Things To Do
in Geelong
Geelong is a vibrant coastal city located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is known for its stunning waterfront, beautiful beaches, and rich maritime history. Geelong also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with many galleries, museums, and festivals held throughout the year.
The city is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle combined with modern amenities.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Geelong's beautiful waterfront. Enjoy breakfast at one of the seaside cafes with stunning ocean views.
Spend your afternoon at Eastern Beach, where you can relax on the sand or take a dip in the water. Take a self-guided tour of the Geelong Botanic Gardens for a dose of nature.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Take a stroll along the beach promenade and soak in the evening atmosphere.
Begin with a visit to the Geelong Gallery to admire a range of Australian art. Have a light brunch at a nearby café, soaking in the artistic vibe.
Explore the National Wool Museum to learn about Geelong's historical significance in the wool industry. Attend a workshop or art class if available.
Head to a local theater for a show or nighttime event that showcases local talent. Wind down with a drink at a bar in the city's cultural precinct.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Close proximity to Melbourne, making it convenient for day trips
- A vibrant arts and culture scene with various festivals and events
- Strong community spirit and friendly residents
- Access to excellent education institutions, including Deakin University
- Growing job market and economic development
- Rich history and heritage with heritage-listed buildings
- Higher cost of living compared to some rural areas
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities like Melbourne
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive
- Risk of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods
- Potential for climate impacts, including changing weather patterns
- Job opportunities may be limited in niche industries
Best Activities in Geelong
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a scenic drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road, featuring stunning coastal views and natural attractions.
Enjoy swimming, picnicking, and relaxing at the picturesque Eastern Beach, known for its art-deco style promenade and swimming enclosure.
Explore the diverse bushland, rock formations, and hiking trails in the You Yangs Regional Park, offering opportunities for bushwalking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Engage in outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and cycling along the scenic Barwon River, surrounded by natural beauty and abundant birdlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Geelong with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Geelong
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning panoramic view of Geelong's waterfront and skyline.
A picturesque location with a beautiful promenade and views of the bay and surrounding areas.
Promenade area with scenic views, including the iconic Geelong Ferris Wheel.
Food in Geelong
Geelong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Geelong specialty, Piknik Chicken features tender pieces of marinated chicken cooked on a rotating spit and often served with salad and sauces. Visit Piknik Cafe in East Geelong to savor this flavorful dish.
Must-Try!
These delectable pots showcase the region's famed mussels, typically cooked in a variety of broths and accompanied by crusty bread. Try Mussel Boat on the Geelong Waterfront for a taste of this local favorite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held on Friday nights during the summer months, the Geelong Night Market offers a bustling array of street food, artisanal products, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
This vibrant precinct is a hub for eclectic street food, with an assortment of food trucks and pop-up stalls offering an array of global flavors. It's an ideal spot to sample diverse street food in Geelong.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Geelong, it is customary to greet people with a warm smile and a handshake, especially in formal or business settings. This demonstrates respect and friendliness.
Australia has a rich Aboriginal heritage, and it's important to show respect for indigenous culture in Geelong. It is considered respectful to learn about and acknowledge the Aboriginal history and customs.
Punctuality is valued in Geelong, so it's important to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings as a sign of respect for others' time.
Safety
Tipping in Geelong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Geelong, Australia. It is generally not expected to tip in restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
Payment in Geelong, Australia is typically done using Australian dollars. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming more common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for warm weather, outdoor activities, and beach time. Expect crowded beaches and higher accommodation prices.
Mild weather, lower tourist crowds, and beautiful fall foliage. Good for exploring wineries and local produce.
Cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation prices. Great for indoor activities, festivals, and enjoying cozy cafes.
Mild weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor events. Ideal for nature walks, wildlife spotting, and exploring the coastline.
Geelong at Night
Hiking in Geelong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular destination with a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering beautiful views of the Macedon Ranges and the city of Geelong.
A scenic waterfront walk that stretches along Corio Bay, perfect for a leisurely hike with picturesque views and access to parks and gardens.
Features flat walking trails through beautiful wetlands and grasslands, making it an ideal spot for hiking while observing native wildlife.
A 38-kilometer rail trail connecting Geelong to Queenscliff, suitable for walking and cycling, offering scenic views along the Bellarine Peninsula.
Provides stunning coastal hiking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and nearby beaches, great for nature lovers.
Aiports
How to reach Geelong by plane.
The primary airport serving Melbourne and one of the busiest airports in Australia, located approximately 20 km northeast of Geelong.
An airport located approximately 15 km northeast of Geelong, serving as a secondary airport for Melbourne and primarily focused on low-cost carriers.
Often referred to as Melbourne Airport, it handles international flights and is about 70 km from Geelong.
Australia's busiest airport located in Sydney, roughly 900 km from Geelong, often used for international connections.
An international airport in Brisbane, about 1,300 km from Geelong, offering numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic, comprising individuals born in Australia.
Includes residents born in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries.
A significant community with roots from Italy, contributing to the local culture.
Residents hailing from various African nations, contributing to diversity.
Includes populations from countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
The original inhabitants of the region, contributing to the cultural heritage of Geelong.
Residents from various countries in the Middle East.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Geelong, with the Geelong Cats being one of the most successful teams in the AFL.
Widely played across the region, with many local clubs and a strong community following.
Gaining popularity in Geelong, with both league and union being played at various levels.
A prominent sport for women in Geelong, with numerous clubs and competition levels available.
Increasingly popular in the area, with various clubs representing different cultural communities.
A growing sport with local competitions and representative teams, appealing to youth in Geelong.
A popular recreational activity and competitive sport, supported by local facilities and clubs.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are popular in Geelong, with scenic routes and events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Geelong offer vegetarian and vegan menu items, with some establishments specializing in plant-based cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian visitors can explore popular spots like Freckleduck, which provides a range of plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find numerous gluten-free options across Geelong's dining scene. Many eateries accommodate gluten-free dietary needs, including Empire Grill, known for its gluten-free menu selections.