoast and the Bellarine Peninsula. Avalon is a simple option if you are intending to fly to Sydney via the budget airline Jetstar. Being only a 20 minute drive away, it’s a far more attractive option than catching a train back to Melbourne and then using the SkyBus to get to the Melbourne airport. 

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I love this blog… very insightful, i might consider living there 😀

I am following you on Instagram as well, very awesome collection of photos.

Wendy Kerby

Hi Rami, thanks so much. I’m glad you liked it and it is a great place to live too!

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The Great Ocean Road Collective

The Best Things to Do in Geelong, Victoria

There is no shortage of things to do in Geelong. Often called the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong has tons of attractions to offer visitors. It boasts tasty food, gorgeous seaside views of Port Phillip Bay, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

This bustling seaside location is Victoria’s second-largest city, just after Melbourne, and the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula. It offers tourists the perfect mixture of history, culture, and natural beauty, and makes a great addition to any visit to the Great Ocean Road region. Many people stop here to hire a Great Ocean Road car hire before embarking on a road trip.

From strolling along the beach, taking in an afternoon at a brewery, or soaking in the culture at an art gallery, it can be impossible to pick and choose just one activity from the list of things to do in Geelong. Luckily, you don’t have to with this guide we help you find the best attraction for you.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Geelong

Discover all of the top Geelong attractions with this comprehensive guide to the city. There is no shortage of fun activities and things to do in Geelong. Whether you are looking for family-friendly fun on school holidays or adventurous places to visit along the waterfront, Geelong has you covered.

Eastern Beach Reserve

Who needs the Italian Riveria? Eastern Beach has it all. Eastern Beach and the Eastern Beach Reserve is a scenic recreation area on the shores of Corio Bay. There is a white sand beach which backs onto a grassy park containing all the amenities that you need for a day out including dressing rooms, a children’s pool, BBQ areas and more.

The ocean swimming area is completely enclosed with shark-proof netting, contains floating islands, and there is a walkway that encircles it. Plus one of the best parts of Eastern Beach? It’s completely free to visit. Making it one of the top free things to do in Geelong.

National Wool Museum

What is there to know about wool, anyway? That’s a question easily answered by Geelong’s National Wool Museum . Here, the story of wool is brought to life in one of Australia’s national treasures and a prime destination for those interested in the region’s cultural heritage. This museum is housed in a restored 1872 bluestone wool store.

The National Wool Museum in central Geelong tells visitors the story of wool and other textiles amidst a rotating collection of other exhibits. It is a place to connect and share the history of not only the Geelong community, but the history, science, and heritage of the textile craft.

Baywalk Bollards

The Baywalk Bollards are just one of many charming Geelong attractions. Local artist Jan Mitchell was commissioned to transform old materials from the pier into these unique artworks.

These quirky bollards are a testament to the fascinating history of Geelong. They chronicle the city’s history from its original Indigenous heritage into the modern era. If you’re interested in viewing the Baywalk Bollards, they are located along the Geelong Waterfront all the way to Rippleside Park. It is a fun challenge is to see if you can snap a photo of all 104 of them!

Little Creatures Brewery

Little Creatures is one of the most popular craft beer brands in Australia. Little Creatures Brewery is home to this famous brand, and there’s no better way to experience it than straight from the taps at this iconic brewery.

Little Creatures Brewery offers guided tours that take you around the property and help you learn all about what makes their beer so special. At the end of the tour, there is a bar area where you can taste-test the beer for yourself and grab a bite to eat.

Geelong Botanical Gardens

This lovely spot is just bursting with natural beauty. The Geelong Botanical Gardens boast flora from around the world so that you can bask in their fragrant blooms and impressive collections of plants and trees. The meandering paths take visitors on a leisurely stroll throughout the gardens, with all of the plants clearly marked from lush roses to tropical botanics.

Once you’ve had your fill of stunning flowers, you can enjoy afternoon tea at the cafe. The best part about the Geelong Botanic Gardens is that admission is completely free. For those who are visiting with children, the Geelong Playspace is an award-winning playspace just off of the botanic gardens. It features a pirate ship and several shady rest areas.

Geelong Performing Arts Centre

The Geelong Performing Arts Centre is the perfect opportunity to soak in the local culture of Geelong. They aim to foster the talents of local artists and creatives. Established in 1981, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre is located on Ryrie Street.

This cultural hub boasts high-profile events such as orchestras and concerts in addition to small-scale artistic endeavours. From 1970s laser light shows to retellings of classic literature, this performing arts centre has options that can suit anyone’s tastes. Visit their website to see what’s on.

Bellarine Rail Trail

If you want to add an additional challenge to your Great Ocean Road adventure, the Bellarine Rail Trail is the perfect option. This 33 km trail stretches all the way from Geelong to Queenscliff in the Bellarine Peninsula on Port Phillip Bay. It is a popular cycling trail and takes approximately eight hours for a moderate cyclist to complete in full.

The Bellarine Rail Trail offers a scenic outdoor adventure to anyone willing to trek it. There are also several points of interest along the trail such as local wineries and beaches.

Geelong Gallery

Any art lover is bound to be impressed with the curated offerings available at the Geelong Gallery . This art gallery is one of Australia’s oldest regional art galleries, as it was established way back in 1896. Thankfully, this is one of many free things to do in Geelong.

There are over 6,000 works of art on display at the Geelong Gallery. Some of the most acclaimed works at the Geelong Art Gallery include Frederick McCubbin’s A bush burial (1890). Geelong Gallery features many works of art that depict Geelong’s history in its permanent collection as well as several contemporary Australian paintings.

If you’d like an underrated recommendation from us then check out local artist Rachel Hine’s Heard not the voice of a bird (2020) which is a stunning multi-medium piece. There are also several temporary exhibitions available to view.

Explore Trendy Neighbourhoods

If you feel like meandering the streets of Geelong, then check out these areas. The western end of Little Malop Street has a pedestrian street mall with specialty shops and dining options, known for being the hippest area of the city. It is part of a redevelopment project.

Pakington Street which is known as “Pako” to locals is sprinkled with dining options and street shopping. The South end of “Pako” is better known for its creative endeavours. It is home to a host of art galleries and creatives.

If you’re interested in exploring outside of Geelong proper, Fairy Park is the oldest theme park in Victoria. It is within the Geelong region, just thirty minutes from the centre. This theme park is designed to feel as if you’re entering into a fairy tale land of adventure and imagination. It offers visitors a playground, puppet tableaus, and model trains with plenty of kids activities.

Fairy Park is open to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This themed attraction has been open since 1959. It’s a magical place dedicated to bringing the wonders of classic folklore to light.

Geelong Gaol Museum

The Geelong Gaol Museum is one of the best places to go when you visit Geelong if you’re looking to get a little spooked. The museum offers a Geelong Gaol ghost tour through one of Australia’s most intact convict prisons. Ghost tours are held after dark — do you dare?

Opened in 1853, this three-story bluestone gaol is full of chilling tales and is not for the faint of heart. It ran continuously until 1991 when the gates of this spooky institution finally closed. In the years prior to its closing, it was a prison, an industrial school for young girls, a hospital for the sick and dying, a military detention centre, and ultimately a training prison.

The old Geelong Gaol offered those incarcerated there a miserable and barren existence. It was also the location of six executions. Today, the land is a museum offering guests a sordid insight into the horrible conditions of Victorian colonial crime and punishment. It is an educational experience that can offer one a ton of insight into the past, and maybe a chance encounter with a ghost.

Museum of Play and Art

Perfect for those who are travelling with children, the Museum of Play and Art is a place to visit in Geelong that is perfect for the whole family. As Geelong’s first children’s museum, this is a great rainy day activity.

There are several immersive hands-on experiences and educational activities at the Museum of Art and Play, one of Victoria’s acclaimed children’s museums. Staff are incredibly informative and always eager to assist with kids’ activities. Although the Museum of Play and Art is open seven days a week, spots are limited. Be sure to book in advance to ensure that you get a spot!

Buckley Falls and The Old Paper Mill

Buckley Falls and The Old Paper Mill area is the ideal scenic locale on the Barwon River. It is a wonderful area for outdoor sports like cycling, hiking, and fishing. Buckley Falls is home to several bird species and makes the perfect destination for bird watching. If you’re incredibly lucky, you might even spot a platypus!

The Old Paper Mill is a historic complex with a variety of shops, galleries, and cafes housed inside. It is worth a walk around. Otherwise, you can find Provenance Wines nearby if you want a more established cellar door experience. Combine all three locations for a perfect day trip.

Adventure Park Geelong

Just fifteen minutes outside of central Geelong is Victoria’s biggest water theme park. Adventure Park is one of the most popular Geelong attractions and is especially popular with families.

This waterpark is one of Victoria’s best. It offers dozens of rides as well as VIP cabanas to relax in after taking in the sun. The most popular out of all the 24 attractions offered at Geelong Adventure Park is by far the Tornado. It’s Victoria’s longest and arguably the most epic waterslide around. Thrill-seekers take note!

Geelong Waterfront

The Geelong Waterfront is by far the most popular attraction in Geelong. It boasts spectacular sunset views and has a great atmosphere and dining options. The sunsets make for the perfect romantic stroll along the waterfront and to Cunningham Pier. Cunningham Pier is 330 metres long and was built in the 1850s.

The Geelong Waterfront is also a great option for families to enjoy during their trip and icon in the city. The Geelong Giant Sky Wheel is a humongous Ferris wheel that is a must-try during your Geelong trip. If you have little ones, they will love Poppy Kettle Playground which contains a big slide and climbing nets. Poppy Kettle Playground is located near the end of Cunningham Pier.

If you’re shy about heights, there is also a hand-carved wooden carousel that dates back to 1892. The architecture is simply stunning and makes this historic carousel a must-see for any history buffs.

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

At the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre , you’ll get the opportunity to learn about the world’s oldest living culture with interactive experiences. Throw a boomerang, learn traditional heritage, and admire Indigenous art amid lush native gardens. The Narana Art Gallery offers works of art from local artists and Indigenous artists across the country.

This amazing educational experience is offered free of charge to visitors and is open seven days a week. The word ‘narana’ means to deeply listen and understand. The Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre aims to foster a spirit of learning and reconciliation through educational engagement and the fostering of dialogue.

The centre also offers cultural education programmes designed to include people of all ages, from school holiday activities to the business community. There is also a cafe and a small wildlife sanctuary.

Special Events and Festivals

If you’re interested in mingling with Geelong locals, these special events and festivals are the perfect place to meet someone new. Geelong is host to a wide variety of celebrations throughout the calendar year.

South Geelong Farmer’s Market

The South Geelong Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce on the first Sunday and the third Sunday of each month. It offers local farmers a chance to sell their wares to visitors. Be sure to get up early for a chance to enjoy all it has to offer and experience the growing artisanal food culture in Geelong.

Wallington Strawberry Fair

The Geelong Wallington Strawberry Fair is fun that any fruit aficionado can enjoy. This school fair is hosted every March. It draws massive crowds due to its music, rides, and entertainment attractions — as well as bountiful strawberries.

There are rides and carnival music available for children during the Wallington Strawberry Fair as well as raffles and market stalls.

Pako Festa is one of the most exciting things to do in Geelong. This celebration of diversity and heritage is a vibrant street party celebrating multiculturalism in Geelong. It was founded in 1983 but has grown massively since then.

Today, Pako Festa draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands. It is a completely free event that hosts global foods, artistic projects, and dozens of events from various cultural communities. Pako Festa is held every February.

White Night Geelong

White Night Geelong is an evening of cultural enrichment with plenty of vibrant visual art, family fun, light projections, and music for attendees to enjoy. White Night draws thousands of spectators each year to engage in the festivities. It transforms Geelong into an immersive art display.

White Night is held every October. It is a vibrant celebration of local culture and artists that celebrates the community and heritage of Geelong.

Meredith Music Festival

The Meredith Music Festival is a three-day outdoor music festival held every December in the nearby town of Meredith. This music festival features a wide range of musicians to suit anyone’s tastes, from EDM to country to rock. It is truly an experience like no other.

Steampacket Gardens Outdoor Movies

During December, the Steampacket Gardens area becomes an open-air movie theatre. Movies are screened for free at the Geelong waterfront. The movies tend to be light, family-friendly fare. It is one of the little things to do in Geelong that make the city so special.

Toast to the Coast

Toast to the Coast is a Geelong wine festival held every May on the waterfront. This iconic festival is one of the most popular things to do in Geelong. It features only the best local wines that the Victoria region has to offer.

Ticket holders get the opportunity to sample over twenty different regional wines in addition to live jazz and acoustic bands. Oh, and there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy with your Pinot Noir.

History buffs, foodies, and anyone simply looking for fun things to do should add a visit to Geelong. It is simply a gem on the Bellarine Peninsula which is great for short or long visits.

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Due for a weekend trip to escape the city? Delve into these fun Geelong attractions to inspire your next Melbourne family getaway.

I get it. Sometimes a trip to a holiday destination along the Great Ocean Road is just  too damn far for a short weekend getaway. So, what are we, Melbournians, left with that’s under 2 hour’s drive away where whiney kids won’t drive us completely bonkers in the car?

The Mornington Peninsula , Phillip Island, or perhaps even Ballarat if you’re not fussed about visiting the coast. But, wait, there’s also Geelong. Didn’t think of that one, did ya? Filled with super friendly locals, this flourishing city by the coast breathes good vibes, and best of all – it’s packed with amazing food and fun sights.

And, to all my parent homies on the same bandwagon – the constant struggle to entertain kids – I can assure you that there’s no shortage of kids’ activities in Geelong. From epic water theme parks to playgrounds and beaches –  Geetroit has it all. On top of that, it’s only a half hour drive to the surf capital of the state – Torquay. How much better located can you possibly get?

So, what are you waiting for? Get your bags ready and transport your family’s derrieres to Geelong and explore all that this lively place has to offer.

Looking for more Melbourne day trip ideas?

2 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 12 Must-Do Stops

25 Bucket List Day Trips from Melbourne

10 FUN Things to do in Mornington Peninsula

Things to Know Before Visiting

When is the best time to visit? Summer, duh. To avoid peak school holiday crowds – don’t come between December to January. February and March are perfect – the weather is still warm and you’ll be able to swim in the ocean without acquiring hypothermia.

You’ll find everything you need in Geelong.  Thinking of packing your entire pantry or doing an epic grocery run before coming down? You won’t have to. Geelong has all the shops and supermarkets one could possibly need. Aldi, Woolies, Coles, organic and health stores. Lighten the travel load.

What’s the weather like?  Pretty similar to Melbourne, really. On occasion, you’ll find it slightly cooler due to the ocean breeze, so make sure to pack some thicker layers (especially in winter).

How far is Geelong from the Great Ocean Road? It’s only a 30-minute drive to Torquay (where the drive begins) from the city centre, which is why Geelong is the perfect base or first stop on your journey.

Best place to park? Parking is very affordable – most spaces won’t cost you more than $6.80 to park for the entire day. Safe to say, you won’t get ripped like in the Melbourne CBD.

RELATED: 12 Highlights of the Great Ocean Road

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Top 10 Geelong Attractions

Alright, look. On paper – Geelong is not a big city, and you might not think there’s much to do. But, hear me out. We recently attempted to do Geelong and the surrounds over 3 days, and… You guessed it. We didn’t even get around to half of the things I had on our itinerary. Guys, there’s a myriad of things to do in Geelong and you couldn’t cover it in one weekend even if you tried your absolute hardest.

1. MoPA: Museum of Play and Art – Geelong Children’s Museum

Geelong’s Children’s Museum, MoPA, offers one of the richest family experiences you’ll find in the region. The beautiful big heritage building is filled to the brim with immersive experiences and exhibits that will inspire, entertain and educate the entire family.

Designed to first-and-foremost be relaxing for parents and heaps of fun for the kids, the Museum also supports the physical, cognitive and emotional development occurring in Children aged between 0 and Early Primary.

On top of all this fun and edutainment, the on-site cafe provides yummy food that caters to all dietary needs, and the coffee is amazing!

Be sure to check availability and book tickets on the MoPA website prior to your visit – because this place sells out fast on most days.

Opening hours:  9.30am – 4.30pm (every day except Mondays)

Location:  51 McKillop St, Geelong

Price:  $14 (children) | $10 (adults) | $8 (seniors) | Free for under 12 months

What’s the first thing all visitors do when they arrive in Geelong? Head straight to the Waterfront because that’s where you’ll find food, cafés and stacks of activities that’ll put a smile on kids’ dials.

Stroll down Cunningham Pier and see if you can spot fish in the water, duck into Carousel Pavilion that houses a 127-year old working steam-driven carousel, snap a pic next to the Bayside Bollards, take a spin on the Giant Sky Wheel to view the Waterfront area from above.

Foodies – you can eat your heart out at one of the many Geelong restaurants dotted along the Beach Road.

3. Eastern Beach Reserve

One of the top Geelong attractions for families when visiting in summer is the Eastern Beach Reserve, a huge grassy outdoor space where families can pitch up tents, roll out picnics or enjoy barbecues while the kiddos run amuck at the playground, dip in the shallow children’s pool, or leap off the diving tower at the Enclosed Beach.

There’s no shortage of kids’ activities in Geelong, but this is also a great area to explore without little ones in tow. The Grand Staircase leading to the beachfront makes for a great Insta-photo opportunity, or stroll along the over-the-water boardwalk that makes up the shark-proof Enclosed Beach and soak in the serenity of the ocean.

4. Adventure Park Geelong

One of the most exciting things to see in Geelong is – Adventure Park – Victoria’s largest water theme park, that houses the exhilarating and heart attack-inducing slide – Tornado. Warning though, once kids enter this place – they will never want to leave. So, if you’re prepared to deal with that kind of outcome (speaking from experience), then I dare you to visit.

