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Best Pubs and Bars in Geelong 2026, Geelong's Top Bars, Craft Beer and Waterfront Venues
Geelong bars guide 2026: the best pubs, bars and craft beer venues in Geelong, Pakington Street, the Waterfront, Little Malop Street and across Greater Geelong.
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Geelong Pubs and Bars 2026, Overview
Geelong's bar scene has grown significantly alongside the city's broader renewal, the Waterfront precinct, Pakington Street in Geelong West and the Little Malop Street corridor in the CBD have become genuinely excellent bar destinations. Here's a guide to Geelong's best pubs and bars in 2026.
The Waterfront
- Waterfront Hotel, Geelong Waterfront. Heritage waterfront pub with Corio Bay views. One of Geelong's most popular venues for both locals and visitors.
- The Carousel Geelong, Cunningham Pier, Waterfront. Iconic pier location with views across Corio Bay. Popular cocktail and beer destination.
Pakington Street, Geelong West
Pakington Street is Geelong's most vibrant inner-urban strip. Pistol Pete's (Pakington Street, classic dive bar with excellent craft beer and live music), The Robert Burns Hotel (Pakington Street, beloved local pub), Geelong West Brewing (Pakington Street, local craft brewery). visitgeelong.com.au
CBD and Little Malop Street
- The Garage Project Bar, Little Malop Street, Geelong CBD. Craft beer bar in a revitalised CBD laneway setting. Excellent rotating taps.
- Barwon Club Hotel, Moorabool Street, Geelong. Heritage Geelong pub with front bar culture.
Craft Beer
- Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, Barongarook West. Award-winning Otway craft brewery (short drive from Geelong). otwayestate.com.au
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