Things To Do
in Geelong

Geelong, Australia, located on the shores of Corio Bay, is the second-largest city in Victoria. Known for its rich maritime history, Geelong combines urban sophistication with stunning natural landscapes. The city offers a vibrant arts scene, a range of cultural events, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful waterfront parks, a thriving café culture, and easy access to the Great Ocean Road.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore Geelong's Waterfront and Arts
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Geelong Waterfront, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade and take in the views of Corio Bay. Stop at the Geelong Botanic Gardens for a peaceful morning surrounded by beautiful flora.

afternoon
:

Head to the Geelong Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Australian art. Afterward, explore the nearby Little Malop Street for boutique shopping and street art.

evening
:

Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants such as The Pier Geelong, offering local seafood and stunning bay views. After dinner, enjoy a drink at a local pub or bar in the area.

day 2
Day 2: Adventure and Nature
morning
:

Take a short drive to the You Yangs Regional Park for a morning hike. There are various trails suitable for all fitness levels, with breathtaking views from the summit.

afternoon
:

Visit the Geelong Adventure Park for thrilling water slides and rides for a fun afternoon. Alternatively, relax at the nearby Clifton Springs with its beautiful beach.

evening
:

Return to Geelong and enjoy dinner at the popular restaurant The Black Sheep, known for its modern Australian cuisine. End your night with live music at The Workers Club.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a mid-range restaurant$25
Coffee$4
🚇Public transport ticket$3
🛏️Hotel night (mid-range)$150
🍺Local beer$8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful waterfront and parks
  • Rich cultural and artistic scene
  • Access to the Great Ocean Road and nature
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
  • Public transport may not be as extensive
  • Can be windy at certain times of the year

Places to Visit in Geelong

Visit one of these nice places.

Geelong Waterfront

A picturesque area with colorful bollards, stunning bay views, and beautiful gardens, perfect for sunset photography.

Eastern Beach

Offers a classic beach scene complete with a swimming enclosure and art deco architecture.

Little Malop Street

Famous for its vibrant street art, making it a great spot for urban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Geelong

Geelong offers a delightful culinary scene with a mix of local produce, modern Australian cuisine, and international flavors. Whether you're looking for fine dining or casual eats, there's something for every palate.

Geelong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Barramundi

A popular local fish, often grilled or pan-seared, served with seasonal vegetables.

Must-Try!

Meat Pie

A classic Australian dish, filled with minced meat and gravy, perfect for a quick meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Geelong Waterfront Market

Held on weekends, this market features fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food options.

Climate Guide

Weather

Geelong has a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while winter sees temperatures drop to around 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F). Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with winter being the wettest season. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Australians value politeness; please and thank you go a long way.

Queuing

Always queue and wait your turn, whether at a café or any service point.

Casual Dress

Dress code is generally casual, but smart casual is expected in finer dining establishments.

Safety Guide

Safety

Geelong is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep your belongings secure, and be aware of your surroundings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 000 for police, fire, or ambulance.

Tipping in Geelong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (around 10%) for exceptional service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Most places accept credit and debit cards, and contactless payments are widely used. Cash is also accepted but is less common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Expect warm temperatures ideal for beach activities and outdoor festivals. It's a great time for swimming and visiting the waterfront.

Autumn

Enjoy mild weather with beautiful fall foliage. Perfect for hiking and exploring local parks.

Winter

Cool temperatures with occasional rain. Indoor activities such as visiting galleries and cafes are popular.

Spring

Warm weather returns with blooming flowers. Excellent for outdoor dining and enjoying festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Geelong at Night

Geelong's nightlife is lively and diverse, with a range of options from cozy pubs to vibrant nightclubs. The Waterfront area has several bars with stunning views, while the inner city is home to live music venues and trendy cocktail bars. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening or a night of dancing, Geelong has something to offer everyone.

Hiking in Geelong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bunjil Lookout

A scenic hike with views over the You Yangs, suitable for families and beginner hikers.

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Features several walking and hiking trails alongside the reservoir, providing beautiful views and picnic spots.

Airports

How to reach Geelong by plane.

Avalon Airport

Located about 15 km from Geelong, Avalon Airport serves domestic flights and is the nearest airport for travelers. It offers shuttle services to Geelong and is a convenient entry point.

Getting Around

Walkability

Geelong is quite walkable, especially in the city center and waterfront areas, where pedestrian-friendly paths and parks abound. Most attractions, cafés, and shops are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

Geelong has a growing population of young families attracted to the area's amenities, parks, and schools.

University Students

With Deakin University located in the city, there is a vibrant student community contributing to the local culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Australian Rules Football

A major sport in Geelong, with the Geelong Cats being a successful team in the AFL. Games are held at the GMHBA Stadium.

Cricket

Another popular sport, with many local clubs and events, especially during the summer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Geelong is generally manageable, with peak hours during mornings and evenings. Public transportation includes buses and trains connecting Geelong to Melbourne and surrounding areas. Cycling is also popular, and the city has designated bike lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Geelong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Many restaurants in Geelong cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, with diverse menu choices.

Gluten-Free Options

Several eateries offer gluten-free dishes, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy a great meal.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Geelong are accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. The University Hospital Geelong is the main medical facility, providing emergency and specialized care. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor ailments.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

Australia Travel Guide