DISCOVER GEELONG
Geelong features a wealth of fantastic cafes and bars, along with its picturesque waterfront. If you are looking to escape the rush of daily life, Geelong is the destination to the area’s incredible coastal towns and wineries.
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Whether you’re into watersports, thrill-filled theme parks, family fun, or simply sightseeing, Geelong has it all. Plan your fun-filled getaway with the handy guide below.
Only 500 metres from Anchor Geelong, the Geelong waterfront is a must-do when you visit Geelong. With its colourful bollards painted by local artist Jan Mitchell, a family-friendly grass area, and stunning bay views, this vibrant cityscape will make you want to return again and again.
If you are looking for an indoor activity with the kids, look no further than MOPA! Where they can run wild and explore their imaginations.
Only 20 minutes from Geelong city centre, Adventure Park is fun for the whole family.Adventure Park is the largest water theme park in Victoria, which features water playgrounds, water slides, action rides, and much more.
Cafes
Famous for its waterfront eateries and casual cafes, Geelong has something for every taste. Check out these hand-picked local favourites below.
Just up the road from Anchor Geelong, this charming café serves up fantastic coffee. After you finish your meal, browse through the selections at the little grocer inside the café.
Located near the South Geelong train station and only a kilometre from the Anchor Geelong, this cosy neighbourhood favourite features scrumptious bagels packed with tasty fillings, homemade baked goods, and coffee brewed from their exclusive Nepalese bean blend – coffee you can't get anywhere else. Wall art created by one of the owners hangs on the wall, in case you want to take one of them home with you to hang on your own walls. With a cosy feel in a heritage-listed space, this just might become your favourite hangout during your stay. It certainly is one of ours!
Fantastic coffee, delicious toasties and bagels are on the menu. You can choose to dine in or grab your order on the go. Only a 10 minute stroll to Anchor Geelong.
Fine Dining
2 Hat restaurant with a surprise set course menu. The perfect setting for a special occasion or if you love fantastic food in a fully immersive experience. Open for Dinner Thursday to Saturday.
Tucked up Downes lane (off little Malop Street in Geelong), Felix Restaurant serves a modern interpretation of French classics with warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Share laughter, stories, and incredible South American food and drinks at this contemporary bistro. Locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats pair with boozy beverages for a dining experience like no other in the area.
Casual
A waterfront Eatery in Geelong offering delectable Asian fusion cuisine, perfect for both families and couples.
Centra offers great Italian food with a fun and relaxed vibe.
Just up the road from Anchor Geelong, Little Creatures is the perfect place to munch on tasty tapas and enjoy a beer themed afternoon as you soak up the sunshine. This local brewery also offers tours for those who are curious about how your favourite brew comes together.
Drinks
The new kid on the block, this bar and restaurant serves fine wines, carefully crafted cocktails along with its fabulous food. With an incredible selection of beers, the Arborist can match any of their selections with just the right meal for the perfect pairing.
Like recess for grown-up ‘kids’, the Recess Bar is a ton of fun with a range of entertainment that has something for everyone. On ‘Fabulous Friday’, DJs spin the tunes in the upstairs bar, while on ‘Saucy Saturdays’, Queens in Sequins strut the stage in Geelong’s best free drag show.
If a cosy spot to sip wine on cold winter days is your thing, the Geelong Cellar Door is your place to catch up with your mates or spend a laid-back evening with your special someone. With a crackling fireplace adding to the warmth, this will soon become your favourite place to hang out.
PLAY
Boutique bars and a diverse range of fun nightspots make Geelong’s nightlife comparable to Melbourne’s finest entertainment. Our recommendation for a sunny afternoon? Head to the Arborist or Little Creatures for a few drinks and then onward to the Piano Bar for a night filled with song and dance. Or, take your pick from the fine establishments below.easily. Make sure your titles stand out from the rest of the text.
Also a great place to dine, this waterfront lounge bar serves up live music and a Hamptons vibe as you sip your favourite beverages. A second-storey view offers stunning views, while a fireplace and lounge seating creates a relaxed atmosphere. If you have an event coming up, you can reserve the lounge for groups of 20 or more.
Sing and dance the night away in this local nightspot. Simply ask for a request slip from the bar, request your favourite tunes, and settle in for an evening of incredible entertainment. With a variety of the area's finest pianists, other musicians, and vocalists, you'll enjoy every musical moment. Jazz, pop, boogie, and blues are all on the menu here. Book in advance if you want to enjoy dinner before the show. With a wide range of dishes to choose from that includes seafood, tacos, pizza, salads and more, you won't go hungry. After an exciting night, you can easily return to the Anchor Geelong for a good night's sleep.
Come by, grab a Pale Ale and a bite in the Canteen or take a wander down Mystery Lane and discover Little Creatures Brewery Geelong. https://littlecreatures.com.au/locations/geelong
EXPLORE
Living in Geelong, we’re so lucky to live in the middle of fantastic destinations – with access to the great ocean road and the lovely Bellarine coast close by. If you’re strapped for time, head out to Torquay and catch a wave on one of our pristine beaches. If you have a little longer, drive a little further down the ocean road to explore the Otways’ magnificent rainforest scenery. Here are some of our favourite spots around Geelong.
If you’re a wine aficionado, you can’t come to Geelong without visiting one of the area’s unique wineries. There are plenty more besides the spots below, but these are the places you’re likely to catch us on a Saturday afternoon.
Australia’s surfing capital, Torquay is just down the road from Geelong. Seek the ultimate ride on our world-famous waves or relax as you watch the professionals at Bells Beach’s world-renowned Easter surfing competition.
At Barwon Heads, there’s something for everyone in the family. Kids love to swim in the river shallows, while Mum and Dad love to spend time in the quirky cafes and browsing through the shops and boutiques that dot the area.
WINE
If you’re a wine aficionado, you can’t come to Geelong without visiting one of the area’s unique wineries. There are plenty more besides the spots below, but these are the places you’re likely to catch us on a Saturday afternoon.
With its intimate coastal ambience and stunning views, Jack Rabbit Vineyard serves up a wonderful selection of sophisticated wines. Paired with the winery’s fine menu selections, these wines capture the area’s mystique in a single bottle. Guided tastings give you an expert’s take on every selection.
Located on the bucolic Bellarine Peninsula, charming Basil’s Farm provides its guests with spectacular views and live music as they sip some of the winery’s fine selections. A place not to miss it if great wine and fantastic scenery is your idea of a perfect day.
A great getaway on warm summer days or on chilly winter days, the Whiskery features lovely gardens. Soak in the sun in their outdoor dining, or pull up a chair inside in front of their warming fireplace. Offering local gin, and local whiskey you’ll never want to leave.