If thrill seeking is not your cuppa tea, don’t fear. There’s plenty of rides and activities for scaredy cats and young children. Squeeze your behind into an inflatable doughnut and float down the Lazy River sippin’ on a cold beverage. There’s something to be found for all age groups, the park offers a Tiny Tots Splashzone, a Ferris Wheel, rollercoasters, carousels, paddle boat rides, Mini Golf, and so much more.

Visitor Information

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (October until April)

Entry price: $44.50 (120cm+), $34.50 (90-120cm), under 90cm free

For more information, visit the official website .

5. Geelong Botanic Gardens

Found within Eastern Park, this is a little hidden gem that not many visitors come across. The gardens are immaculately maintained, with a broad collection of flora and fauna for botany enthusiasts to admire. With an abundance of open space for kids and dogs to run wild in – it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the fragrances of nature (provided you’re not allergic to them like I am). On top of that, you can also enjoy a cuppa tea or coffee and sweet snacks at The Tea House.

Opening hours: 7.30am – 7pm (summer) & 7.30am – 5pm (winter)

YOU MIGHT LIKE:  10 Amazing Places to Visit in Victoria

6. Geelong Powerhouse Street Art

Abandoned for 45 years, Powerhouse Geelong is Australia’s largest indoor space to create ephemeral street art inside a 3,000 square metre building. Over 220 artists have contributed their pieces thus far, with at least 3 new artworks produced every day. What a way to convert an abandoned and formerly glum-looking power station into a vibrant arts precinct that stands to rival Melbourne CBD’s famed Hosier Lane.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🔝URBEX🔝 (@unknown140267) on Mar 28, 2018 at 10:30pm PDT

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm daily

7. National Wool Museum

Okay, look. I know. It doesn’t sound overly exciting, but the National Wool Museum has so much more to offer than you think. It’s where history, science, fashion and art meet to tell an authentic Australian story in an interactive and entertaining way. Probably one of the most underrated Geelong attractions, this museum is considered to be one of Australia’s cultural treasures. There’s a whole heap of hands-on activities for kids, such as sock knitting or the wool carding machines, and even a sand and LEGO play area.

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 5pm (Sat-Sun)

Entry price: $10 (adult), $6 (child)

SEE MORE: Top 10 Attractions in Melbourne for Kids

8. Geelong Vintage Market

A treasure trove and haven for those who love their collectables and, well, everything vintage. With 60 unique stalls to stroll past, you’ll find old signage, jewellery, furniture, retro goods, upcycled creations, industrial items, clothing and tons more.

This is one of the most fun and unique things to do in Geelong, I mean, the good times don’t stop at vintage shopping. If you need a breather, pop over to The Pickers Union for smiles, good coffee, and a mean serving of smashed avo on bread.

Opening hours: 10am – 6pm daily

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Geelong Vintage Market (@geelongvintagemarket) on Aug 29, 2018 at 3:30am PDT

Nerd or not – this is one place everyone can find something or character they have something in common with. I’m a Harry Potter fan, so when I saw a Hagrid figurine, I was done. The kids went around calling out the names of all the characters in the entire Marvel universe and Andy spent his time gawking at everything from Star Wars to Pokémon. I literally had to force-drag him out of the store because he was ready to sign a rental agreement and move into the store. They even had life-size figurines of Iron Man, Wonder Woman and a whole bunch of other popular characters.

Opening hours: Daily (see website for details)

10. Old Geelong Gaol

Love a good hair-raising tale and maybe a spook or two? The Old Geelong Gaol is one of the must-visit Geelong attractions that you cannot  forego. With fabulous guides who tell (and sometimes even enact) spine-tingling stories of what prison life was like from the 1860s to early 1990s, you’ll walk (or run) out of this place feeling intrigued and horrified at the same time.

Several visitors have reported feeling something tug their pants or a hand behind their ears in certain parts of the old gaol. So, if you’re down for some heart palpitations and lessons in history, you need to check into this place.

Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday, School & Public Holidays

Entry price: $10 (adult), $5 (child)

11. Explore the Bellarine Peninsula

If you’ve run out of things to do in Geelong, well, then you’re in luck because there’s a whole heap of sights and coastal gems that surround this bustling little city. Our favourite half day trip involved driving down the Bellarine Peninsula and scrambling along the rocky shores of Barwon Heads and exploring the former seaside resort town – Queenscliff.

One of the most scenic places to visit in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula is also home to Searoad Ferries where you can jump on a 40-minute ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento in the Mornington Peninsula.

TAKE A LOOK: Top Attractions in Mornington Peninsula for Families

Considering a trip to the Great Ocean Road? Take a look at these day tours.

Festivals & Events in Geelong & Bellarine

Wondering what’s on in Geelong for when you’re visiting? Gotchu covered. Below is a list of the region’s major events and festivals. For a complete line-up, take a look at the official website .

Festival of Sails (January)  – usually held over Australia Day weekend, this event is considered to be the largest annual keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere. But, it’s not all about boat racing – the festival stretches across the entire Waterfront featuring food, markets and an abundance of activities for kids.

Pako Festa (February)  – Victoria’s biggest festival celebrating cultural diversity takes place in Geelong’s famed Pakington Street and is joined by over 40 cultures, featuring street parades, food, performances, workshops and more.

Australian International Air Show (Feb/March) – held every 2 years, this is one of Australia’s largest events where planes put on incredible shows in the skies and visitors can get up close to military aircraft, unique planes and helicopters.

Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea (late March) – a fun family event with a huge line-up of activities for kids, including the famed yellow duck race. Say what? Yup, you heard right. Hundreds of yellow plastic ducks are thrown into the river and pitted against one another for charity. This is, literally, the absolute highlight of the festival.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (April)  – this famed beach half an hour outside of Geelong is home to the world’s longest running and most prestigious surfing competitions in the world. This is an amazing event to attend if you happen to be heading down that way this time of the year.

Royal Geelong Show (October)  – a fun family event and one of the best kids’ activities in Geelong, time your visit with this event to experience Australia’s biggest agricultural show. Featuring huge carnival rides, show bags, and fluffy farm animals – this is one event the whole family will love.

READ MORE: 10 of the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne

Where to Stay: Atlantic Geelong Apartments

We stayed at the Atlantic Geelong apartments, which was conveniently located a 10-minute leisurely stroll from the vibin’ Waterfront, dotted with top-rated restaurants and cafés – it’ll comfort you to know that food is never far away. Although the layout might remind you of a motel, I can assure you it ain’t no ordinary motel. These chic studios and apartments feature private outdoor courtyards, a small kitchenette containing all the essential utensils, tableware and appliances.  It was equipped as hell, guys. They even provided a portable stovetop in case you need to quickly whip up a meal for hungry, whiny little humans.

Check prices & read reviews: HotelsCombined | Booking.com

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Places to Eat in Geelong

Geelong is a sanctum for food lovers – you’ll find no shortage of delicious eats from artisan coffee and brunch to fusion eats, and scrumptious feeds at super hip wineries and breweries.

While we’re on the topic of breweries, Little Creatures Brewery is a must-visit if you enjoy a frothy bevvy coupled with a to-die-for menu in a super cool industrial setting where the kids can run amuck. Think Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney, but wayyyy less hectic. Try the Chilli Tomato Mussels, Prawn Pizza and, to top of your foodgasm, Double Chocolate Brownie ?

For one of the finer Geelong restaurants for a juicy steak or rack of ribs, you can’t go past Squires Loft . Next to it, one of the best new restaurants in Geelong – Yeah Boy . Modern, hip and kid-friendly, this is the place to be if you want a healthy feed with a twist. Must-tries are the Kentucky Friend Cauliflower, Chicken Sexi Mexi bowl, Mushroom Pizza and dairy-free Nice Cream. They even have a healthy kids’ menu available.

Getting from Melbourne to Geelong

Geelong is located 75km southwest of the Melbourne CBD and is easily accessible by car or the V-line (regional train).

Driving from Melbourne to Geelong:  From the CBD, it’s accessible via only one road – the M1 freeway from the Westgate Bridge. From there on, it’s roughly over an hours drive.

For the best rates on hire cars, we use and recommend Rentalcars to compare prices and pick the perfect car suited for your travels.

PRO TIP: Avoid driving during peak hour. The M1 and Westgate is notorious for traffic jams. Plan ahead to avoid travelling during peak hour so you don’t get stuck in crazy westside traffic.

Getting from Melbourne to Geelong by Train: Simply jump on the Geelong line from Southern Cross Station and it’ll take you directly to either the North, South or Main station. Services usually run every 10 minutes during peak times or every 20 minutes all other times. Check the V/Line website for more information and schedule times.

There, you have it – 10 Geelong attractions you must add to your itinerary. On the real, if you’re not easily spooked, the Gaol is an underrated experience for lovers of history, crime and everything paranormal. If time permits, a drive down to the Bellarine Coast also needs to be on the agenda. I wish we had done this sooner!

• Great Ocean Road 2-Day Itinerary: 12 Must-See Sights
• 10 Must-Do Day Trips in Victoria, Australia
• The Best of Mornington Peninsula: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
• 10 of the Best Things to do in Ballarat with Kids
• Top Family Accommodation in Melbourne for all Budgets
• 10 FUN Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

Did this guide help you plan your Geelong trip, or at the very least give you a chuckle? Sign up for more humour & Melbourne guides.

Resources to help plan your trip to Geelong:

Visit our Travel Resources to find the best deals on flights, accommodation and attractions. We love and use these services ourselves to plan all of our family trips – they save us a ton of time and money.

Sweet accommodation deals for you:

• $15 USD OFF your reservation on Booking.com
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For ideas on what to pack for a family trip, check out our  gear and accessories  that we take with us on every single trip.

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A Weekend with Kids in Mornington Peninsula: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Eat

The Ultimate Melbourne Itinerary 5 Days: Coffee, Culture & Coastal Gems

What a lovely guide! I’m bookmarking it for when I finally get to Australia. This looks great for a family trip.

Worth going to Geelong for the diversity of foods!

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Things to do in Melbourne with kids

39 Best Things to Do in Geelong with Kids

Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city and it’s so easy to get to from Melbourne, being only about 1 hour by freeway or Vline train . The city has lots to offer families and it makes for a fantastic half-day, full-day or short break destination for families.

Here are my tips for the best places to go and things to do with kids in Geelong. Come and explore all of the kid’s activities Geelong has to offer!

For accommodation options in Geelong, I recommend checking out what’s available on Airbnb.

 Things to do Geelong with kids

The waterfront in Geelong is where a lot of the Geelong kids activities and must-do action is located. On a sunny day, the glistening waters of Corio Bay make it a really appealing spot to while away a day.

The area hosts many community festivals, including the annual Festival of Sails .

1. Eastern Beach

Eastern Beach is the jewel of the waterfront and the setting reminds me of the Italian Riviera!

It’s full of things to see in Geelong that are not to be missed; there is an amazing fenced outdoor public pool, a large playground, a ferris wheel for views of the bay, picnic and barbecue areas and of course a beach (which actually is probably the least interesting part of Eastern Beach, being rather small). Eastern Beach review.

A little further along you will find Steampacket Gardens, a large open green space for kids to burn some energy, or sit for a quiet picnic to take in the views.

The adjacent footpaths are nice and flat for scooters and bikes, and the kids will be fascinated by the giant buoys at the far end. There are also monthly markets held.

Eastern Beach , 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong

Related: Best Beaches in Melbourne for Kids

2. Giant Sky Wheel

The Giant Sky Wheel in Geelong is a prominent landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, it stands as a symbol of Geelong’s vibrant culture and tourism appeal.

Families can enjoy a unique and memorable experience aboard this colossal observation wheel, capturing stunning vistas of the city and the beautiful coastline.

Giant Sky Wheel , 31 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong

3. Poppy Kettle Playground

On the other side of the waterfront area is Western Beach . Geelong kids will love the cute and colourful Poppy Kettle playground !

We always stop off at this playground when we visit the Geelong waterfront area – that rainbow slide is so fun! There is an interactive Poppy Kettle water feature too which unfortunately isn’t often turned on when we visit.

Poppy Kettle Playground , The Esplanade, Geelong

4. Museum of Play and Art

Museum of Play and Art is Geelong’s first Children’s Museum and a space for families to learn and play. It’s one of the great things to do in Geelong for families, particularly when the weather’s cold, wet or too hot, but the bright light-filled space and indoor/outdoor areas means it’s good for any time of year!

It’s based on the popular children’s museums found all over the USA and is an amazing, inspiring space! Museum of Play and Art Review . 

MoPA: Museum of Play and Art, 51 McKillop St, Geelong 1800 00 66 72

Related: Best Museums in Melbourne for Families

5. Geelong Playspace

The award-winning playspace is fully fenced from Geelong Botanic Gardens and features a pirate ship, nature play and shaded areas in Geelong for kids. Geelong Playspace review.

Geelong Playspace , Eastern Park Circuit, Geelong

6. Geelong Carousel

According to Lady AB, any time we’re enjoying activities in Geelong, we must include a trip around the heritage carousel, a Geelong landmark.

The glass floor-to-ceiling pavilion in which it’s housed is architecturally spectacular in itself and you can visit just the pavilion for free.

Geelong Carousel , 1 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong Waterfront

7. Waterfront Geelong Train Tours

Eastern Beach Train Tours has a miniature train that takes you from Geelong Carousel to Eastern Beach and back again in 20 minutes for $8 per person.

It’s a nice way to see attractions in Geelong if you’re not inclined to walk, or if you have kids who like trains!

8. Geelong Bollards

If you’re on the waterfront you can’t miss Geelong’s Baywalk Bollards . From Rippleside Park, through Waterfront Geelong to the Botanic Gardens, you’ll find 104 huge painted icons of Geelong’s past. It’s one of the free things to do in Geelong where you’ll see a number of attractions throughout the city!

There’s a self-guided Geelong Bollard Trail Walk if you want to see them all (and visit multiple Geelong attractions) but I recommend focusing on six of the bollard sites as they have been activated via augmented reality ! Just download the free  Active Geelong app  in the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone then visit the activated bollards situated between  Eastern Beach and Cunningham Pier. Geelong Bollards Augmented Reality review

9. Geelong Gallery

Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries and entry is free. They have permanent and temporary exhibitions on a regular basis.

For little ones aged 18 months – 4 years you can join in their regular Gallery Tots sessions. Full of play-based activities and interactive storytelling, these sessions are designed to inspire little ones’ creativity and imagination.

Geelong Gallery , Little Malop Street, Geelong, (03) 5229 3645

10. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre

The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre – or The Dome – is magnificent from the outside. Inside there’s a whole floor dedicated to kids, with children’s books, puppets, toys and dress-ups – kids’ stuff Geelong locals and visitors can enjoy. Geelong Library review

Behind the library you will find Johnston Park – a beautiful area of landscaped gardens and grass area for the kids to run around in, or set up a picnic.

Geelong Library and Heritage Centre , 51 Little Malop St, Geelong

Related: Best Libraries in Melbourne

11. Geelong Arts Centre

If you’re looking for things to do with kids Geelong Arts Centre regularly hosts children’s programming and school holiday activities, including shows that would normally be touring Arts Centre Melbourne (at a cheaper price!).

Recently undergoing a $140m redevelopment, the Geelong Arts Centre building facade sits as the jewel in the crown of the Little Malop Street arts district, across from the Geelong Gallery and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre .

Get more info on Geelong Art Centre’s children and family programming .

Geelong Arts Centre , 50 Little Malop St, Geelong, 1300 251 200 , [email protected]

12. National Wool Museum

It’s got a reputation for being a somewhat daggy establishment but in fact, the revamp of the old workers’ cottages means that kids have the opportunity to interact with the artefacts and pretend play. They also have rotating exhibitions in the upstairs gallery.

Check out what’s on at the National Wool Museum’s Events section for fun things to do in Geelong for kids, especially during school holidays.

National Wool Museum 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong , 03 5272 4701

13. Geelong Gaol Museum

Looking for things to do in Geelong this weekend? Visit the most intact 19th Century prison in Victoria, which closed in 1991 in the conditions seen at The Geelong Gaol Museum today.

Open weekends, school holidays and public holidays, you’ll see displays telling the history of the prison and its prisoners, exhibitions on Colonial Prisons, the Hulks, Rogues and Vagabonds and Saga Behind the Armour.

Geelong Gaol Museum , 202 Myers St, Geelong, 1300 865 800

14. Barwon Valley Fun Park and Balyang Sanctuary

Only a five minute drive from the CBD, the expansive Barwon Valley Fun Park on the banks of the Barwon river is a kids’ paradise.

With areas for the smaller kids with little slides and bouncy fish, as well as the larger play equipment for the older kids – everyone will have a ball.

There is a zipline, pirate ship, ladybug car and lots of other equipment to keep them busy.

There is a large block of toilets on the hill, as well as picnic and barbeque facilities with undercover areas for shade.

Take the bridge across the river to Newtown and you will come to Balyang Sanctuary . The kids will love the amount of birdlife here – from ducks, to waterbirds and screeching cockatoos. Explore the little islands and walk the boardwalk, or take the river tracks for a bike or scooter ride.

Barwon Valley Fun Park, 132 Barrabool Rd, Belmont VIC 3216

Balyang Sanctuary , 50 Marnock Rd, Newtown VIC 3220

15. We Rock the Spectrum Geelong

We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor play centre and sensory gym that’s geared towards kids with special needs – though it welcomes everyone! 

It provides Bellarine kids with a fun and motivational environment to help them with strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behaviour modification, social interactions, and self-care skills.

We Rock the Spectrum , 170 Marshalltown Road, Geelong 1300 268 045

16. The Rock Adventure Centre , Newtown

Boasting state-of-the-art facilities  The ROCK Adventure Centre  in Geelong caters from young children through to adults of all abilities.

