Local guide
25 Best Things to Do in Geelong
A locally verified shortlist, refreshed for 2026. Curated by the The Daily Geelong newsroom across the waterfront, Bellarine Peninsula, family days out, food, and live music.
Waterfront and central
1. Eastern Beach Reserve
Heritage promenade, the 1930s sea baths and the carousel. The first stop for any visitor and a Sunday staple for locals.
2. Geelong Waterfront Bollards
Jan Mitchell's 104 painted bollards trace Geelong's history along 4km of foreshore. Free, self-paced, walkable in an hour.
3. Cunningham Pier
Walk the full length, watch the bay traffic, and finish with a drink at Pier Geelong.
4. Rippleside Park
Calm swimming, a fenced playground and grass for a picnic. Best for families avoiding the central crowds.
5. Geelong Botanic Gardens
Free entry, the 21st Century Garden and Customs House café. One of the oldest regional botanic gardens in Australia.
Bellarine Peninsula day trips
1. Queenscliff
Heritage hotels, fort, and the Bellarine Railway. Pair with the Sorrento ferry for a day trip.
2. Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Walk the back beach, climb to the lookout and visit Buckley's Cave. Wild surf coast scenery within easy reach.
3. Barwon Heads
Thirteenth Beach, the Barwon River bridge and a cluster of local-owned cafés. The closest beach village to central Geelong.
4. Bellarine wineries
Scotchmans Hill, Jack Rabbit and Leura Park anchor a compact wine region with cellar-door lunches.
5. Portarlington mussels
Local mussel boats land here. Eat them at the pub on the pier with a view back to Melbourne.
Family-friendly spots
1. Adventure Park
Victoria's largest theme park. Water slides, paddle boats and rides. Best November to April.
2. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Wadawurrung-led tours, native gardens, a kangaroo paddock and a respected gallery.
3. Geelong Gallery
Free entry, a strong Australian collection and a rotating program. Pair with the library next door.
4. National Wool Museum
Australia's only museum devoted to wool, inside an 1872 bluestone store. Working Axminster loom on the top floor.
5. Old Geelong Gaol
Self-guided daytime tours and ghost tours at night. Open weekends.
Where locals eat
1. Little Malop Street
Geelong's restaurant strip. Tulip, Bobby Spuds and Igni for a special occasion.
2. Pakington Street
Café culture, independent bakeries and the Friday-night dining run. Start at Cartel Coffee Roasters.
3. Geelong Showgrounds Farmers Market
Producers from across the Bellarine, Otways and Western District. Get there before 10am.
4. Pier Geelong
Bay views, fresh seafood and a proper lunch spot. Book a window table.
5. Little Creatures Brewery
Brewery, restaurant and beer hall in a former wool store. Family-friendly courtyard.
Arts, music and culture
1. GPAC
Geelong Performing Arts Centre. Touring theatre, the Geelong Symphony and the annual Poppykettle Festival.
2. The Piano Bar
Late-night live music six nights a week. The closest thing Geelong has to a Melbourne laneway venue.
3. Mrs Hyde
Hidden cocktail bar above the Hyde restaurant. Tight room, strong list, take-a-seat service.
4. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
The Dome. Free, architecturally distinct, and the best rooftop view of the bay if you know to ask.
5. Open House Geelong
Annual weekend of free access to private and heritage buildings across the city.
How we built this list
Every entry is vouched for by the The Daily Geelong newsroom. We avoid pay-to-play listings. If a venue closes, changes hands or stops being worth the trip, we remove it and note the change in our public correction log.