lifestyle
Eastern Beach Precinct Evolves with Fresh Pathways and Markets Reshaping Geelong's Waterfront Lifestyle
New bike routes and weekend stalls are drawing more residents to the shoreline between Eastern Beach and Steampacket Gardens.
How we reported this
New separated bike lanes opened along Eastern Beach Road on 1 July, cutting travel time for commuters heading from the waterfront to the Geelong Railway Station by eight minutes on average.
The change comes as Greater Geelong records its fastest population growth in a decade, with 4,200 new residents moving into central postcodes between 2024 and 2025. Outdoor exercise and short local trips have replaced longer car commutes for many workers now based at the Deakin University Waterfront Campus.
Shops and stalls fill the gaps
Two blocks inland, the weekly Geelong Farmers Market now runs every Saturday from 8am inside Steampacket Gardens instead of its former site on Moorabool Street. A new coffee cart from Black Sheep Coffee Roasters sets up at the northern end of the gardens, while the existing kiosk at Eastern Beach has extended its hours to 7pm on weekdays. These additions sit within a 400-metre stretch that also includes the Geelong Arts Centre and the recently upgraded playground at the base of the pier.
City of Greater Geelong foot-traffic sensors recorded 187,000 visits to the Eastern Beach promenade in May 2026, up 31 per cent from the same month in 2024. Council data also shows 1,150 people used the new bike lanes on the first full weekend they were open.
Where to try it this weekend
Start at the Steampacket Gardens market for sourdough and local cheese, then follow the new green-painted lanes south past the pier to the Limeburners Point lookout. The full loop measures 4.8 kilometres and takes most people under an hour at a steady pace. Bring a reusable cup for the coffee cart and check the market Facebook page for stall cancellations on wet mornings.