There is 1000 square metres of Climbing Terrain with walls up to 12 metres high, and a huge variety of routes for beginners to experts. There is also a massive bouldering area & cave, stretching area and training walls, as well as the cafe serving drinks and snacks when you’ve worked up an appetite!

The Rock Adventure Centre Geelong , Rear 403 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220, (03) 5221 3101

Best Indoor Rock Climbing for Kids Melbourne

17. Rollerway , Newtown

For a retro-fun time, get your skates on and head to Rollerway Newtown!

With skating open to the public on weekends and school holidays, you can walk in and have the friendly staff get you fitted out with either inline skates or traditional roller skates and have a blast.

They offer casual bookings, Learn to Skate lessons as well as a kiosk with hot and cold food and drink options.

Rollerway Newtown , 6-8 Lampard Ave, Newtown VIC 3220, 0411 335 544

18. Buckley Falls , Highton

Are you looking for an offroad adventure to enjoy with the kids? Then you’ll love  Buckley Falls  – a pristine and tranquil riverside reserve that will put you on a picturesque journey along the river banks through Fyansford and South Geelong to see stunning waterfall views.

Once there, you’ll get the option to park at Queens Park, where you’ll then make your way up the trail to the lookout on foot or on wheels. As you go on your journey, keep an eye out for commonly spotted animals such as the tawny frogmouths, gang-gang cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets. If you’re lucky enough, you may even see a swamp wallaby along the water’s edge; Or at the small car park alongside the falls, which provides easy access for a quick pit stop to appreciate the view.

After you’ve taken in the scenic views and it’s time to go, you can choose to follow the River Red Gum Walk downstream to reach the Barwon Aqueduct River Trail, where you can grab a quick bite to eat at either the Fyansford Hotel or Provenance Wines which is just a little way up ahead.

Buckley Falls , 150 Queens Park Road, Highton

19. Barrabool Maze Estate , Ceres

Set on a 1.6 hectare property with gardens, a maze and a cafe near Ceres, west of Geelong, new owners took over this estate in 2015 and have lovingly and painstakingly brought the hedge maze back to life after it had been all but abandoned for a few years. 

The area is one of the driest parts of Victoria as it sits in a rainshadow of the Otway Ranges so it has a unique garden full of succulents, cacti, robust Australian natives and hardy exotics. The plants are thoughtfully arranged to make the most of foliage, flowers and form. There are also beautiful roses and seasonal perennials to add interest.

The maze has two lookouts so you can get a bird’s eye view of the maze, gardens and surroundings.

 Barrabool Maze Estate , 35 Walter Rd, Barrabool, 1300 356 217, [email protected]

20. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre , Grovedale

A wonderful place for children to explore and learn about Aboriginal history and culture, Narana is a great stop for a friendly and relaxed visit.

The centre is free to enter, and you can purchase cups of feed for $3 to feed the roaming wildlife including kangaroos and emus, while you follow the signs as you wander around. There are guided tours available, and boomerang throwing sessions.

There is also a cafe and playground on site, as well as a gift shop.

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre , 410 Surfcoast Hwy, Grovedale

21. BounceINC Geelong, Grovedale

With already tonnes of fun activities including the free-jump arena, x-run and the big bag –  BounceINC Geelong  also has a climbing wall with a challenge for every climber!

There is also a soft play playground areas for smaller bodies, as well as a cafe with drinks and snacks.

BounceINC Geelong , 3/174 Torquay Road, Grovedale VIC 3216, (03) 9131 5099

22. Artsy Crafty Lounge , Norlane

Kids and adults alike can get their creativity flowing with a visit to Artsy Crafty Lounge.

With activities including painting, plaster work, jewellery-making workshops, resin moulds and more – the only limit is your imagination!

Open weekends and school holidays.

Artsy Crafty Lounge , Shop 3, Labuan Square, Forster Street, Norlane VIC 3214, 0423 040 757, [email protected]

23. Serendip Sanctuary , Lara

Serendip Sanctuary is one of the things to do around Geelong if you want to get out in nature. It’s a Parks Victoria-run nature reserve where you can go bird-watching and spot native wildlife, all for free. It’s a quiet spot for a picnic and barbecue too.

During school holidays Serendip Sanctuary regularly hosts special free school holiday programs as part of Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangers program of nature-based play.

Serendip Sanctuary , 100 Windermere Rd, Lara

24. Lara Pool , Lara

When the temperature is HOT and you’re looking for things to do in Geelong region, then head to the awesome Lara Pool .

It’s more than your average public pool – enjoy the pirate-themed water slide playground, shaded toddler pool and fully fenced kids area with shady spots to sit. Lara Pool review

Lara Pool , 2 Bank St, Lara , 03 5282 1563

25. Fairy Park , Anakie

A bit further out from Geelong is Fairy Park in Anakie , the oldest theme park in Victoria.

One of the delightful places to visit near Geelong that inspires plenty of imaginative play; Fairy Park is an old-fashioned fairytale theme park with retro puppet tableaus, model trains and a fun fairytale playground. Fairy Park review

Fairy Park, 2388 Geelong-Ballan Rd, Anakie , 03 5284 1262

26. Anakie Gorge , Anakie

Anakie Gorge is a great place to head if you’re keen on an easy family bushwalk. Part of the Brisbane Ranges, it is a great walk for little ones who haven’t done a lot of bushwalking. You can wander along Stony Creek and spot wallabies and koalas through a unique dry gorge on this family-friendly walk. Keep an eye out for the iconic duck orchid and other native wildflowers or watch an abundance of birdlife amongst the eucalypts.

Anakie Gorge Walk , Staughton Vale, VIC 3340

Things to do Bellarine Peninsula with kids

27. adventure park geelong , wallington.

Just 15 minutes outside Geelong is Victoria’s biggest theme Park; Adventure Park Geelong . It’s a popular Geelong attraction for families: home to water slides and dry rides, and there are splash pads and water playgrounds. You can book a (shaded) sunbed or cabana for the day at an additional cost. Read my full review.

Adventure Park Geelong , 1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington, 03 5250 7200

28. Tuckerberry Hill , Drysdale

Venture along the Bellarine Peninsula and you will find Tuckerberry Hill . They have seasonal fruit picking available for blueberries, strawberries, and stone fruit, and a cafe open all year round.

The kids (big and small!) will love tasting the fresh produce, and there is even a nano-brewery onsite brewing blueberry beer!

Tuckerberry Hill , 35 Becks Road, Drysdale VIC 3222, [email protected]

29. Kingston Park Playground , Ocean Grove

Not far out of Geelong, you’ll find the lovely little town of Ocean Grove. If you have time it’s well worth a visit along with the gorgeous neighbouring town of Barwon Heads. There’s a great playground in Ocean Grove called Kingston Park Playground, behind ‘The Mex’ restaurant, near the industrial area that’s lots of fun. 

The playground is based around a ‘landscape as playground’ theme, has a six-metre high central tower and two slides and features both passive and active play areas, as well as inclusive spaces for use by children of all abilities. 

Kingston Park Playground , 8-52 Adco Grove, Ocean Grove

30. See All Dolphin Swims , Queenscliff

You don’t have to actually swim to see the wildlife! See All Dolphin Swims offer sightseeing tours and they are a year-round, family favourite! You can see the wonderful wildlife of Port Phillip Bay from the warmth and comfort of the boat! The 1.5 hour tours leave from Queenscliff Harbour which is only about 30 minutes out of Geelong.

See All Dolphin Swims , Shop 3, Building 6, Queenscliff Boat Harbour, Queenscliff +61 3 5258 3889, [email protected] 

Things to do Surf Coast with kids

31. bunjil’s nest playground , mount duneed.

After being guided by the large bird sculpture at the entrance to the Armstrong estate you will find Bunjil’s Nest Playground.

It’s one of the places to visit in Geelong with all the right facilities for a day out; especially as there is so much room for kids of all ages.

The kids will love all the opportunities to climb (including a huge tree), the flying fox, in-ground trampolines and swings. Younger kids will enjoy the sandpit area and the smaller equipment surrounding the sandpit.

Facilities include water taps, public toilets, barbecues and picnic table shelters and an expansive cafe.

Bunjil’s Nest Playground, Sovereign Drive, Mount Duneed

32. The Messy Patch , Mount Duneed

If you really want to win the kids over, head to The Messy Patch where they can get their hands dirty in play-based learning with painting, construction, a splash zone, sandpit play and mud cooking!​

Sessions run every day Monday to Saturday, with some Sundays in the school holidays. A safe and fun activity with indoor and outdoor spaces to suit all types of weather.

The Messy Patch is suitable for children from newborns through to primary age.

The Messy Patch , 1135 Surf Coast Highway, Mount Duneed VIC 3217, 0448996377, [email protected]

33. Surf Coast Strawberry Fields , Mount Duneed

From October/November through to late April each year is strawberry season, and the best way to get them is to pick your own!

Let the kids roam around picking and eating as much strawberry goodness as they like. There are plenty of other fresh farm-made goodies for purchase too such as strawberry ice cream and jams, and pre-picked punnets available at the farm gate.

Make sure you check their Facebook page for regular updates, as some opening times may vary due to weather conditions.

Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, 2 McCanns Road, Mount Duneed VIC 3217

Best Places to Eat in Geelong with Kids

34. pavilion geelong.

Developed in 1927, The Pavilion is located on Eastern Beach waterfront precinct across from the famous swimming pool, playground and walking track so it makes a great meeting place for families and friends. 

It has been refreshed and revitalised over recent years and serves coffees from 6:30am daily for those who are up early and enjoying the walking track along the water. 

There is a large range of breakfast and lunch options available on the all-day menu including tasty kids options. 

The Pavilion , Eastern Beach, Geelong, +61 3 4214 2000

35. The Pickers Union

Cute decor, Instagram-worthy food and specialty coffee in North Geelong. Full review.

The Pickers Union , 3 Mackey St Geelong 0447 531 844

Edge is a big brassy pub and bistro on the waterfront with the added bonus of a children’s area with toys and books. There is also a large grassed area out the side for the kids to burn some energy.

The food is pretty good too, try their bouillabaisse. We visited as part of the Geelong Christmas Trail .

Edge , 6-8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong, 03 5222 2666

37. Little Creatures 

Little Creatures is originally a Western Australian beer company and their set up in Geelong enables them to serve the east coast of Australia with the freshest beer.

The huge site in Geelong is a ‘brewery village experience’, with a bustling Canteen, White Rabbit Barrel Hall and the colourful Mystery Lane. The food is fantastic, with lots of sharing plates and of course beers on tap and you can choose to sit inside or outside. For kid’s entertainment, you can ask to borrow some board games behind the bar.

During the year they’re famous for hosting events such as the Furphy Cinemas and Hops n Beats in the laneway during Summer, a Winter Wonderland festival in July, as well as beer launches and markets throughout the year.

Little Creatures , 221 Swanston St, Geelong, 03 5202 4009

38. Wah Wah Gee

The views don’t get any better than at Wah Wah Gee , located at the end of Cunningham Pier by the Geelong waterfront.

The restaurant doesn’t rest on its laurels though – it’s not a tourist trap. The on-trend Asian food and fancy drinks list means that it’s a hotspot for locals looking for a good time and a good feed.

Eat early before the crowds turn it into a fun and loud party venue!

Wah Wah Gee , Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach Foreshore Road, Geelong, 03 5222 6377

39. King of the Castle

This expansive dining hall has booths for families, high chairs, loads of pram room, a kids menu and a small area out the back. It offers coffee, bakery treats, gourmet burgers and an innovative menu.

King of the Castle, 24 Pakington St, Geelong West, 0418 227 366

For accommodation options in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, I recommend checking out what’s available on Airbnb.

Top things to do in Queenscliff with kids

Best things to do in ballarat with kids, best storytelling podcasts for kids, check out 30 best places to pick fresh fruit with kids in melbourne.

I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!

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About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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15 Completely FREE Things To Do In Geelong

Travelling to Geelong on a budget and want to know all the best free things to do in Geelong?

Are you wondering what to see in Geelong when money is tight?

Then you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find our guide to all the best Geelong things to do that won’t cost you a cent.

Let’s face it, whether you’re a local or an overseas tourist Australia is a crazy expensive place to visit. But this doesn’t have to be the case when you visit Geelong. As many of the best Geelong attractions are completely free!

So put your wallet away and keep reading to find out what to do in Geelong at absolutely no cost to you!

Table of Contents

15 Free Things To Do In Geelong

1) wander the geelong waterfront.

Most visitors start their Geelong sightseeing at the Waterfront . It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Geelong, and it’s possible to spend hours here without spending a cent.

Take a wander along the Baywalk and soak up the sea air while gazing at the sparkling blue water.

Along the way, you’ll pass yachts bobbing in the breeze, lush gardens, colourful painted bollards, public art installations, kids playgrounds and a youth activity centre, piers, jetties, and promenades, a historic carousel, giant sky wheel, and mind-blowing views.

Bring a picnic or barbecue and make a day of it.

Staying a few days? Find the best Accommodation in Geelong here.  

2) Take A Dip At Eastern Beach

At the most eastern end of the Waterfront, you’ll find the aptly named Eastern Beach. The jewel in the Waterfront’s crown, this amazing space is one of the best Geelong attractions for families, kids, and adults alike.

Here you’ll find wide expanses of lush lawns with picnic tables and barbecues, change rooms, and a cafe and kiosk.

The main focal point of the area is the 200-metre art-deco promenade that encloses the sea baths. It was beautifully restored in the 1990s, and a stroll around this iconic attraction is one of the must-do activities in Geelong.

There is plenty of free fun to be had with diving boards, a huge diving tower, floating islands, pontoons, a kiddies pool, and a playground.

Let the kids go wild!

For more information about Eastern Beach read our full guide by clicking here.

3) Walk The Geelong Bollards Trail

Dotted all along the Geelong foreshore are colourful wooden characters known as the Baywalk Bollards .

These whimsical pieces were created by a local artist using old timber pylons from a demolished city pier. Each one tells a story about the people who helped make Geelong the city it is today, from opera singers to the original indigenous inhabitants.

Over 100 of these artworks feature along the 3 kilometre Geelong Baywalk Bollards Trail. One of the fun things to do in Geelong is to slip on your walking shoes and discover them all!

The walk takes around 2 hours one way, but there are plenty of spots to stop and have a rest. Remember to bring snacks and a drink with you.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the hidden rabbits that lurk at the bollards’ feet.

For some interactive fun download the free Activate Geelong App .

4) Find The Bats In Eastern Park Geelong

With over 185 acres of parkland, walking tracks, picnic areas, and sporting facilities, Eastern Gardens Geelong is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Located within the parklands are rotundas and barbecues, the Geelong Playspace, Geelong Botanical Gardens, East Geelong Golf Course, and the Eastern Park Circuit.

These secluded Geelong gardens are also home to a colony of bats that spend the day hanging from the trees. At night they go looking for food and you’ll often see them flying over the Geelong rooftops.

For a closer look, you’ll find these creepy critters along the walking track near the golf course. Your nose will let you know you’re getting close!

1-4 Garden Street, Geelong 3220 

5) Unwind At The Geelong Botanic Gardens

The Geelong Botanical Gardens are considered one of Australia’s finest regional gardens. And it’s one of the most beautiful things to see in Geelong.

Built in 1851, the gardens are home to some breathtaking old trees, several of which are registered on the National Trust Significant Tree Register.

There are also manicured lawns, flowering garden beds, a hothouse, and pond. And a number of heritage features including statues and fountains, and a historic Cabman’s Shelter.

Of particular interest is the unique 21st Century Garden. This modern and innovative garden has been designed to adapt to the challenges of global warming and climate change.

Featuring plants from Australia and other low rainfall countries, it challenges the idea of what a botanic garden should actually look like.

On-site is the charming Geelong Botanical Gardens Cafe or “Tea House”, serving light refreshments.

Garden Street, East Geelong 3219 Open 7 Days a week. Entry is free.

6) Enjoy The Festivities At A Free Geelong Event

Geelong Victoria boasts a number of high profile festivals and events. Fortunately, many of the events in Geelong are free to attend.

These fabulous Geelong events are held throughout the year and feature everything from sporting spectacles to music festivals and cultural celebrations.

Here are a few great Geelong festivals that won’t cost you a cent:

• Festival Of Sails:  Enjoy thrilling yacht races at the largest annual keelboat regatta in the southern hemisphere.
• Pako Festa:  A vibrant street festival that celebrates multi-cultural Geelong. Don’t miss the dazzling parade!
• Geelong After Dark:  A curated artistic event that uses central Geelong as its canvas.
• White Night Geelong:  See the city transformed with projections, street performers, illuminations, and mesmerising music.

7) Learn About Aboriginal Culture At Narana Geelong

If you’re looking for Geelong tourist attractions with a cultural focus, then Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a great choice.

Narana is also terrific if you’re looking for fun things to do in Geelong with kids .

It’s a not for profit organisation that was developed to promote Reconciliation through education. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, cultural educators, indigenous art, a gift shop, and cafe.

The centre is surrounded by beautiful native trees, wooden walkways, and a native garden that’s home to local wildlife.

A wander through the garden will reveal swamp wallabies, emus, and eastern grey kangaroos. Many of whom are friendly and will come up to you looking for a pat!

Kids love it here.

410 Surf Coast Hwy, Grovedale 326 Entry to Narana Aboriginal Centre is free. Open Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am – 4 pm.

8) Visit The Geelong Gallery

Another of the great things to do around Geelong is to visit the Geelong Art Gallery.

Established in 1896 it’s one of the country’s leading regional galleries with over 6,000 works of art.

The impressive collection includes Australian and European paintings, prints, sculptures, and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present day.

A key focus of the collection is early images of the Geelong region detailing the progression of this remarkable city. Keep an eye out for my favourite, the haunting 1890 ‘A Bush Burial’ by Frederick McCubbin.

The gallery offers a range of workshops, lectures, and activities. And boasts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions.

