Things to Do in Geelong with Kids: Waterfront Fun and Family Activities

Geelong's redeveloped waterfront and Bellarine Peninsula setting make it a strong family destination an hour from Melbourne. The Geelong Waterfront precinct on Eastern Beach has an outstanding free carousel, waterfront playground and lawns, with the Eastern Beach Swimming Enclosure providing protected family swimming in Corio Bay. The National Wool Museum on Moorabool Street has interactive exhibits that engage children with Australian pastoral history. The Geelong Art Gallery (free) has a significant collection and runs family programs. You Yangs Regional Park and Brisbane Ranges National Park provide accessible natural-environment day trips. The Bellarine Peninsula railways — including the Bellarine Railway tourist steam train — are popular family attractions. Queenscliff's fortifications and the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry add adventure for older children. The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre's distinctive architecture is also a family visit in itself.