Geelong has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Victoria's second-largest city, once known primarily as an industrial hub, has reinvented itself as a vibrant waterfront destination with excellent food, craft beer, cultural attractions, and easy access to the Bellarine Peninsula and the start of the Great Ocean Road.
Getting There
Geelong is just 75 minutes southwest of Melbourne by car via the Princes Freeway, or about an hour by V/Line train from Southern Cross Station (regular services throughout the day). Avalon Airport, which serves budget carriers including Jetstar, is only 20 minutes from the city centre. Geelong is also the natural starting point for a Great Ocean Road trip.
The Waterfront
Geelong's reimagined waterfront is the centrepiece of the city's revival. The Eastern Beach swimming enclosure is a stunning Art Deco-era pool and promenade right on Corio Bay - perfect for a swim on a hot day. Along the waterfront you'll find the famous Baywalk Bollards, over 100 colourful painted bollards depicting characters from Geelong's history, created by local artist Jan Mitchell. Steampacket Gardens, the carousel, and the Geelong waterfront playground make it family-friendly, while the restaurants and bars along the promenade come alive in the evenings.
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula stretches east from Geelong and offers a completely different character to its famous neighbour, the Mornington Peninsula. It's quieter, more rural, and increasingly a food and wine destination:
- Queenscliff: A gorgeous heritage town at the tip of the peninsula with grand Victorian-era hotels, the Queenscliff Fort, and the ferry to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The Queenscliff Music Festival in November is one of Victoria's best.
- Point Lonsdale: A beautiful coastal village with the dramatic lighthouse lookout over the treacherous Rip at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
- Portarlington: Famous for its mussel festival and a growing dining scene. The Portarlington pier is a popular fishing spot.
- Ocean Grove & Barwon Heads: Surf beaches, the Barwon Heads Bluff walk, and the town made famous by the TV series SeaChange.
Craft Beer & Wine
- Little Creatures Geelong: Housed in a massive converted woollen mill on the waterfront, this is one of Australia's best brewery experiences. Great beers, wood-fired pizza, and an atmospheric industrial setting.
- Jack Rabbit Vineyard: Perched on a hill on the Bellarine with panoramic views over Corio Bay. The restaurant is excellent and the wines - especially the Pinot Noir - are outstanding.
- Scotchmans Hill: One of the Bellarine's oldest wineries with a cellar door overlooking rolling vineyards.
- Terindah Estate: Stunning vineyard setting with a fine-dining restaurant and views to the You Yangs.
Where to Eat
- Igni: Geelong's most celebrated restaurant, with chef Aaron Turner cooking over fire in a pared-back industrial space. Degustation menu only, booking essential. From $150.
- Tulip: A neighbourhood bistro in Newcomb with seasonal menus and an excellent natural wine list. Mains $32-42.
- Hot Chicken Project: Outstanding Nashville-style fried chicken. Casual, affordable, and very popular. Meals from $14.
- Pistol Pete's Food n Blues: Waterfront dining with live music, burgers, and American-style BBQ. Mains $18-28.
- Le Parisien: A French-inspired cafe and patisserie with excellent pastries and coffee.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Geelong Waterfront Backpackers, BIG4 Beacon Resort in Queenscliff.
- Mid-Range: Novotel Geelong (waterfront location), Vue Grand Hotel Queenscliff (gorgeous heritage hotel).
- Luxury: The Sebel Geelong (modern apartments on the waterfront), Lon Retreat & Spa on the Bellarine (exclusive wellness retreat).
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Geelong has a local bus network, but a car is essential for exploring the Bellarine Peninsula and the start of the Great Ocean Road. The waterfront precinct is very walkable. - Weather: Similar to Melbourne but slightly cooler, especially with sea breezes. Summers are pleasant (20-28°C) and winters are cool (7-14°C). The Bellarine can be windy, so bring layers. - Great Ocean Road start: Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road, is just 20 minutes south of Geelong. Many visitors base themselves in Geelong for a night before heading down the coast.
AUBIS Tip
: Geelong works beautifully as a base for exploring the Bellarine Peninsula and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Use AUBIS to plan a day on the Bellarine visiting Queenscliff, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, and Ocean Grove, followed by a Great Ocean Road trip. Add your waterfront dinner and brewery visit to the itinerary for a well-rounded Victorian getaway.