You can read our full guide to the best Geelong galleries by clicking here.

55  Little Malop Street, Geelong 3220 Art Gallery Geelong Times: 7 Days 10 am – 5 pm

9) Join A Geelong Library Tour

Located in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct the Geelong Regional Library is a stunning architectural jewel.

This extraordinary building is made from glass and reinforced concrete and features a one-of-a-kind geodesic dome.

It sits adjacent to Johnstone Park and the building’s beauty is enhanced by a clever design that embraces the greenery outside.

Inside there are 5 levels including a dedicated children’s floor, reading rooms and comfy chairs, highspeed WiFi, a cafe, and a range of print, multimedia, and heritage items.

The crowning glory of this architectural masterpiece is the 5th-floor balcony that offers eye-popping views across Corio Bay.

51 Little Malop Street, Geelong 3220 Complimentary tours of the Geelong Library And Heritage Centre run daily at 11 am. The tour takes around 45 minutes.

10) Have A Picnic In Johnstone Park Geelong

Johnstone Park sits on the western edge of Geelong’s city centre. It was originally a swamp that was turned into a dam until it was transformed into a park in 1872.

This beautifully landscaped area has several historic features such as the Peace Memorial and Bandstand, Apex sculpture, King George statue, and the Hitchcock Memorial Gateway.

Of particular interest is the lush rain garden that filters stormwater through a series of terraced ponds. The filtered water is then used to irrigate the park.

This is a really pretty park with large expanses of thick green lawn. It sits adjacent to the library and art gallery and a picnic here is the perfect stop after a visit to these free Geelong attractions.

24-28 Gheringhap Street, Geelong 3220

11) Climb Flinders Peak At The You Yangs

Rising from the flat plains north of Geelong, the unmistakable granite peaks of the You Yangs Regional Park are impossible to miss.

The boulder strewn bushland setting offers over 50 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails as well as several walking tracks and horse-riding paths.

Abseiling and rock climbing is also popular with a number of excellent sites throughout the park.

A favourite You Yangs walk for visitors is the hour-long hike to the summit of Flinders Peak. This can be a challenging walk with over 450 steps and some steep gradients but the incredible views from the top make it worth the effort.

Other You Yangs walking tracks include the Big Rock Walk, the East-West Walk, and the Branding Yard Trail.

There are 9 designated picnic areas within the You Yangs National Park with tables, toilets, and free barbecues.

5 Branch Rd, Little River Vic 3211 Open 7 days a week. 7 am – 5 pm during non-daylight savings time. 7 am – 6 pm during daylight savings time.

12) See The Wildlife At Serendip Sanctuary

If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Geelong, then Serendip is a great option. Nestled in the grassy woodlands of Lara, this managed nature reserve is a tranquil hidden gem.

It covers 250 hectares of idyllic habitat for native birds and wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.

For bird lovers, this park is heaven, with aviaries and bird hides offering a ‘bird’s-eye-view’ of the wetlands. Dancing brolgas, magpie geese, and yellow spoonbills are just a few of the birds that live, breed and visit Serendip Sanctuary, Lara.

This place is definitely off the tourist trail and it’s a great spot for the kiddies to get up close to the animals and learn about their environment.

There’s a picnic ground, barbecues, and toilets near the visitor car park.

100 Windermere Road, Lara 3212 Open 8 am – 4 pm everyday except Christmas Day and Good Friday

13) Discover Free Geelong Art

Geelong boasts a large number of public artworks that are spread throughout the town and Waterfront. As you wander the city keep an eye out for sculptures, installations, and colourful Geelong street art.

Tucked into lanes and alleyways, on bridges, and grassy knolls, there’s a piece of art in Geelong at just about every turn.

Many of the artworks tell local stories but sometimes a work’s meaning is “open to interpretation” or is a “conversation starter”.

Key pieces to look out for include ‘North’ at the bottom of Moorabool Street, ‘To The Unknown Mariner’ mural on the side of the Port of Geelong Authority building in Brougham Street, and ‘The Buoys’ sculpture at Steampacket Gardens.

14) Explore The Barwon River, Geelong

The meandering Barwon River begins its journey in the Otway Ranges passing through the heart of Geelong on its way to the sea.

It’s a fantastic place for watersports, walking and cycling, fishing, and chilling out away from the concrete jungle.

The riverside is home to magnificent trees such as river red gum, blackwood and native silver wattle. There’s also an abundance of birdlife with over 100 species having been found.

A 20-kilometre network of sealed paths allows pedestrians and cyclists to easily move through the picturesque scenery. Along the way are fascinating wetlands, picnic areas, a golf course, the Yolinko Aboriginal Gardens and the Barwon Valley Adventure Playground.

Visitors who make it as far as Fyansford can watch the water flow over Buckley’s Falls and if they’re lucky, spot a platypus!

15) See The Colours Change On The Geelong Christmas Tree

If you’re visiting Geelong in December, then head to the bay for some free festive cheer.

Moored on a special barge in Steampacket Quay you’ll find Australia’s only floating Christmas tree. The conical silver structure stands at a whopping 25 metres high and is designed to reflect the sparkling bay during the day.

At night it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour with a lighting display that’s synchronised to music. Thousands of people from all around flock to the Waterfront throughout December to see the 6-minute shows.

Geelong Waterfront Christmas Tree: Each night in December 8.30 pm – 12.00 am.

Final Words

Geelong is an easy fun place for a holiday. It has an amazing Waterfront, museums and galleries, outdoor spaces and there’s plenty of Geelong free stuff to do!

I hope you’ve found this post useful and enjoy all the free things to do in Geelong.

If you are looking for cheap places to stay in Geelong then click here to find our guide to the best motels in Geelong.

Alternatively , click here for information about the top Geelong caravan parks.

You can find our full travel guide to Geelong here.

Related Posts:

Find The Best Cheap Accommodation In Geelong

Guide To The Amazing Geelong Wool Museum

Discover The Best Beaches Around Geelong

A Local’s Guide To The Best Geelong Markets

By Audrey Chalmers

Audrey is the principal blogger behind See Geelong. Book Lover | Breakfast Nut | Geelong Gal | She’s Usually Craving Coffee.

11 Things To Do In Geelong

Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city by population, and it is also known as the Gateway City because of the stunning views of Western Victoria. This city carries a lot of historical significance and is a blend of rich culture and stunning views as well. Whether you spend an hour, a day, or an entire week here, Geelong has a lot to offer you that will make your trip here more memorable. 

Geelong is really a hidden gem of Australia that offers a variety of experiences to all visitors, whether they are locals or tourists. Upon reaching here, you will find some breathtaking beachfront, amazing landmarks, vibrant artwork, and a lot more that will put you in a stalemate position. Adding to the overall brilliance come a lot of exciting family activities and thrilling adventures as well.

So get ready to explore every corner of Geelong using our guide on the best 11 things to do in Geelong to earn an opportunity to immerse yourself in the allure of this stunning place.

1. Have Fun at Adventure Park

Adventure Park is the biggest water park in Victoria, and it is spread over an area of 72 hectares. This stunning park stands out to be one of the most loved attractions in Geelong and is very famous among families and kids alike. This park will offer an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and for those who love outdoor fun. At this park, you will explore a variety of rides that are both water rides and theme park rides.

This whole territory of this park is really outstanding, as it has more than 21 rides to enjoy. At this park, you will discover that there are different rides for different age groups. The water rides you will enjoy at this park are Tornado, Aqua Racer, Lazy River, Bonito’s Bay Water Play Zone, Tiny Tots Splash Zone, and many more. The theme park rides include the Ferris Wheel, tea cups, air balloons, and many more. To sum up, this park will give you a day full of adventure, thrills, and ever-lasting memories.

2. Enjoy Sunset at Geelong Waterfront

The Geelong Waterfront is one of the most visited places in Geelong. Being famous for its vibrant atmosphere and spectacular sunset views, this place is an ideal outing place for couples as well as families to enjoy. From this place, you can enjoy the perfect romantic stroll along with the beautiful views of the sunset. At this destination, you can take pleasure in walking along the beautiful Cunningham Pier, which is 330 metres long from this stunning Geelong Waterfront. 

Along with this, this waterfront is a perfect place to enjoy with your family and friends since this place will give you a chance to enjoy the famous Ferris wheel with your children. The Ferris wheel is located just a short distance of 250 metres from this beautiful Geelong Waterfront, so don’t forget to take a ride on it. The Geelong Waterfront is a beautiful place to visit since it has stunning views of the seaside and landscape that can be seen while taking a stroll.

3. Get Relaxed at Eastern Beach Reserve

The eastern beach reserve is famous for its stunning views of Corio Bay. At this beach, you will find white sand, and as you get back to the grassy areas, you will experience a lot of facilities and activities waiting for you. The beach is a reserve that has several facilities, like spaces for picnics, playgrounds for kids, and special sunbath areas to relax and enjoy these breathtaking views. The sunbaths at this place contain several floating islands to provide a more enjoyable experience, and along with this, they also have padded lifeguards working throughout the summers.

One can also explore the thrill of open-fire cooking, known as the barbeque facility. This reserve is a famous place where you will also explore the thrill of the Baywalk Bollard Trail Walk, in which there are more than 100 unique characters that tell you a deep story about Geelong’s history. This reserve is a place full of thrills, excitement, history, fun, and a lot more. So, don’t forget to explore this stunning place with your loved ones.

4. Enjoy the Waterfall at Buckley Falls Lookout

Buckley Falls Reserve is a beautiful seaside location that has stunning waterfall views. It is a location that is famous for its rich culture and historical significance. The place offers breathtaking views of Buckley Falls and is a place that must be visited by nature lovers, adventure seekers, and hikers. At this location, you will find perfect paths for strolling or biking. This can also be a perfect picnic and a way to spend quality time with your family and friends.

Along with its stunning views and picturesque landscape, Buckley Falls is also famous for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. The views of the waterfall, along with the nearby walking tracks, make it a perfect place to visit and explore nature. At the Buckley Falls Reserve, there is the Barwon River, which is a famous fishing spot for locals. This is a place that is famous for its beautiful landscapes, and along with this, you will get the opportunity to witness a wide variety of bird species.

5. See Birds Habitat at Balyang Sanctuary

Balyang Sanctuary is an outstanding picnic area for families and friends, where you can enjoy the beautiful, vibrant atmosphere and stunning views. This is a place that has become popular because of the wide variety of water birds that can be seen there. Along with its diverse collection of birds, the sanctuary is also famous for its nine hectares of lake and native bushland, which make it a more spectacular place to visit.

The wide variety of birds that you can see here are Black Swans, Australian Pelicans, Eurasian Coots, Dusky Moorhens, Pacific Black Ducks, Mallards, Pied Cormorants, and Silver Gulls. Each of these vibrant species will tell you more about the birds, their behaviour, feeding time, and their distinct habitat. Along with this, the place also provides picnic areas, seating places, and beautiful strolling and cycling pathways.

6. Spot Artistic Craft at Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

The Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) is an outstanding place just made for children to play, create exciting things, and learn from those new inventions. If you are planning a family outing, then this can only be completed by visiting the MoPA. This museum is specially created for children under the age of 1 to 7 years so that they can enjoy it to the fullest and make everlasting childhood memories.

This is a place where you can find a lot of exhibits and interactive arts that are displayed to encourage children to create new and different things. The main goal of this museum is to teach the little ones to use these exciting museum ideas where they learn new things by doing experiments. A perfect place for parents to drop their children off and feel relaxed since at the museum you will find that along with learning proper care of children.

7. Contemplate Artworks at Geelong Gallery

The Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest regional art galleries and still stands today as one of the most famous attractions to visit. At this art gallery, you will find more than 6,000 different artworks displayed. The most famous display at the Geelong Art Gallery is Frederick McCubbin’s A Bush Burial, which was made in the year 1890. Another famous piece of art at this museum includes a painting by local artist Rachel Hine, Heard Not the Voice of a Bird, in 2020.

In spite of this, there are a lot of other paintings that depict Geelong’s history and culture, and through this, people develop a deeper sense of art by seeing the fine work where each stroke and colour depicts a story. At this art gallery, you will find some permanent artworks as well as some temporary artworks. To be precise, it’s a perfect place for art lovers to stroll and immerse themselves in the beautiful world of bright and beautiful colours.

8. Explore Flaura and Flona at Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Botanic Gardens is located on an area of 7 hectares. This beautiful garden displays a wide variety of plants, giving its visitors an ideal place to stroll around and enjoy nature and its magnificent beauty. In this garden, you will find tall trees and beautiful grasslands all around. At this place, you will explore a lot of native plants, and along with this, you will also witness plants from all over the world that will give you a mesmerising experience in this ecosystem.

This garden has beautiful seating places for you to rest if you feel tired while exploring the diverse flora. It also has beautiful sheltered areas for picnics, and there are a lot of statues made of males and females holding plants and watering them. You will also find a teahouse cafe situated inside the Geelong Botanic Gardens, which will provide you with a variety of snacks and beverages.

9. Learn About History at Geelong Gaol Museum

The Geelong Gaol Museum is the most popular place for history lovers to explore and learn in detail about the rich and diverse culture of Geelong. At this place, you will learn about the prisons in Australia. This place has gained more popularity as the National Crime and Justice Museum. This museum has a large collection of prison art and is an essential place for prisoners in Australian history. At this museum, you will also see numerous artworks created by Indigenous prisoners.

At this museum, discover some interesting things, like the four suits of the Kelly gang’s protective armour. In the protective armour, you will find exhibits featuring legendary prisoners, a collection of uniforms, several shivs, and more. The Geelong Gaol is the oldest colonial jail in Victoria, which lets its visitors know more about the history of crime and justice in Australia. This place will give you a lot of learning experiences as well, and along with that, it will make you aware of the history of the place.

10. Enjoy Shopping at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre is one of the best shopping centres in Geelong since it is located in a place that is easily accessible by locals as well as tourists. This shopping mall is home to more than 140 stores, all of which offer premium-quality products. A place where you will find everything you need in your daily life, and you will also find major retail stores like Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Target, Rebel Sports, and a lot more. 

Along with this, you will also find cinemas, eateries, cafes, and premium liquor stores. At this shopping mall, you will also come across the kids club. At this club, there are a lot of exciting activities and small indoor rides for kids to enjoy and explore the surroundings. Children under the age of 10 can come and join this kids club. This can be a perfect place to drop off your child and continue shopping since you can completely immerse yourself in shopping and your child and enjoy rides and activities at the kids’ club.

11. Enjoy Rides at The Carousel

The Carousel is a beautiful waterfront amusement park that stands out as a gem of Geelong. This carousel has a sail-like steel and glass pavilion, which gives breathtaking views of Coria Bay. Since the carousel is made of glass, it offers all visitors some of the best views of the sun as it strikes the glass and reflects back. In this pavilion house, you will find a beautiful Armitage Herschell Carousel of 1892, which is still stored with its original beauty and elegance.

Along with this, you will also find the two chariots and 36 Dare horses, of which only 24 are original. The rides are now running on electric power. and kids come and enjoy these rides. Along with the features of the park, it is also a perfect place for community meetings to take place. This place is said to stand among the only of this kind in the entire world and the only one in Australia.

Bottom Line

Geelong is really a beautiful place that has a lot of attractions and activities that can be suitable for a wide range of people. From the thrilling amusement parks and beautiful waterfronts to the bright and colourful artworks, this vibrant city has a lot to offer. If you are a person who loves exciting and thrilling things like heart-pounding adventures or a calm person who simply loves to enjoy beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences, then this place can be a perfect spot for you.

Whether you are a local who is just passing by or a tourist who has come to experience the beauty of this place, don’t forget to explore everything, taste the delicious local cuisine at the lively cafes and eateries, and completely immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of the city. So pack your bags and get ready to dive into the rich culture and stunning views of Geelong.

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Geelong Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

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Geelong Things to Do

Geelong is a beautiful seaside town along Australia’s southeastern coastline. It offers all the excitement of nearby Melbourne but in a more relaxed, laid-back environment with plenty of things for visitors to do.

Beautiful Parks

Don’t miss this chance to check out Geelong’s stunning local parks. The Geelong Botanic Gardens offers an excellent opportunity for you to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most beautiful plant life. The park also showcases other plants from around the world. Johnstone Park is another that you should definitely make time to visit while in Geelong. While it may appear like any other community park at first glance, Johnstone Park is home to the Geelong Art Gallery, public library, city hall and state office, giving you a chance to take in what life is actually like for the citizens of Geelong. As an added bonus, the park provides easy access to Geelong Station, allowing you to use it as a jumping off point for getting around town with ease.

By the Seaside

Australia is known for its natural wonders, so be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Great Ocean Road. You’ll be able to see the 12 Apostles, large natural rock structures in the ocean, just outside of Geelong. The entire road runs for over 200 kilometers, so it is up to you how much of it you wish to see. Back in town, you’ll love hanging out at Geelong’s Western Beach. Take in the beautiful views of Corio Bay, fish off the end of Cunningham Pier, or simply go for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. This area of town is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike.

Unique Attractions

The Geelong Bollards Trail is the town’s most well-known attraction and is what draws so many people from around the world to the area each year. Bollards are wooden statues painted to look like various characters. You’ll find over 100 of them throughout the town, decked out to look like fishermen, musicians, families and more. You and your family will have a blast taking photos with each of them as you discover them during your explorations of the town. Try to find them all!

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Geelong. 

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Things to do with kids and accommodation for families, 16 best things to do in geelong with kids in 2024.

Family Holiday to Geelong

• ✅ Destination
• ✅ Fun things for the kids
• ❔ Accommodation

Geelong is Victoria's second most populous city and only an hour away from Melbourne when heading through Werribee or a few hours if heading south on the Mornington Peninsula and via the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff.

The city, like Melbourne, is on the Port Phillip Bay and so has a similar temperate climate, but can sometimes miss the wet weather when Melbourne gets it and vice versus which makes it a good destination to keep in mind for a last-minute day trip or a weekend getaway with your kids.

