Travel Guide: Get to know Geelong

The gateway to the Surf Coast, the Bellarine and Golden Plains, Geelong is your culmination of inner city excitement, suburban comfort, and relaxed country living, with access to the most picturesque experiences in Victoria.

Bookended by bays and oceans, the waterfront city is a destination for discovery. Wander through streets of inspired architectural design, immerse yourself in vibrant art displays, indulge with an award-winning hospitality scene uplifted by local breweries and wineries, and experience the lively world-class entertainment offering. Geelong goes above and beyond as a tourist destination and the summer is really when it shines! Events, activations, and staple landmarks are calling your name – let us guide you through your Geelong journey.

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STAY

BAYSIDE GEELONG HOTEL & APARTMENTS

WHERE: 13 – 15 THE ESPLANADE, GEELONG

Rising high on Geelong’s waterfront, Bayside offers a tranquil retreat with bay views, stylish rooms and apartments, and the kind of amenities that make you want to stay longer. Having undergone a recent makeover, the Eastern Beach based accommodation is in prime position for both business and leisure, just a short stroll from the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Deakin University, the waterfront activities, and the inner city shopping district.

 

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THE ANCHOR

WHERE: 39 SWANSTON STREET, GEELONG

The Hampton’s comes to central Geelong thanks to the restful, restorative and ridiculously chic accommodation, Anchor Geelong. Situated on Swanston Street directly across from Barwon Health University Hospital, Anchor Geelong is your short-term stay with eight impressive studio rooms. Anchor Geelong achieves coastal calmness in the busy centre taking you to the coastline with their locally named, beach inspired spaces.

 

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EAT AND DRINK

SAILORS REST

WHERE: 3 MOORABOOL STREET, GEELONG

Sailors’ Rest is the Geelong waterfront’s all-day chameleon — bright and breezy by morning, electric by night. The ground floor plates up seafood, brekkie classics and modern Aussie favourites, while upstairs transforms into a cocktail-slinging lounge with bay views that absolutely steal the show. With its reopened rooftop pouring good vibes late into the night, Sailors’ Rest delivers brunch, sunsets and big-energy gatherings in one effortlessly iconic Moorabool Street spot.

 

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CAKE CULT

WHERE: 101 LITTLE MALOP STREET, GEELONG

Cake Cult is Little Malop Street’s deliciously late-night temptation — a dessert bar where the lights glow low, the velour couches beckon, and every treat feels like a tiny act of rebellion. Open Thursday to Sunday, it plates up house-made cakes, decadent pies, flourless chocolate creations and even dessert tacos, with vegan and gluten-free gems in the mix. Think banoffee, s’mores, lemon meringue and more, all crafted for slow nights, sweet moods and staying out just a little longer.

 

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MALT SHOVEL TAPHOUSE

WHERE: CORNER MALOP & BELLARINE STREETS, GEELONG

Malt Shovel Taphouse brings fresh energy to the corner of Malop and Bellerine Streets, transforming the former Lord Nelson into a craft-beer paradise. With garden-inspired styling, a buzzing beer garden, roaming beer guides, tasting flights and rotating taps, it’s an immersive sip-and-savour experience. Add rotisserie-led share plates, hearty pub favourites and Coffee Cartel brews, and you’ve got a seven-day haven where great beer, good food and easygoing Geelong vibes always flow.

 

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SHOP

GEELONG CITY MARKET

WHERE: LITTLE MALOP STREET MALL

Touch down in Geelong on a Saturday and you’ve hit the jackpot. From 9am to 2pm, the Geelong City Market electrifies the CBD with artisan makers, farm-fresh produce and the region’s standout food and drink talent. Wander rows of handmade goods, gourmet condiments, boutique patisseries, food trucks and even award-winning local drops—all soundtracked by live performers on the Forte Magazine Buskers Stage. It’s the city’s weekend heartbeat, buzzing, delicious and unmistakably Geelong.

 

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LILY POND

WHERE: 303 MOORABOOL STREET, GEELONG

Lily Pond is the kind of dreamy Moorabool Street haven you wander into for “five minutes” and somehow lose an hour. Housed in a beautiful heritage building, this enchanting boutique overflows with French antiques, flowing textiles, Astier de Villatte ceramics, John Derian treasures, Sophie Digard creations and one-of-a-kind décor that turns any home into a warm, artful escape. It’s curated, charming and endlessly discoverable — a true Geelong gem for design lovers.

 

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PAKINGTON STREET

WHERE: GEELONG WEST AND NEWTOWN

Perhaps one of the most famous streets in Geelong thanks to their annual multicultural celebration Pako Fest, and Pakington Street is the shopping destination for locals. The strip stopping experience is brimming with boutiques, artisan sellers, quaint bookshops, organic wholefood stores, designer brands, and home outlets, along with cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants. This eclectic mix of shopping is divided across the top end and river end of the street, offering full day retail therapy. 

 

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SEE

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM

WHERE; 26 MOORABOOL STREET, GEELONG

Learn about the rich manufacturing history of Geelong’s textile industry at the National Wool Museum. Equal parts deep-dive into wool production—from the machinery and engineering that powered a region—to a vibrant celebration of textile design, craftsmanship and contemporary creativity, the museum brings the story of wool to life. With hands-on exhibits, heritage machinery and ever-changing art and design showcases, it’s a fascinating, tactile journey through Geelong’s past, present and beautifully woven future.

 

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GEELONG GALLERY

WHERE: 55 LITTLE MALOP STREET, GEELONG

A trip to one of Australia’s oldest and most respected regional galleries is a must, especially with most exhibitions free to explore. Geelong Gallery pairs a rich collection of 19th and 20th-century Australian art with a dynamic rotation of contemporary shows, major touring exhibitions and immersive installations. It’s a cultural heartbeat for the city—inviting visitors to wander, linger, be moved and experience the evolution of Australian art in one immaculately curated space.

 

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EXPLORE

GEELONG WATERFRONT

WHERE: THE ESPLANADE, GEELONG

Geelong’s waterfront is the city’s sparkling front yard—an easy blend of play, art and postcard-worthy views. Wander past the iconic bollards, ride the beautifully restored 1892 carousel, and stroll the busy esplanade lined with public art and sun-chasing locals. Kids (and big kids) flock to the skatepark, while the giant Ferris wheel delivers sweeping Corio Bay panoramas. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, creativity and coastal vibes—pure Geelong magic.

 

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LITTLE MALOP STREET MURAL ART

Known for its vibrant hospitality offering, Little Malop Street doubles as Geelong’s open-air gallery—bursting with towering murals, bold colours and stories painted into every wall. Here you’ll find powerful First Nations artworks honouring culture and Country, alongside vibrant tributes to local icon Chrissy Amphlett that stop you in your tracks. With international pieces, rotating installations and hidden gems around every corner, this laneway is the beating heart of Geelong’s street art scene, one that is alive, expressive and endlessly photogenic.

 

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ADVENTURE PARK

WHERE: 1249 BELLARINE HWY, WALLINGTON

Adventure Park Geelong is the region’s ultimate summer playground, packed with epic water slides, family rides and sun-soaked fun for all ages. Victoria’s biggest water theme park just levelled up with its newest star attraction, Thunder Falls, a massive waterslide sending thrill-seekers flying through twists, drops and high-speed splashes. From kid-friendly zones to adrenaline rides, mini golf and lazy-day lounging, it’s the go-to destination for families chasing an action-packed day of pure, splash-happy excitement.

 

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Geelong is full of greatness right in the heart of the city! Start your exploration.