Things to do in Geelong Australia
Along the stunning shores of Corio Bay in Victoria, Australia, Geelong is a vibrant city teeming with character, history, and a wide array of attractions. From its bustling waterfront to its peaceful gardens and cultural treasures, Geelong offers a unique blend of experiences for every kind of traveler. Here’s a guide to some of its most remarkable highlights, including hidden gems and popular spots that make this city a must-visit destination.
Table of Contents
The Waterfront: Geelong’s Beating Heart
Geelong’s Waterfront is the city’s crowning jewel, drawing locals and visitors alike to its lively boardwalks and breathtaking bay views. This bustling precinct is alive with trendy restaurants, charming cafes, and eye-catching public art installations. Take a stroll along the promenade, soak in the maritime vibes at Eastern Beach, or marvel at the restored art deco sea baths and the iconic Carousel. Whether you’re snapping photos or enjoying a sunset meal with ocean views, the Waterfront perfectly encapsulates Geelong’s coastal charm.
Geelong Botanic Gardens: A Serene Oasis
Located within the lush expanse of Eastern Park, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is a tranquil retreat from city life. These immaculately maintained gardens showcase an impressive variety of native and exotic plant species. Wander through themed garden beds, relax with a picnic under the shade of ancient trees, or admire rare flora while learning about their origins through informative displays. The gardens are an idyllic spot for nature lovers seeking peace and beauty.
Pakington Street: The Heart of Local Culture
Affectionately known as “Pako” by locals, Pakington Street is a thriving hub of culture, food, and shopping. This vibrant strip is a treasure trove of boutique stores, artisan shops, and international eateries. Sample everything from handcrafted Italian pasta to flavorful Asian fusion dishes, all while soaking in the lively, community-driven atmosphere. Whether you’re window shopping or indulging in culinary delights, Pako offers an authentic taste of Geelong’s local spirit.
Adventure Park: Family Fun at Its Best
If you’re visiting with family, Adventure Park is an absolute must. Just a short drive from Geelong’s center, this family-friendly theme park has something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can tackle water slides and adrenaline-pumping rides, while younger visitors will enjoy gentler attractions like paddle boats and mini-golf. With plenty of outdoor fun and a chance to cool off on a hot day, Adventure Park promises memories to last a lifetime.
National Wool Museum: Weaving Geelong’s History
Step back in time at the National Wool Museum, an engaging attraction that celebrates Geelong’s role as a hub of Australia’s wool industry. Housed in a historic bluestone building, the museum offers interactive exhibits that detail the journey of wool from fleece to fabric. Watch vintage machinery in action, explore the lives of those who shaped the industry, and learn about the impact wool production had on the city’s development. It’s an educational and surprisingly fascinating experience for all ages.
Geelong Gallery: A Feast for Art Lovers
Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Geelong Gallery, one of the finest regional galleries in Australia. Home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art, the gallery features iconic works by renowned artists such as Frederick McCubbin and Arthur Streeton. With rotating exhibitions and special events, there’s always something new to discover, making the gallery a cultural hotspot that leaves a lasting impression.
Serendip Sanctuary: A Wildlife Haven
Just a short drive from Geelong lies Serendip Sanctuary, a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This tranquil sanctuary offers the chance to observe native Australian animals like kangaroos, emus, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Walking trails and bird hides provide opportunities to get up close to these creatures, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone wanting to connect with Australia’s unique ecosystem.
Why Geelong Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
Geelong effortlessly blends coastal beauty, cultural richness, and warm community vibes, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a little bit of everything. Whether you’re sipping coffee on Pakington Street, exploring the city’s maritime heritage along the Waterfront, or basking in the serenity of its gardens, Geelong offers a mix of relaxation and adventure that’s hard to beat.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and head to this captivating city to uncover its hidden gems and beloved landmarks. Geelong isn’t just a stop along the way—it’s a destination that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left.
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Get a Lyft
More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.
Save Money on Gas
Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.
Get a Visa
I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.
Travel Printables
If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!