Many people think of Geelong as a great place to use a basecamp for other day trips – which it is – but it's also an awesome destination city in its own right.

Once you're inspired to visit Geelong – then lock in the best family-friendly accommodation in Geelong for your holiday.

Other great destinations within 1.5 hours from Melbourne are Ballara t, Daylesford and Macedon .

1. Splash, swim, and sight-see at the Geelong Waterfront

The Geelong Waterfront is one of the main sunny day attractions in the city. Here you'll find history, culture and seaside fun!

Eastern Beach Sea Baths with a glimpse of the children's pool in Geelong, Victoria. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Eastern Beach is the main place to swim and play on the sand on a hot day. To the right of this beach are the sea baths (pictured above) where your kids can enjoy swimming and you can remain in the knowledge they can't float away from the enclosed sea bath. A boardwalk sits atop the border of the baths and has ladders to climb up out of the water, while dedicated dive boards and a diving tower offer great places to jump in.

On the land near the baths is a large blue-tiled, childrens' pool with a fountain in the middle. This is shallow and keeps the water warmer on cooler days than the sea, as well as being great for your smallest kids.

Kids playing by the fountain at Eastern Beach, Geelong (Image: Visit Geelong)

Metres away inland is another fountain with a set of stairs lined with palm trees. The stairs, fountain, children's pool and middle of the sea baths line up perfectly, making it a great place for taking memento photos.

Walking to the east of the children's pool, you'll find the Eastern Beach Playground with play equipment for toddlers and older.

Even further east and along the shoreline, there's a footpath that leads to a tap where you can taste the water from the Eastern Beach Mineral Spring that runs underground.

Bollards on the Geelong Bollards Trail along the Geelong Waterfront. (Image: volvob12b/Flickr)

Travelling in the other direction, you'll come across the Geelong Bollard Trail Walk . This trail is lined by wooden bollards that are sculpted and painted to represent characters and elements of Geelong's history.

The Giant Sky Wheel on the Geelong Waterfront. (Image: shivan/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

Also, next to the Eastern Beach is the ferris wheel known as the Giant Sky Wheel where you can get panoramic views of the waterfront for miles in either direction.

The Carousel Pavilion on the Geelong Waterfront. (Image: volvob12b/Flickr)

Kids watching and riding the Carousel at Geelong Waterfront (Image: Visit Victoria)

Heading past the Giant Sky Wheel and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, you'll arrive at The Carousel Pavilion . This building houses a set of restored carnival items with the carousel being the centrepiece. It took more than 3 years to restore all of the items which date back to 1892. One of these – also on display in the building – is the original steam engine that powered the carousel.

If the weather is fine, look out for the Eastern Beach Train Tours . This Thomas the Tank Engine lookalike runs along the foreshore each day from 10 am (weather permitting). $9 for a 20 minute return trip. You can hop on the train from the Carousel Pavillion, the Giant Sky Wheel ferris wheel or Eastern Beach Pool.

Also near the Carousel Pavillion are the Geelong Bungy Trampolines at Steampacket Gardens. During the school holidays and weekends in summer and autumn, you can jump up to 7 meters high on trampolines as you're strapped to bungee cords. Each 5 minute session is $15 (or bounce for longer if there is no queue).

Should your teens get bored, then minutes away is the Geelong Waterfront Skate Park with a unique waterfront location and design that'll keep them occupied. Nearby is Cunningham Pier Playground with a crows nest, tunnel slide and climbing ropes.

Geelong Waterfront Skate Park (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Play with art and be inspired at the Museum of Play and Art and Geelong Gallery

The Museum of Play and Art (known as MoPA) is both a museum for children and an activity centre. MoPA aims to encourage child development through creative exploration and play. The many changing activities often feature playing with paint and solving physical puzzles – think of moving a ball through a series of PVC pipes. MoPA is designed for kids 1 to 7 years old but is still engaging for older kids and adults.

The front of the Geelong Art Gallery (Image: Geelonggallery/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

Not far from Eastern Beach is Johnstone Park, which is the home to three of Geelong's great cultural institutions, each with lots of things to see and do with kids.

The Geelong Gallery (above) is at the heart of the Geelong Cultural Precinct. The gallery, established in 1896, hosts artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery has an ongoing program for kindergarten-aged groups and regularly runs a free Gallery Tots session to inspire and engage kids in art. See the Geelong Gallery's Learn website for activities for kids based on the art in the Gallery, such as how to draw your own face.

Dome and tiled windows at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Moby Dick/Visit Geelong & Bellarine)

Around the corner on the same block, you'll find the awesome architectural dome building of the Geelong Library And Heritage Centre . The first floor (Level 1) is dedicated to children's & youth books and activities. It has lots of places to sit down and read books, and a wet area for messy arts and crafts. Head up to Level 5 and you'll find a balcony with great views across Geelong.

View of Johnstone Park to the Geelong Waterfront from the Geelong Library, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

Near the Geelong Library is another great gallery – the Gordon Gallery – where you can often see exhibitions by TAFE students from The Gordon. Seeing the works and being able to meet the young artists can be a great inspiration for kids and adults alike.

Gardens and Bandstand in Johnstone Park, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

For some outdoor time, head outside into the perfectly groomed landscaped gardens of Johnstone Park.

3. Splash about at the Geelong Adventure Park or jump around and climb at BOUNCEinc

Drive 20 minutes along the Bellarine Highway towards Queenscliff and you'll find the Geelong Adventure Park . The theme park is the largest water theme park in Victoria with rides for kids of all ages, rides for families and several rides and activities for when you don't want to get completely soaked, like mini-golf, a ferris wheel and a mini-roller-coaster.

Adults and kids sliding down waterslides at Geelong Adventure Park, Victoria (Image: Visit Geelong Bellarine)

BOUNCEinc Geelong (formerly known as Supatramp) is an indoor trampoline and rock climbing centre in the south of Geelong (on the way back into the city). It's the perfect place for your family to burn up energy and have lots of challenging play. There is also an indoor playground for toddlers (kids aged 5 and under).

Kid climbing up a brightly coloured climbing wall at BOUNCEinc Geelong (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. Playtime and bat spotting in the Eastern Park

Set in the middle of Eastern Park on the Geelong waterfront are the Geelong Botanic Gardens .

Map of the Geelong Botanical Gardens (Image: City of Greater Geelong)

The Gardens have an egg-shaped 21st-century garden at the main entrance, then lead on to the rose garden and branch out into a large set of distinct lawns and conservatories featuring oaks, ferns, walnuts and more.

Plants and pond in the Conservatory at Geelong Botanic Gardens, Victoria (Image: Mariko Akagi/Unsplash)

As you walk around the Botanic Gardens Geelong , you'll find more bollard sculptures as the Bollard Trail continues into the gardens (pictured below).

Sculptural Bollards at Geelong Botanical Gardens. (Image: Paul Carmona/Wikimedia CCBYSA3.0)

A footpath in the Geelong Botanical Gardens. (Image: silince/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The Botanic Gardens are a great place to get some space away from the crowds on the waterfront. They are a surprisingly unknown gem in Geelong.

Once you're all done relaxing and exploring the flora, you can leave the Gardens and head northeast in Eastern Park to find the home of hundreds of flying foxes; look for the "Flying fox roost" on the map of Eastern Park.

Map of Eastern Park (Image: City of Greater Geelong)

Flying foxes are a type of megabats and are some of the largest bats in the world. Along with many other places around Victoria, they have made this part of the park their home. You can often see them resting in the daytime and actively flying about at night. They're generally safe to be around, but be aware that they can carry rare and potentially fatal diseases so avoid touching them.

Flying Foxes hanging in a tree at Eastern Park, Victoria (Image: René Riegal/Unsplash)

In between the fruit bat roost and the gardens, you'll pass the Geelong Play Space . This is a great little playground for small kids around toddler age. There are many areas in the space, each helping kids explore different stimuli and physical challenges.

Howard Glover Reserve Playground is a great playground for primary school-aged kids. You'll find it on the southern edge of Eastern Park.

Also in the park is the weekly Eastern Gardens Parkrun . This is a great event for active kids, or to encourage activity.

6. Get active and catch a footy match at Kardinia Park

Once you're done playing indoors, you can head down to Kardinia Park Playground for an outdoor picnic and more play. In the southern part of the park, you'll find the Kardinia Aquatic Centre with half a dozen outdoor pools (one pictured below) for humans of all ages and all swimming abilities.

Kardinia Aquatic Centre in Geelong, Victoria. (Image: Marcus Wong Wongm/Wikimedia CCBYSA3.0)

Across the road from the playground are a set of netball courts, ovals and the site of GMBHA Stadium – the home of the Geelong Cats AFL team. If you're in Geelong during the football season, you'll see lots of navy blue and white - the Cats colours - as the locals are very proud of their footy team.

There is usually a footy match each weekend from January to September and ticket prices to the AFLW, VFL and VFLW matches at GMBHA Stadium are usually around $10 (or sometimes free). To help adults and children with sensory processing challenges while at a match there is a Sensory Zone and you can ask for a free sensory backpack full of lovely things to help while watching the footy.

View onto the football field at an AFL match at GHMBA Stadium at Kardinia Park, Geelong (Image: David Jackmanson / Flickr CCBY2.0)

Otherwise, your family can also get the footy fever by visiting for free the Gartland Heritage Centre and be encouraged to get active and healthy through activity sheets provided by the Geelong Cats , including colouring sheets, a Where's Wally type activity, "Healthy Heros Bingo", a choose your own adventure activities game, and a recipe book aimed at kids. (We are not actually Geelong supporters but like their efforts here.)

7. Connect with the region's Indigenous history at the Narana Aboriginal Centre

A short 15 minutes drive south of Geelong centre is the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre . The centre aims to develop a shared understanding of Aboriginal culture through deep listening and activities.

Aboriginal guide and emu at the Narana Aboriginal Centre, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Geelong & Bellarine)

During the week, the centre runs a 2-hour session – Dreaming for Kids – aimed at kids kinder through to Grade 3 where they can be guided through the galleries and gardens, and participate in activities, including:

Boomerang throwing

Traditional Aboriginal games

Learn about bush tucker and traditional medicines

Feed the animals

Dreaming story and dance

Tools and weapons presentation

Boomerang painting at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Geelong (Image: Visit Victoria)

8. Wander around Geelong's city centre

Walking through the streets of Geelong you may come across murals and other street artworks . Some are commissioned on commercial buildings, while others are on large walls that feature a rotation of work.

Street art at Little Malop Street, Geelong (Image: Go Beyond Melbourne)

9. Be entertained at the Geelong Arts Centre

Head to the Geelong Arts Centre (formerly the Geelong Performing Arts Centre or GPAC) to see one of the family-friendly or kids shows on during the "Family Magic 2022" show season . The list of events aimed for under 12s and their families includes:

Jams For Juniors: Swan Lake

Emil and the Detectives

Guess How Much I Love You

Edward The Emu

There's A Sea In My Bedroom

To get more inspiration for cultural activities and sights, check out the Geelong Arts, Cultural & Heritage Trails App

10. Have fun by the Barwon River

The Barwon River runs from the Otways through south Geelong and into the sea at Barwon Heads. There are many parks on the banks of the river throughout Geelong.

Jetty at Yollinko Wetlands on Barwon River in Geelong, Victoria (Image: DJ Paine/Unsplash)

Some of the parks by Barwon River in Geelong have walks through wetlands, such as Balyang Sanctuary in the suburb of Belmont. On the edge of the Sanctuary are the Yollinko Wetlands.

Family walking and cycling along the Barwon River at Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

Near the Sanctuary is Barwon Valley Park which has lots of public facilities – BBQs and toilets – and a very good playground at the Barwon Valley Fun Park . The playground is well spread out and is divided into several spaces with equipment for ages for toddlers and up. Several of the spaces have large sand pits so even the bubs can get lots of stimuli. There is a flat path by the river perfect for walks or bike rides.

If you're after a bite to eat, five minutes drive along the river you'll find the family-friendly Little Creatures Brewery . The brightly coloured Canteen foodhall at the Brewery has a kids menu ("little creatures") with a good range of options and if you sit outside the kids can walk around and look at the planter boxes with herbs and flowers. Adults can try a range of beers and ciders on tap from Little Creatures and its sister brewery White Rabbit Brewery which is also on site - ask about the tasting paddle.

Families eating outside at Little Creatures Brewery, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

Back to the Barwon River. The lovely waterfall Buckley Falls on the Barwon River is 6 mins drive from Barwon Valley Park in the suburb of Highton and is well worth a look. The lower lookout walk from the Buckley Falls car park is a fun walk for kids as you can go rock-hopping on the river. Keep an eye out for the Night Heron with its beautiful red plumage, which breeds at Buckley Falls.

Buckley Falls waterfall in Geelong, Victoria (Image: Stephen F Segrave/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

Night heron flying at Buckley Falls, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Stephen F Segrave/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

11. Learn about Australia's wool history at the National Wool Museum

Back in the city centre, you can learn about the development of the wool industry in Geelong and its impact on lives at the National Wool Museum .

The National Wool Museum building in Geelong. (Image: denisbin/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

The museum regularly runs activities aimed at kids (for 0 to 5-year-olds) as part of the Museum Explorers programme, including sessions such as:

Mini Makers (sensory play)

Sensory Stories and Rhymes (storytime with objects to keep little hands busy)

Admission is $30 for a family ticket.

Family looking at shearing statutes and wool at the National Wool Museum, Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

12. Get spooked at the Geelong Gaol Museum

For older kids, you can take them on a Geelong Gaol Tour to see the jail conditions for convicts of the past. Most of the tours are a little creepy/scary and are aimed at over 8s with an 8 pm start.

Inside the Old Geelong Gaol in Geelong, Victoria. (Image: jimjanuary/Flickr CCBY2.0)

13. Take a bird's eye view of the peninsula

When the budget is not the limit, then a helicopter ride with Geelong Helicopters or a hot air balloon flight with Liberty Balloon Flights Geelong can be some of the most memorable ways to see Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Some of the airborne experiences will also take you along the coast with views of the Great Ocean Road and its many sights.

Helicopter in flight at the Geelong Foreshore, Victoria (Image: Troy Mortier/Unsplash)

View of Geelong's Waterfront from Helicopter (Image: Visit Victoria)

For more of a "sitting-down bird's-eye-view", the Wandana Heights Lookout in the west of Geelong has panoramic views over all of Geelong and the You Yangs.

Panorama of the You Yangs from Wandana Heights, Geelong, Victoria. (Image: cafuego/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

14. Go free-range on the trails at the You Yangs

The You Yangs Regional Park , 30 minutes drive north of Geelong, has some of the highest peaks in the region. The park is popular for mountain biking the steep trails and hiking through the many trails.

Family riding mountain bike trails at the You Yangs, Victoria (Image: Parks Victoria)

The You Yangs also has walks suitable for kids of all ages. The short walk to Big Rock from the Big Rock car park and the longer 3km Big Rock Walk from the park office car park are both pram friendly gravel paths with a couple of steps. There are also lots of nice spots for a picnic.

Woman and kid walking near the Big Rock at the You Yangs, Victoria (Image: Parks Victoria)

Family having a picnic at the You Yangs Regional Park, Victoria (Image: Parks Victoria)

For a flatter terrain for your kids' two wheels, you can head to the Bellarine Rail Trail which starts in South Geelong. The 8km section to Leopold is generally flat (see map below).

Map of the Bellarine Rail Trail (Image: City of Greater Geelong)

15. Ride the railways – big, small and tiny

A steam engine train on the Bellarine Railway. (Image: nzsteam/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The Bellarine Railway is a not-for-profit organisation that operates steam engine trains from Queenscliff to Drysdale; Queenscliff is a 30 minutes drive from Geelong. They have scheduled train rides specifically aimed at kids, including the "Day Out With Thomas", where the engine is modelled after the famous Thomas the Tank.

For a smaller train experience in Geelong, you can find the Eastern Beach Train Tour at the Waterfront that will take you on a mini-train from one end of the waterfront to the other.

However, if you're after the absolute miniature train experience then the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway will be the perfect thing for you. Portarlington is also a 30-minute drive away and is a great day trip destination in itself with a cute beach near a long pier and the typical seaside town high street shops.

16. Find the hidden gems in Lara

Kangaroos at Serendip Sanctuary, Lara, Victoria. (Image: paweesit/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

On the northern outskirts of metropolitan Geelong is the small town of Lara. On the northern side of the town is Serendip Sanctuary . At Serendip, you will find a large wetland reserve where animals, like emus, can free-range. You'll also find smaller reserves that are home to kangaroos and wallabies and several aviaries.

In the town centre is the Lara Aquatic Centre . While it's not quite a water theme park, it does have several water slides and water play spaces.

Across the road from the aquatic centre is a nice picnic spot next to Lara Lake at the Lara Lake playground.

17. More day trips out of "the Pivot"

Throughout its history, Geelong has had many names. During the time of industrial development, Geelong became a hub for western Victoria with train lines heading west and the port on the Port Phillip bay accessing the rest of Australia and the world – causing the city to be nicknamed "the Pivot".

Geelong is full of attractions, but it's also within an hour driving range to several great destinations on the peninsula.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale is a small township near Queenscliff which sits on the headlands which are about 3.5 km away from Point Nepean across the water. Together, these points on the land, form the entrance of Port Phillip.

The Lighthouse at Point Lonsdale, Victoria. (Image: flying_cloud/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The lighthouse at Point Lonsdale is open to visitors and if you climb the 120 steps, then you can often clearly see across The Rip all the way to the other side.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Beach at Barwon Heads, Victoria. (Image: sara_h638/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

Barwon Heads is on the coast where the Barwon River (which travels through Geelong) reaches the Bass Strait. On the western side of the bridge that joins the town with Ocean Grove, the river has formed a shallow beach that's perfect for small children to splash around. On the reserve next to the beach is a small, yet fun playground with a beach theme.

North of the town is a wildlife rescue centre at Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can see all sorts of Aussie native animals and birds, as well as get to hold pup dingos and koalas.

The Bellarine Taste Trail

For the foodie families, you can use the Bellarine Taste Trail as a checklist for day trips. The trail features destinations where you can indulge in the food and beverage produced in the peninsula.

10 best things to do in Geelong with Kids when it's raining

Play arcade games and laser tag at LaserQuest Geelong (formerly known as Time Zone)

Throw boomerangs at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Get creative at the Geelong Art Gallery

Develop the senses with the Museum Explorers sessions at the National Wool Museum

Get creeped out at the Geelong Gaol Museum

Trampoline and climb the day away at BOUNCEinc Geelong (formerly known as Supatramp)

Play the rain away at the All 4 Kids Play Centre

See a movie at Village Cinemas in the centre of Geelong or Readings Cinemas in Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

Hunt through the vintage toys, books and clothes at the Mill Markets Geelong

Visit the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and watch the rain across Geelong from the top floor

Vintage stalls at the Mill Markets Geelong, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

9 best things to do in Geelong for free with kids

Splash at the kids swimming pool and sea baths at the Eastern Beach

Spy the Flying Foxes and relax at the Geelong Botanic Gardens

Develop the senses with the Museum Explorers sessions at The National Wool Museum

See emus run at a million miles an hour at Serendip Sanctuary

Walk and bike in the You Yangs

See the whole city from the Wandana Heights Lookout

Play by the river at the Barwon River Fun Park

Get paint on you at a Gallery Tots session at the Geelong Art Gallery

Learn to dream at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

More things to see and do in Geelong

More good playgrounds in geelong.

Thomson Recreation Reserve Playground

Highton Reserve Playground

Hopetoun Park Playground

Richmond Oval Playground

George Ticky Playground

Kids Playground by The Sea

Sladen Park Playground

Seaview Park Playground

Cameron Park Playground

Swimming Beaches in Geelong

Eastern Beach (most popular) (north facing)

Western Beach (east facing)

Rippleside Beach (east facing)

St Helens Beach (north facing)

Eastern Beach

Address : Eastern Beach Road, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Website : More about this attraction

Geelong Bollard Trail Walk

Giant sky wheel.

Address : 31 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Website : Book this attraction

Infants under 2 go free.

Single ticket: $9 Group ticket (4 people): $32

Each ride takes between 7-10 minutes.

The Giant Sky Wheel was built in Europe in 2005 and stands 50m tall.

The Carousel Pavilion

Address : 1 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Entry into the pavilion is free, but rides on the Carousel require tickets.

Each ticket is: $5

Geelong Waterfront Skate Park

Address : Western Foreshore Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Bungy Trampolines

Address : Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Address : Corner of Eastern Park Circuit &, Podbury Dr, East Geelong VIC 3219 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Play Space

Address : Eastern Park Circuit, East Geelong VIC 3219 ( Get Directions )

Howard Glover Reserve Playground

Address : 438 Ryrie St, East Geelong VIC 3219 ( Get Directions )

Eastern Gardens Parkrun

Museum of play and art.

Address : 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Infants under 12 months go free

Children: $14

Adults: $10

Seniors: $8

Morning and midday sessions are 2 hours, while the arvo session is 3 hours.

Kardinia Aquatic Centre

Address : 25 Park Cres, South Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Art Gallery

Address : 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Library And Heritage Centre

Address : 51 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Address : 410 Surf Coast Hwy, Grovedale VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Access to the gallery and the rest of the centre is free.

The centre runs a paid 2-hour interactive education session for kids called Dreaming for Kids. Designed for kids at kinder age to Grade 3.

Activities include:

Learning about bush tucker and traditional medicines

Feed animals

A tool and weapon presentation

Price per person: $15

National Wool Museum

Address : 26 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Museum Explorers sessions for children:

Geelong Gaol Tours

Address : 202 Myers St, Geelong VIC 3212 ( Get Directions )

You Yangs Regional Park

Address : Turntable Dr, Little River VIC 3211 ( Get Directions )

Bellarine Rail Trail

The rail trail 32km long and runs from Geelong to Queenscliff.

Barwon Valley Park

Address : Belmont VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Performing Arts Centre

Address : 81 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

The Bellarine Railway

Address : 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC 3225 ( Get Directions )

The Bellarine Railway starts in Queenscliff and runs through to Drysdale.

Eastern Beach Train Tours

Address : 13-15 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Prices: $9 per person

The trains run from 10 am every day. You can hop on from the Carousel Pavillion, the Giant Sky Wheel ferris wheel or Eastern Beach Pool.

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway

Address : Boat Rd, Portarlington VIC 3223 ( Get Directions )

Single ride per person: $4

Family day pass (2 adults/3 children): $35

Liberty Balloon Flights Geelong

Address : Novotel Geelong, 10-14 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Only children older than 6 can fly.

Wandana Heights Lookout

Address : 280 Wandana Dr, Wandana Heights VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Adventure Park

Address : 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222 ( Get Directions )

Prices for day tickets:

Kids under 90cm: Free

Kids 90cm-120cm: $42.50

Kids 120cm & taller: $52.50

Senior Admission (60 years & over): $35

Disability Admission (ID required): $35

Serendip Sanctuary

Address : 100 Windermere Rd, Lara VIC 3212 ( Get Directions )

Lara Aquatic Centre

Address : 2 Bank St, Lara VIC 3212 ( Get Directions )

Casual use prices:

Child/concession: $6

Adult (swimming) with child under 5 years: $6

Adult (spectator) with child 5-18 years: $8

Adult (swimming) with child 5-18 years: $12

LaserQuest Geelong

Address : 89 Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

BOUNCEinc Geelong

Address : 174 Torquay Rd, Grovedale VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Pre-book online to save on tickets.

All 4 Kids Play Centre

Address : Level 1, 57 Church Street, Geelong West, 3218 ( Get Directions )

Under 12 months: Free

Under 2 years: $6

Over 2 years: $12

Adults: Free

After school special – entry after 3:30pm until closing: $5

Village Cinemas, Geelong

Address : 194-200 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Readings Cinemas, Waurn Ponds, Geelong

Address : Cnr Pioneer Rd &, Princes Hwy, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Balyang Sanctuary

Address : 50 Marnock Rd, Newtown VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

Barwon Valley Park / Barwon Valley Fun Park

Address : 132 Barrabool Rd, Belmont VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Buckley Falls Reserve

Address : 80 Buckley Falls Road, Highton VIC 3216 ( Get Directions )

Geelong Helicopters

Address : Geelong Waterfront, 1A Yarra Street, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

The Mill Markets Geelong

Address : 114 Bellarine Hwy, Newcomb VIC 3219 ( Get Directions )

Little Creatures Brewery, Geelong

Address : 221 Swanston St, Geelong VIC 3220 ( Get Directions )

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Top 10 places to eat and drink in Geelong

Imogen Eveson

Print Editor

30 October 2023

From waterfront spots to buzzing laneway eateries and a unique brewery experience, here’s how to make the most of Geelong’s thriving culinary scene.

Victoria ’s second largest city is just a quick drive or ferry ride from Melbourne , and has a wining and dining scene to match. Make a beeline for its breezy beachfront cafes; the cafes, delis and restaurants packed into the vibrant strip of Pakington Street; and the laneway eateries and bars of Little Malop Street. Here are our picks of places to eat and drink.

1. The Beach House

Occupying a prime waterfront spot in a former beach pavilion, The Beach House is a slick new addition to Geelong ’s culinary scene that comes courtesy of the Mulberry Group – the Melbourne hospitality pros responsible for converting some of the city’s most interesting heritage buildings into its hottest brunch spots, including The Kettle Black and Higher Ground.

This light and breezy 120-seater cafe and kiosk, with interiors by Studio Esteta, serves everything from toasted banana bread with whipped ricotta and strawberry jam to BLTs and avocado on toast to good old-fashioned fish and chips with tartare sauce.

The Beach House occupies a prime waterfront spot in a former beach pavilion.

2. The Arborist

Another new addition to Geelong’s ever expanding culinary scene, The Arborist is the latest addition to Little Malop Street: the buzzy laneway precinct that has emerged as Geelong’s coolest spot to eat and drink.

True to its name, The Arborist’s interior design takes its cues from the ash tree growing at its centre; the result is sustainable and beautiful, all rendered in natural tones of green, cream and timber.

Guests can tuck into small, medium or large plates with Middle Eastern hints: think white anchovy with muhammara and grilled sourdough; spice-roasted pumpkin with zhoug, crushed seeds and coriander; and roasted chicken, parsnip purée, braised silverbeet and white beans.

Guests can tuck into small, medium or large plates with Middle Eastern hints at The Arborist.

3. The Continental

Also a relative newcomer to Little Malop Street, The Continental brings an Italian vibe to Geelong: Art Deco lighting, a vintage coffee machine and waiters in crisp, classic jackets lends a post-war European ambience.

Head here for cocktails and bar snacks; dinner selected from a share menu chalked up on the blackboard; or a finely crafted Sunday lunch washed down with wine from an Italian and French wine list.

4. Geelong Cellar Door

With its exposed brickwork, squishy leather sofa and rustic open fireplace, Geelong Cellar Door , Geelong’s local wine bar and store, also exudes old-world charm.

It makes for the perfect place to showcase the cool-climate wine of the Greater Geelong region; enjoy a glass or two alongside an array of cheeses and charcuterie platters or a sampling of the region’s local craft beers and ciders. Look out for events like Sangria Sunday or regular wine tastings. And once you’ve settled on a wine you love, buy a bottle to take home with you.

Geelong Cellar Door makes for the perfect place to showcase the region’s cool-climate wine.

5. Little Green Corner

Little Green Corner is a gem of a cafe with sustainability at its core. Its fruit, vegetables and eggs are sourced from its owners’ small family farm and its commitment to cutting waste sees it receiving its milk in stainless steel pails, rather than cartons, and syrups made from excess fruit and ferments.

Its nourishing menu changes with the seasons and the local region’s gardens and farms. Little Green Corner also hosts foodie workshops, including gnocchi, pasta and sourdough-making and sessions in collaboration with local producers such as Crucible Cider and Drysdale Cheese.

Little Green Corner is a gem of a cafe with sustainability at its core.

6. King of the Castle

Stretching from the hip hood of Newtown on the Barwon River up to Geelong West, Pakington Street is a vibrant strip that’s jam-packed full of eateries. Among them is King of the Castle , based out of a dining room with warehouse vibes and lots of greenery at the northern end.

You’ll find excellent coffee and an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu covering off everything from Thai eggs with roti bread, bacon and halloumi slicked with chilli jam and roasted sesame to brioche French toast, blueberry ricotta hotcakes and fried buffalo chicken burger.

Produce is sourced from local suppliers and there’s also an inventive vegetarian and vegan selection including tofu scramble and crispy cauliflower and avocado tacos, plus an array of raw cakes and desserts.

You’ll find excellent coffee and an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu at King of the Castle.

7. 63 Degrees

Further down Pakington Street, 63 Degrees is a bright and happy cafe decked out with pastel hues and festoon lighting and a colourful menu to match. Like most of its Geelong neighbours, the emphasis here is on clean eating and sustainably sourced produce.

Its seasonal all-day breakfast and lunch menus might see you tucking into Portuguese baked eggs or a Mexican pulled chicken and super grains ‘clean bowl’. Alternatively, choose from the vegan menu and sink yourself into a decadent plant-based smoothie like the Snickers – with peanut butter, raw cocoa, almond milk, almond flakes and banana.

Tuck into Portuguese baked eggs or a Mexican pulled chicken and super grains ‘clean bowl’ at 63 Degrees.

Pakington Street is also home to Geelong’s award-winning, hole-in-wall restaurant, Tulip . The interiors here are minimal, modern and relaxed – all the better for enjoying lunch or dinner with a focus on produce-driven dishes that celebrate all things local and sustainable.

The share-plate based menu changes frequently and could include such smaller dishes as fried school prawns with smoked garlic mayonnaise and artichokes with button mushroom and grilled radicchio; and larger dishes like salt-baked celeriac, pickled red cabbage, burnt apple and saltbush or fish with kipfler potatoes, leek, smoked mussels and sea parsley. Pair your meal with your choice of wine from an all-Victorian wine list.

The share-plate based menu changes frequently at Geelong’s award-winning, hole-in-wall restaurant, Tulip.

9. Wah Wah Gee

Open for lunch and dinner daily, Wah Wah Gee is a lively dining destination overlooking the water at the end of Cunningham Pier.

Here, it’s all about gathering your friends for a flavourful journey through Asian-inspired sharing dishes: think platters of spicy steamed buns, dumplings in zesty broths and hearty curries, filling poke bowls and cumin-roasted lamb shanks.

Or, follow the neon signs upstairs to Wah Bah for cocktails and bao buns with a view.

Wah Wah Gee is a lively dining destination overlooking the water at the end of Cunningham Pier.

10. Little Creatures Geelong

Head to Little Creatures’ east coast home (the craft brewers hail from WA’s Fremantle, where they operate out of a former crocodile farm), for a unique brewery experience in a converted old flour mill.

This village-like beer factory presents all sorts of possibilities for visitors: head to the colourful Canteen where you can sample the selection of pale ales, IPAs and more and tuck into a wood-fired pizza; go to the White Rabbit Barrel hall for a specialty beer in the heart of the brewery; or take a behind the scenes brewery tour.

Head to Little Creatures’ east coast home for a unique brewery experience.

Imogen Eveson is the editor of Australian Traveller and International Traveller’s print titles. Whether exploring a regional Aussie town or a Barcelona barrio, she loves getting under the skin of the places she visits and reflecting that feeling back to readers in her writing.

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Discover these 12 Best Things to Do in Geelong

About 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne lies the increasingly popular city of Geelong. This Victoria’s gem fills itself with panoramic delights and the gorgeous  Bellarine Peninsula . In fact, the place lies alongside the iconic  Great Ocean Road , guaranteeing there are several fun things to do in Geelong. 

Thanks to Port Philip Bay, Geelong boasts a rich history of being the industrial center of Victoria. Hence, you will find plenty of fascinating museums and beautiful buildings such as the  Town Hall . Besides these, one can admire the art of Geelong Gallery and relax at the Botanic Gardens. 

The neighboring Bellarine Peninsula’s attractions are also worth mentioning. The combination of sun, sea, and sand here ensures scenic spots like no other. Furthermore, the tourists love these oceanic beaches and increase their adrenaline with water sports.

With so much to see and do, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula warrant at least a visit or weekend away from the state’s cosmopolitan capital of Melbourne.

Things to Do in Geelong

Hence, it is certain that there is an endless list of things to do in Geelong. With this abundance, you may have started craving to visit this beautiful place this weekend.

Stop now! Don’t let your excitement go overboard, as before coming here, you need to prepare a list. A list of things to do in Geelong that comes in handy while traveling.

Hence, we are here to help you build a list of things to do in Geelong that is both time-efficient and exciting. Keep reading to learn about the top 12 fun things to do in Geelong this weekend.

Things to Do in Geelong (1-7)

1. visit mopa: museum of play and art  .

MoPA: Museum of Play and Art is one of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s museums. Attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country, every single week, MoPA is based in one of Geelong’s oldest buildings and is home to a huge range of immersive exhibits and experiences that will entertain the kids all day.

The on-site cafe provides a great selection of foods at very affordable pricing, and the coffee is amazing.

Tickets are very limited and bookings are required on most days.

• Official website : Click here
• Tickets : Click here to book your tickets.
• Address : 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220 .
• Fun Things To Do: Witness exhibits and enjoy fun activities with your children
• Hotels Nearby : Admiralty Inn, Novotel Geelong

2. Stroll in the Geelong Waterfront

If you are traveling with family, strolling in the Geelong Waterfront is one of the best things to do in Geelong for families. With Eastern Beach Reserve in its possession, you will experience quality time here. 

Since the waterfront acts as a scenic picnic spot, its shores offer spectacular bay views. On hot days, lying on the white-sand beach is an absolute delight. You should join your kids in the castle-building session at the beach. Fortunately, the place also houses a playground where children run wild to their heart’s content. 

The  Steampacket Gardens  is where most families reside to relax and enjoy their picnics. One can find numerous restaurants around the area, ensuring enough food options. Located near the gardens, you will find the  Cunningham Pier . If you love fishing, this pier is your place to fish for delicious fish. 

However, one of our favorite things to do in Geelong Waterfront is clicking photos with the  Baywalk Bollards . These whimsical characters are made with wood and illustrate the local history of the lifesavers in a buoy and the military brass band. 

• Address : Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC, Australia
• Official website :  Click here
• Best time to visit : Open 24 hours 
• Fun things to do : Click photos with Baywalk Bollards, fish in Cunningham Pier, and relax at Steampacket Gardens
• Entrance Fee : Free (few attractions may cost some)
• Hotels Nearby : Novotel Geelong

3. Drive on the Great Ocean Road

There’s no such word that can describe the beauty of the Great Ocean Road. Along Victoria’s south coast, this road offers the most picturesque sceneries you have ever seen. The pristine beaches along the road are a great escape from daily life. 

As you drive along this 243-kilometer road, you will encounter lush roads of rainforest and Winelands. Furthermore, the road also gives access to spectacular places, including the  Point Addis National Park  and  Bell’s Beach .

Midway through the road is the  Great Otway National Park . Luckily, this park has all that you expect from a national park. Scenic landscapes, lush nature, beautiful wildlife, and whatnot! You will love driving through the Great Ocean Road. Finally, one can also find superb surfing spots along with stunning sea views. Hence, adding this activity to your list of things to do in Geelong is a must to have an incredible trip. 

• Address : Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea VIC, Australia
• Wiki page :  Click here
• Fun things to do : Drive along the scenic views of Great Ocean Road and visit the nearby attractions
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Hotels Nearby : Great Ocean Road Resort

4. Smell the Nature at Geelong Botanic Gardens

Out of all, Geelong Botanic Gardens is the most relaxing one. The Gardens boast an impressive collection of kaleidoscopic flowers and mature trees. Strolling around the green belt is one of the fun things to do in Geelong Botanic Gardens. 

Like other Botanic Gardens, this beauty also gets subdivided into various sections. For instance, the  Rose Garden  is famous for its beautiful fragrance, and the  TeaHouse Lawn  aspires to be a great picnic spot. One can also visit the conservatory to amaze themselves with beautiful flowers and botanical beauties.

When you see all of the gardens, relax at the local cafe and sip the famous Devonshire tea. Finally, visiting Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of the best things to do in Geelong for free if you are a budget traveler.

• Address : Corner of Eastern Park Circuit & Podbury Dr, East Geelong VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : Between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Fun things to do : Relax in the Geelong Botanic Gardens and visit the TeaHouse Lawn and the conservatory
• Hotels Nearby : Bay City Geelong Motel

5. Board the Bellarine Railways

You can make traveling around Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula more fruitful by boarding the Bellarine Railways. Being one of the oldest lines in Victoria, Bellarine Railways is still in operation every day of the week except Saturdays. However, these heritage trains are worth boarding because of the sightseeing trips from  Queenscliff  to  Drysdale .

Historically, these lines got used to transport passengers, military personnel, and goods from the Queenscliff port to other places. The railway saw a shutdown a century later but was revived in 1979 by some volunteers. 

Since then, boarding the Bellarine Railways has been a popular thing to do among tourists. Hence, relive the same vibes of the 19th century as you travel through Geelong in the old steam trains. You can even ride Thomas with children here. Hence, it is one of the best things to do in Geelong for families

• Address : 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : Between 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Saturdays are closed
• Fun things to do : Board the heritage trains and locomotives of Bellarine Railways to see different attractions in Geelong
• Ticket Fee : Tickets average between $10 to $20 per person
• Hotels Nearby : Ocean Grove Chalet

6. Explore the Historic City Center

If you are a history head, the city center of Geelong will amaze you with its heritage and culture. Also referred to as Wadawurrung Country, Geelong was where the Aboriginal Australians resided. Hence, you would find the  Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre , depicting the Indigenous culture of Geelong. 

As you move further into the city, you will encounter the  Town Hall . A person who loves art will know how incredible its architecture is! Furthermore, Geelong has served as a vital port for  Ballarat goldfields  and the wool industry. One can learn more about the impact of Wool on Geelong by visiting the  National Wool Museum .

Other notable heritage centers include  Customs House ,  Christ Church , and many others. Finally,  Geelong Gallery  is also worth mentioning as it is one of the best regional galleries in Australia. Geelong CBD has a lot in store for tourists, and you should definitely not miss it!

• Address : Geelong CBD, Geelong VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : Whenever you desire
• Fun things to do : Visit Geelong CBD to see the historic attractions of the city

7. Head to Barwon Heads

With Barwon River by its side, Barwon Heads is a great getaway from bustling life. To begin with, Barwon Heads is on the southern shores of the peninsula, with opportunities to become photogenic. An afternoon here will make you fall in love with the place.

When you enter the beaches, the picturesque coastal scenery of Barwon Heads will greet you to make your day. Take your family here and let the kids run wild and play with the sand. Furthermore, making castles and other shapes is also a great pass time.

Besides the sun, sea, and sand, Barwon Heads has a lot of things to do offshore. The most famous among tourists are the  Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary  and  Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary . Exploring these beautiful places will help you enjoy the itinerary to its fullest. 

• Address : Barwon Heads VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : November to April 
• Fun things to do : 
• Golf Club Fee : $150
• Hotels Nearby : Barwon Heads Hotel

Things to Do in Geelong (8-12)

8. know about wool at the national wool museum.

As mentioned, Geelong played a crucial role in Australia’s wool industry. Hence, storing all the fascinating information, one can visit the National Wool Museum to learn about the city’s wool industry. Located on Moorabool Street, the museum exhibits everything you need to know about wool.

From learning about the beginning of the wool industry and its economic impact to the stories from workers, you will have a fun time here. 

Your kids will also love the place because of the fascinating activities found here. For instance, they can knit their socks in the sock-knitting machine, see the carpet loom, meet the sheep, and many more. You may get attracted to the beautiful wool knitted here. Don’t worry, you can buy the woolen gifts from the museum shop as souvenirs.

• Address : 26 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Fun things to do : Learn about the history and influence of Geelong on the wool industry and buy high-quality woolen gifts
• Entrance Fee : $10 for adults and $6 for children

9. Geelong Gallery is for the Art Lovers

Geelong Gallery opened in 1896 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. Being one of the best regional galleries in Australia, this place boasts an impressive collection of art pieces.

Thankfully, this place is for tourists who love to see beautiful art. Their desire gets fulfilled at Geelong Gallery because of more than 6,000 stunning works. The works include sculptures, paper works, paintings, portraits, decorative arts, and others. In particular, works from the colonial period steals the spotlight.

Famous works of Geelong Gallery are Frederick McCubbin’s  A bush burial  and Russell Drysdale’s  Hill End.  Hence, we don’t see a reason why you should not visit this beautiful gallery. Ensure you add it to your list of the best things to do in Geelong this weekend.

• Address : 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : Between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Fun things to do : See a collection of 6000 artifacts at Geelong Gallery 
• Hotels Nearby : Rydges Geelong

10. Visit the Fort Queenscliff

Fort Queenscliff is a key monument in the history of Geelong due to its strategic role. Historically, the fort was a defensive hub for Victoria’s coastline, with soldiers and military personnel crowding the place. However, its fortification led to Fort Queenscliff becoming one of the best things to do in Geelong.

Even today, you can see the military reflections in the fort, such as barracks, guns, and the two nearby lighthouses. Several walking tours get organized to explore this historic fort. It enables the visitors to see the fascinating museum showcasing weapons, documents, and military uniforms.

Since Point Lonsdale is a neighbor to Fort Queenscliff, you can plan a combined trip here. Up next is the lovely lighthouse of Point Lonsdale. 

• Address : Cnr King & Gellibrand St, Queenscliff VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit :  Click here
• Fun things to do : Visit the fascinating museum of Fort Queenscliff to see historic weapons, documents, and uniforms
• Entrance Fee : $18 for adults and $8 for children
• Hotels Nearby : Vue Grand

11. Sightsee at Point Lonsdale

One of the best things to do in Geelong today is to visit Point Lonsdale. Located near  Port Queenscliff , Point Lonsdale offers tremendous views of the sea. Luckily, if you love calm places, this sleepy town would suffice your needs. It also provides perfect opportunities to become photogenic, especially at dawn. Many photographers come here to capture beautiful coastal views with their cameras.

Furthermore, Point Lonsdale has facilities for those who want secluded beach time. Tourists can also enjoy water sports and surf around the  Port Phillip Bay Heads . 

One can also spot the vessels mediating between the Rip from the lighthouse. Since almost every ship passes through the Bay Heads, you can spot all of them from Point Lonsdale. Hence, you must add visiting Point Lonsdale to your list of fun things to do in Geelong.

• Address : Point Lonsdale VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : March, April, and October to December
• Fun things to do : Visit Point Lonsdale to become photogenic and click gorgeous photos at dawn
• Hotels Nearby : Lon Retreat & Spa

12. Meet the Koalas at You Yangs Regional Park

Meeting the Koalas has been one of our favorite things in Australia, and Geelong is no exception. Tourists can meet their favorite animals here, and the best place to do so is You Yangs Regional Park.

This regional park provides endless opportunities for epic adventures and panoramic sceneries to relish. No matter where you look, you are deemed to find something fascinating in You Yangs Regional Park.

Wathawurrung people inhabited the region and even consider it a sacred place. Thrillingly, the highest point in the park reaches 319 meters offering a seamless scenery of boundless plains. At the top, you won’t find much fauna and flora, but hiking down will showcase the beautiful wildlife. From Koalas to kangaroos, various animals inhabit the bushlands of the park.

Finally, the hiking trails of the park extend over 50 kilometers. Hence, whether you want to bike or hike, the park has facilities for all. We highly suggest adding the park to your list of fun things to do in Geelong this weekend because of how beautiful are the wildlife and sceneries found here.

• Address : Turntable Dr, Little River VIC, Australia
• Best time to visit : Between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Fun things to do : Hike to the top to see the panoramic views, meet the wildlife and bike through the extensive trails of You Yangs Regional Park
• Hotels Nearby : Lara Lodge

What can teenagers do in Geelong?

There are tons of fun things to do in Geelong for teenagers. For instance, they can visit Barwon Heads to see the scenic views or board Thomas at Bellarine Railways. Teenagers who love understanding the history of a place will love a city like Geelong.

What do we call a person from Geelong?

Inhabitants from Geelong generally get referred to as a Geelongite or a Pivotonian.

What are the best things to do in Geelong today?

Tourists can enjoy a variety of things to do in Geelong. For instance, history lovers can visit Geelong CBD to see the historic center. You Yangs Regional Park and Barwon Heads are places for tourists who love nature. Hence, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.

When should I visit Geelong?

For tourists, the gap between November and March is the best time to visit Geelong. The weather is warm, and sunshine rules the city. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about rain ruining your 3-day itinerary to Geelong.

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• Real Estate
• Melbourne Vic

Work starts on $14.5m clubhouse at Armstrong Creek village

Property giant Stockland has started work on the $14.5m centrepiece of its Halcyon Horizon community at Armstrong Creek as the first homebuyers move in.

Property giant Stockland is starting construction of a $14.5m clubhouse at its Halcyon Horizon Geelong community for over 55s.

The facility will be the centrepiece for the Armstrong Creek community, providing a leisure and recreation precinct that will include a gold class-style cinema, social outdoor area, pickleball courts, resort-style outdoor pool, indoor swimming pool and spa and a wellness precinct with a gymnasium, sauna and steam room and a beauty salon.

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Halcyon Horizon Geelong will comprise 234 architect-designed homes with 7-star energy ratings and 3.9kW solar systems when complete.

Ann and Trevor Hunt are among the first seven homeowners to move in and haven’t wasted time in getting to know their neighbours.

The couple have sold their family home in Torquay.

“The house we had was too big for us – we only lived in half of it,” Mrs Hunt said.

“And we didn’t have neighbours as such. They were all young couples with young children and we didn’t see anybody much in normal day-to-day living.

“We were looking for, well, companionship I suppose. A little bit more social life and security.”

“We had quite a bit of equity in the house that we sold. We could benefit from that from not having to worry if we go on holidays or whatever we do. We’ve got that freedom now.

“I’m looking forward to the pool and a bit of exercise we can do in the gym,” Mrs Hunt said

“And the ladies that I’ve spoken to, they’re interested in a lot of crafts things. so it’ll just give us something to do with other people.”

Mr Hunt said shutting the door on Torquay after 26 years was only a moment in time.

“We’re very happy with the move,” he said.

Stockland general manager Halcyon Horizon James Westh said the land lease model was appealing for downsizers, retirees and over 55s and Stockland has two other projects in the pipeline in the region at Armstrong Creek and Curlewis

Mr Westh said the community offered seven house types with four different facades and choice of internal and external colour schemes.

The community will offer high-speed electric vehicle charging stations, as well as a shared Tesla car and community bus available for homeowners to book.

Under the land lease scheme, homebuyers purchase the house and secure a 99-year lease on the land. They pay a weekly rent, which is presently around $240 on average, and get access to all the facilities of the community.

Homeowners pay for services such as internet, electricity and water usage, which are usually lower than due to energy and water-efficient design, but don’t pay stamp duty, council rates or land tax.

“They’re empty-nesters, the kids have gone and they’re really wanting to free up a bit of capital on the sale of their existing larger home.”

“It’s a lock up and leave proposition,” Mr Westh said.

“A lot of our buyers like to travel and they’ve unlocked a bit of equity which they can put a bit of that into super, they can hand a bit of that to their children to buy their first home, which is a popular use of the money, and they bank a bit for holidays.

“We often see them buy in one of these communities and then I’ll head up north for a couple of months with a caravan, hanging out in Queensland and then come back.”

Originally published as Work starts on $14.5m clubhouse at Armstrong Creek village

Melbourne Airport agrees to clear the hurdle to long-awaited rail link

Melbourne Airport has agreed to the Victorian government's request to back the cheaper option of an above-ground railway station.

The stand-off has delayed the start of the construction of the long-awaited multi-billion-dollar project.

What's next?

The timeline for the project remains unclear — while the airport says it wants to see it up and running by 2030, the government has previously announced it would be delayed until at least 2033.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has dashed hopes that Melbourne's long-awaited Airport Rail Link could be opened by the end of the decade, despite the airport's operators backing down on demands for an underground station.

The project has been delayed by four years — until 2033 — because the state and airport could not agree on where to build the station.

The airport wanted it built underground, Victoria wanted it above ground as it is cheaper and quicker to build.

This morning the airport's CEO Lorie Argus said the airport was backing down in recognition of the need to get on with the rail link.

"Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line," Ms Argus said. 

"We will work with the Victorian government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become reality."

The airport said it hoped its compromise would help get the rail line up and running by 2030, but Premier Jacinta Allan was unmoved, telling reporters that the delay had already been caused.

"You'd have to ask the airport how they think after four years of delays that can magically be washed away," she said when questioned about the timeline for completion.

"We needed their approval to be able to get into the airport footprint itself to be able to do early investigations or site investigations, we haven't been able to do that.

"For a project the airport aren't putting one single dollar into, mind you, they were continuing to pursue that position right up until late last night."

Airport pushes for rail to be completed by 2030

The stand-off over the station had been a major stumbling block to beginning construction on the long-awaited $10 billion rail link from the airport in Melbourne's north-west to the CBD .

In November 2023, federal Transport Minister Catherine King appointed an independent mediator to try to resolve the impasse between the airport corporation and Victorian government.

Last month, meditator Neil Scales reported the $10 billion project remained "viable and necessary" and that the station should be above ground unless a "comprehensive" case was put forward for an alternative .

This morning, the airport said the mediator wanted it to submit an extensive business case for an underground station, which could have added another two years of delays to construction without any certainty that it would succeed in getting its option approved.

"Enough reviews have been done now," Ms Argus said.

"We need to accept the state position and work constructively to get that train in place … so we've made the compromise."

The airport said it was hoping to immediately resume discussions with the government with an initial focus on the station's design, the construction timeline and redress for the land required for the above-ground option.

It said construction on the rail line needed to start as soon as possible to prepare for the airport's third runway opening in 2030, bringing an estimated 45 million passengers in and out of the airport.

Ms Argus said one of the biggest challenges for the construction of the project was the airport's need to be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But she said most outstanding matters should be able to be negotiated "pretty quickly, because we were well progressed when the project got paused last year".

The premier said the state would now work with the federal government to proceed with the project but was concerned by the airport's calls for compensation for losing the use of Commonwealth-owned land to build the station.

"So we still clearly have some further negotiations, some further discussions to have with the Commonwealth and with the airport as to how we can progress this project because that is a very, very big question that the airport has raised today," Ms Allan said.

Ms Allan said she expected there would be an additional fee on top of the daily commute charge to travel to the airport but could not say what the final fare would be.

The rail line will run through the City of Moonee Valley council area in Melbourne's north-west, where Mayor Pierce Tyson has welcomed the breakthrough.

He said the new station would also be a major benefit for airport workers, a large proportion of whom live in his community.

"It's Christmas in July here," Cr Tyson said.

"This is such a huge announcement, we're so excited and so happy."

Cr Tyson thanked the airport "for conceding this point on the underground station".

"We've been waiting over half a century in our community and we really just wanted it to get bloody done."

He said it made sense to be elevated rather than underground.

"Anyone who knows Melbourne Airport knows that there's a lot of overground fly overs for carparks and I think it's absolutely appropriate for the station as well. 

"If there is an elevated station, that's where the departure terminal is, elevated on level one."

Melburnians won't believe it until they see it, commuter advocate says

The Public Transport Users Association said an above-ground station was better than no station at all.

"The airport does continue to get busier and it's becoming very congested around the airport precinct so providing rail access is very important going forward," said spokesman Daniel Bowen.

He said the airport and government must ensure a seamless connection between trains and terminals.

"That there's good weather cover, that's convenient, a short walk, it's easy to find particularly for new travellers who may not be familiar with the precinct," Mr Bowen said.

"I think for many Melburnians they won't believe we've got an airport rail link until it actually opens and there are trains running."

Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Southwick, said he wanted to see the airport rail project given precedence over Suburban Rail Loop plans.

"We've said all along this should be the priority project," he said.

"No more excuses, no more hiding, no more delays, we need to get on with it."

Airport visitors 'happy to see anything built'

Most of the passengers catching flights today that the ABC spoke to indicated they would have preferred an underground station.

But all said they would just be happy for any station, at this stage.

"I think whatever works, to be honest … get it done, build it wherever, as long as they make it easier to get to the airport from the city," Jonathon Healy said.

Architect Billy Kavellaris said the project would not meet best practice, but he was just happy there would be a rail link to and from the city.

"It should be international standards, it should go underground," he said.

Greg Patrick said the quicker the rail link could be built, the better.

"The traffic at the moment, getting in here today was horrendous. You got to the car park and it was just bumper to bumper so I'd be happy to see anything built."

Gurminder Singh said he was a regular overseas and domestic traveller and was concerned the above-ground station would mean a loss of car parking.

"I would love to see the proposal in the sense of how big the area they're covering up," he said.

"Just having a train is a bonus for Melbourne," said Kirsten Yokoyama, who said she would no longer have to make the 50-minute drive to pick up her daughter who was arriving home from a trip.

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Each club's big question: Is Collingwood's premiership defence officially over?

W hat's the big question your AFL club must answer in Round 18? Is Collingwood's premiership defence over? Can Brisbane finish top two?

We've looked at every club and answered their biggest question ahead of this week's action.

vs. St Kilda, Adelaide Oval

Can the Crows jump back out of the bottom four?

It's a reality check when you look at the ladder and see Adelaide, a team which held so much promise at the start of the season, in 15th spot, above just West Coast, North Melbourne, and Richmond. A percentage of 102.6 shows this side probably isn't a true bottom four team, and opportunity to jump out of the AFL's cellar is presented this week when they face St Kilda at home, the side currently positioned one rung higher on the ladder. Win it, move to 14th, and take the heat off the coaching staff.

vs. West Coast, Optus Stadium

Is a top two finish out of the equation?

They'll need to keep banking wins -- and can't really afford too many losses -- but it's not totally off the board the Lions finish the home and away season in the top two. That's quite amazing given how the year began! Brisbane's percentage is superior to every club not named Sydney and that's a huge benefit to have down the stretch. A healthy win over the Eagles this week could have Chris Fagan's side back into the top four before returning to the Gabba for a simply massive game against the ladder-leading Swans. 

vs. Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium

Does Charlie Curnow respond after a poor fortnight?

The fact Charlie Curnow has been below his best in 2024 and is still likely to win a third straight Coleman Medal highlights just how great he is. But if the Blues are to go all the way in 2024 (as many have tipped and expect) they need to get more out of their marquee man. Curnow has been well held over the last two weeks, kicking two against the Tigers from seven touches before one goal against the Giants. Can he find a way to be involved from the start of a game to the finish? It's something we have rarely seen in 2024.

Collingwood

vs. Geelong, MCG

Is the Pies' premiership defence officially over?

The season started poorly, then things got back on track, but now we find ourselves questioning Collingwood's premiership credentials once more after Craig McRae's side has slipped to ninth on the ladder. The depleted forward line is a major worry. Already without a number of key players, the season-ending loss of Brody Mihocek just compounds the pain. This week they face the rejuvenated Cats at the MCG and another loss might just spell the end of their lacklustre premiership defence.

vs. Melbourne, MCG

Will favouritism suit the Bombers against the Demons?

What does Melbourne have to lose in this game? Well, their season could be on the brink of collapse. Now, what do the Bombers have to lose? Maybe claims of a top four spot? How does that sit with Essendon fans? We can tell you, it would be uneasy. The Bombers are a side who have teased and hinted many times over many years, the last of which on Friday night -- a rousing win over old enemy Collingwood. But can the Bombers back it up and handle the favourites tag -- against a good side -- this week? Can't wait to find out.

vs. Hawthorn, UTAS

How does Fremantle look with just one ruck?

We had the sample size before Sean Darcy came back from injury, and we have the sample size of both Darcy and Luke Jackson playing in the same team. But now a spanner has been thrown in the works, with Darcy set to miss this week's game with concussion. Jackson says he's prepared to shoulder the bulk of the ruck load, but how does that impact the rest of the team and can the Dockers continue to function as well as we've seen in recent times? Perhaps we might learn that the sole ruck works better...

vs. Collingwood, MCG

Can we finally trust the Cats again?

It didn't take long for Geelong's 7-0 start to get forgotten as the losses began to pile up in the middle portion of the season. But back-to-back big wins over the Bombers and Hawks -- both of which are looking at featuring in September -- has the Cats purring once more and eyeing off a spot in the top four. To that end, can we trust them? Maybe. Maybe not. The Magpies are reeling and undermanned, but are desperate for a win. No doubt they will fire their best shot, and if the Cats can withstand and bank another four points, we might just be able to trust them again. 

vs. Port Adelaide, People First Stadium

Is this football club serious, full stop?

It's almost futile even writing this out. Sure, the Suns can beat the Power, look half decent at home and have the footy public wondering about a first finals appearance. But does it matter? At all? This team has consistently shown how unserious it is when it leaves Queensland, a trait shown by frontrunners and young, inexperienced sides, of which Gold Coast really isn't -- or shouldn't be -- anymore. Coach Damien Hardwick was rightfully furious after the loss to North Melbourne, but does a win, or a loss this week really mean anything?

vs. Richmond, MCG

Will the Giants win back-to-back games for the first time since Rounds 4 and 5?

It's crazy to think the Giants -- who started the year in ominous form and quickly joined Sydney as the teams to beat in 2024 -- haven't won consecutive games since early April. In fact, since they last won back-to-back games, the Giants' record is a disappointing 4-7. Adam Kingsley's side has a great opportunity to launch a winning streak this week when they head to the MCG to face the hapless Tigers. Win that and then it's the Suns at home (we know how they fare outside Queensland). The year might quickly get back on track for GWS.

vs. Fremantle, UTAS

Can the Hawks show the AFL Fremantle is overreaching?

Are the Dockers the third-best team in the land, as the current ladder would suggest? We're not sure anyone really believes that, and if the Hawks get the better of them in Tasmania, words such as 'frauds' might begin getting thrown around a little bit. Hawthorn has won both of its games in Tasmania this season and will be looking to bounce back from last week's shocker against the Cats. Important week for both clubs, you feel.

vs. Essendon, MCG

How can the Demons cover Max Gawn?

Melbourne skipper Max Gawn will miss his side's crucial clash against the Bombers this week, which begs the question, who can step up and fill his shoes? It's likely Simon Goodwin will elect to bring Tom Fullarton into the side -- who has been performing in the VFL -- to take care of the bulk of ruck responsibilities, while there's likely to be some reliance on Jacob van Rooyen and Tom McDonald. This trio will have to go up against Sam Draper and potentially Todd Goldstein. Good luck!

North Melbourne

vs. Sydney, SCG

Can the wheel continue to turn for the Roos?

It wasn't long ago the outlook for North Melbourne was all doom and gloom. But it's amazing what a win here and there can do for not only confidence but how the entire organisation is perceived. The Kangaroos have won twice in the last five weeks and had real chances at winning two of the other three games. They've come a long way and will be hoping to carry on the momentum. There might not be a tougher ask than Sydney at the SCG (particularly with the Swans coming off back-to-back losses). We'll likely learn a lot about how far they've come this week.

Port Adelaide

vs. Gold Coast, People First Stadium

How does Mitch Georgiades' ban affect Port's forward line?

Often undermanned and out of form, the Port Adelaide forward line has struggled to fire consistently in 2024. But that all seemed to have changed with the re-addition of Mitch Georgiades, who booted a bag of five goals last week. Unfortunately, he also went and got himself suspended! Port will now be relying heavily on the likes of Todd Marshall (goalless over his last two weeks) and Ollie Lord, and perhaps even the out of favour, out of form Charlie Dixon.

vs. GWS, MCG

Is this team the wooden spooner in waiting?

Few expected the Tigers to be anything close to an average side this season, but not many would have picked them to finish the year on the bottom of the ladder. That's currently where they find themselves, after 17 rounds of action (plus Opening Round). Richmond and North Melbourne are locked on two wins apiece and both with lowly percentages in the 60s. The Round 21 clash between the two will likely determine who finishes bottom, but the Tigers would want to improve their form before then if they're any chance of knocking them off.

vs. Adelaide, Adelaide Oval

Can the Saints make Adelaide Oval a happy hunting ground?

The Saints have had a torrid time at Adelaide Oval. They have won just three of their 17 games at the ground -- two of them coming in front of reduced crowds during the shortened 2020 COVID-affected season. This week they face the Crows, a side many would say is pretty evenly matched. The ladder would also concur, with the Crows in 15th and Saints just one spot above in 14th. These are the sort of winnable away games a side like the Saints must perform in.

vs. North Melbourne, SCG

What impact does Callum Mills have on this side?

The Swans have been flying (well, at least until the last fortnight) and they now have the luxury of adding skipper Callum Mills back into the fold. Mills is yet to feature for the club this season after injuring a shoulder during a Mad Monday mishap and then injuring his calf. How John Longmire looks to reintegrate him will be fascinating. Does he get deployed straight back into the midfield to support the likes of Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney, or will he assume his old role as a mid-sized, versatile halfback? 

vs. Brisbane, Optus Stadium

How well does this side regroup after a shocker?

The Round 11 win over the Demons is starting to feel like an eternity ago. The Eagles have since lost six straight games and, if we're being honest, haven't looked like winning any outside that North Melbourne game. Last week was no exception, smashed by the undermanned Demons at the MCG. This week is also tough: the rejuvenated Lions. Can West Coast find a way to respond from the disappointing effort or will another underwhelming effort have even more calling for the end to the Adam Simpson era? 

Western Bulldogs

vs. Carlton, Marvel Stadium

Who covers the Aaron Naughton void in the forward line?

Not for the first time this season, the Bulldogs will be without key forward Aaron Naughton. So, who can stand up and fill the void? Luke Beveridge has a decision to make, rely heavily on Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan or shuffle the magnets around. An option could be to swing Rory Lobb (who has just begun life as a key back) forward to offer some support. And then there's Marcus Bontempelli, who is no stranger to playing forward of centre, though the Bulldogs will likely need him at his best in the middle when they face the Blues.

Classy Cats serve Hawks brutal reality check as ‘reincarnated’ star excels in new role: 3-2-1

Geelong backed up last week’s win at the MCG with a 51-point win at GMBHA Stadium on Saturday evening, as the Cats’ 16.14 (110) defeated a lacklustre Hawthorn 9.5 (59).

Forward duo Jeremy Cameron and Brad Close led the way in attack for the Cats, each kicking four goals in a timely performance for Chris Scott’s side.

Tom Stewart’s second week running in the midfield was a success, finishing with 26 disposals, 11 marks and 10 score involvements.

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In more sour news for Hawks fans, Mitch Lewis went down with a head knock in the final quarter during a mid-air collision, in an injury that could see him back on the sidelines.

The win now moves Geelong up into the top four, although they’ll fall back to fifth if the Dockers beat Richmond tonight as expected.

“It’s been a tough night for the Hawks … for a team that has dominated territory for the last couple of months, that’s a shock to the system,” Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said during the back end of the last quarter on Fox Footy.

Dylan Moore’s two goals from 26 disposals and seven inside 50’s was one of few Hawks highlights for the evening, while the injured Lewis and Mabior Chol were the side’s only other multiple goalkickers.

The 3-2-1...

3 ‘CALM AND COMPOSED’ CATS IN CONTROL

The Cats are back in a big way, backing up last week’s big win over the Bombers with an emphatic 51-point victory over the Hawks.

The Cats were in control from the outset, completely dominating the Hawks in every facet of the game.

“Things are pretty calm and composed in the Cats room… they’ve controlled this one from the outset and stopped Hawthorn doing what they’ve done in the last couple of months and that’s moving the football,” Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy.

“They’ve given them nowhere to go, no time to breathe and it’s proved very effective.”

Melbourne champion Garry Lyon replied: “It’s been a beautiful mix of brutality and athleticism.”

The Cats belted the Hawks in disposals (+54), inside 50s (+24), contested possession (+18) and uncontested possession (+32).

Jeremy Cameron looked back to his best and was “moving as well as he had in a long time”, while young gun Ollie Dempsey “looks a genuine star in the making”.

Cameron finished the night with four goals, 19 touches and eight marks, while Dempsey continues to press his case for the AFL Rising Star award with a solid 23-disposal outing.

The Cats backed in Sam De Koning and Mark Blicavs in the ruck once more and club champion Cameron Mooney thinks coach Chris Scott will continue to use the combination in the second half of the season.

“It seems like De Koning has really found his place… this combination going into the back half of the year is going to be a good combination for them.”

De Koning finished the night with 20 disposals, two goals and six tackles, while Blicavs had 16 touches and a goal.

2 WHERE TO NOW FOR HAWKS AFTER ‘REALITY CHECK’?

What’s next for Sam Mitchell’s men?

After winning five consecutive games and seven of their last eight, the Hawks were one of the most in-form sides of the competition.

But the young Hawks had a serious wake-up call as they headed to the Cattery, struggling to assert themselves on the contest early.

“Reality check, perhaps. They’ve had a really good patch… but a young team that’s still developing and learning, you’re going to have some troughs,” Dunstall said.

“I don’t think they have the depth that the stronger clubs have.”

Coach Sam Mitchell said his side “didn’t handle (the Cats) at all”.

“We were a bit off it, and they were too sharp, their pressure was really good, we didn’t handle them at all,” Mitchell told Fox Footy at half-time.

“Our contest needs to be better; you can’t win if you don’t win contest unfortunately,” he said.

The Hawks were smashed in contested possession, as the match-hardened Cats were too strong at the coalface.

Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said the Hawks needed to get back to what has made them such a dangerous side at the half-time break.

“They’ve got a job ahead of them. They need to get on their bike and move the ball, get more aggressive. Be everything that you have been, be exciting, be bold and let’s see what can happen,” Lyon said at half-time.

The Hawks never really looked like threatening the Cats in the second half as Chris Scott’s side had an answer for every punch thrown by Mitchell’s men.

Key forward Mitch Lewis left the ground in the hands of the medical staff after an awkward contest saw him hit his head on the turf and twist his leg to make matters even worse for the Hawks.

So, can the Hawks respond against the Dockers in Tassie next week to keep their faint finals flame flickering or was the last two months a natural spike for a young side?

1 ‘REINCARNATED’ STEWART FINALLY FREES THE SHACKLES

It looked as though teams had started to work Geelong out – stop Tom Stewart and you stop the Cats.

After starting the season on fire, the Cats’ form faltered when opposition sides started to put work into Geelong’s star defender.

But master coach Chris Scott has one of his biggest assets firing once more.

“He might just be reincarnated,” Melbourne champion Garry Lyon told Fox Footy.

“Everybody’s been looking for weeks how Tom Stewart gets freed up, it looks like they’ve found the way over the last couple of weeks by throwing him into the midfield,” Geelong champion Cameron Mooney said on Fox Footy.

“It was a really dominant first quarter by him… he really got them going,” he said.

“Through the game he’s gone into the back half as that spare man as well.”

Stewart finished the day with a match-high 26 disposals, eleven marks and ten score involvements and was probably the best performer on the field.

Alongside captain Patrick Dangerfield, Lyon believes the Cats have a “pair of bash brothers” in the centre of the ground, with the duo an imposing force around the contest.

If Tom Stewart is firing on all cylinders come the pointy end of the year, the Cats can certainly do some damage in September.

GEELONG v HAWTHORN - AS IT HAPPENED

The Cats made a late change, with Jhye Clark called up to replace an ill Mitch Knevitt.

The subs for today are Ollie Henry (Geelong) and Harry Morrison (Hawthorn).

Geelong dominated play early on their home turf but were unable to make any significant dents on the scoreboard, kicking five behinds in the first few minutes.

Geelong drew first blood after Shannon Neale took a strong contested mark on the line and snapped truly.

Sam De Koning came through for the second goal of the game, getting on the end of a nice handball chain.

Milestone man Gary Rohan made it three consecutive goals for the Cats, steaming into the open goal in game 200.

He converted a set shot shortly after as the Cats raced out to a 28-point lead.

“They haven’t allowed the Hawks to breathe at any stage,” Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.

“Quarter time can’t come quick enough,” Melbourne champion Garry Lyon replied.

James Worpel kicked a superb goal in the dying stages of the first term to get the Hawks on the board.

The Cats led 4.5 (29) to 1.1 (7) at the first change.

Hawthorn booted the first of the second quarter as Nick Watson pinched the ball from Zach Tuohy, finding Mitch Lewis who converted for his first goal on his return from a long injury layoff.

The Cats got the immediate reply through De Koning who kicked a nice running banana to reinstate the 23-point lead, before Jeremy Cameron roved beautifully to put Geelong even further ahead.

The Cats continued to “put the hammer down” as Brad Close joined in on the act, extending the lead to a game-high 35 points.

Neale extended the margin with a stunning set shot from the left forward pocket for his second of the evening.

Mabior Chol eventually got one back for the Hawks, but a mountainous comeback looms for his side if they are to make what would be a remarkable comeback.

Brad Close snagged his second goal of the match from five disposals with just over three minutes to go in the first half, as the margin crept over 40 points.

At the main break, the scoreline read: Geelong 9.7 (61) leading Hawthorn’s 4.3 (27).

Defender-turned-ruck Sam De Koning was dominant during the first half, registering 12 disposals, 12 hitouts and two goals.

After a slow start to the ‘premiership quarter’ for both teams, Jeremy Cameron kicked his second goal for the match from a set shot directly in front from 45 metres out.

Dylan Moore slipped through his first of the evening with a handball receive inside 50, and brought the margin to five goals between the two traditional rivals.

But not long afterwards, Gryan Miers became the Cats’ sixth goalkicker, courtesy of a lead-up mark and sublime delivery from the Cats midfield.

Moore converted his 100th AFL goal from right on the arc, but Cameron responded straight away with a great snap on his non-preferred.

Close kicked his third also only two minutes later, as the Cats raided Hawthorn’s defence in brutal fashion at the back end of the third quarter.

At the final break, the scoreboard read: Geelong 13.11 (89) leads Hawthorn 7.5 (47).

A Mitch Lewis mark on the edge of the goal square at the beginning of the final quarter gave the Hawks an extremely faint level of hope for the remaining 30 minutes of play.

But Mark Blicavs answered not long after, closing the door on any chance of a miraculous Hawthorn comeback.

In the same play, Mitch Lewis came off worse for fear after a collision in an aerial contest down in defence.

The forward came off with plenty of claret on his head, and ended his evening in Geelong.

A dead-eye left-foot kick from Massimo D’Ambrosio came about in the back half of the quarter, before Cameron again responded to a Hawks goal, slotting his fourth for the night.

Close put the finishing touches on a big day for the Cats, booting his fourth to solidify a 51-point win.

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