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Quick Travel Guide to Geelong

November 25, 2022

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Geelong is just 1 hour away from the World’s 2nd Most Liveable City Melbourne. And it’s the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the Surf Coast. Geelong is known by the locals as Sleepy Hollow, because of it’s relaxed coastal vibe. Before you visit check out this Quick Travel Guide to Geelong.

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Things to Do in Geelong

Being a coastal town on Port Phillip Bay (the same Bay as Melbourne), most things to do in Geelong revolve around the ocean. Here are some of our favourite things to see around Geelong.

Eastern Beach: This is the centrepiece of the waterfront precinct and the most famous of all Geelong attractions. In summer it gets super busy, partly due to the free saltwater swimming pool. Eastern beach is full of BBQs, picnic areas, swimming areas, and of course the beach. In summer there’s also a beachside Ferris wheel. Nice.

Cunningham Pier: Located at the opposite end of the Geelong Waterfront Precinct is the historic Cunningham Pier. Here you will find great dining options on an old restored wharf. But that’s only half the attraction, there is some lovely waterfront strolling and a beautifully restored carousel.

Torquay Beach: Torquay is surf culture at its best. Famous surf clothing brands such as Rip Curl and Quiksilver are orientated from this seaside resort town. Torquay is the surf capital of Australia, and hosts the world-famous Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach surf competitions, by far the biggest events Geelong has to offer.

Climb the You Yangs: Flinders Peak is a volcano just outside of Geelong which can be seen for miles around. You will go right past it on the Geelong to Melbourne train. The You Yangs and Flinders Peak are loaded with walking trails and mountain bike paths and are a 30-minute drive from Geelong.

Serendip Sanctuary: Okay so this is a local secret. It’s a wildlife sanctuary just outside of Geelong which is completely free to enter. It is loaded with iconic Australian wildlife such as Kangaroos, Wallabies and Emus. It has walking trails through an open-range zoo setting, where you can get up close to many of these animals. Sshhh, don’t tell anyone only the locals know about this place.

Day Trips from Geelong

Although it’s the second largest city in Victoria, Geelong tourism is a little on the slow side. But look just beyond the city and there is a wide variety of wonderful attractions.

Great Ocean Road: Known as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, no trip to Victoria is complete without driving along this magnificent stretch of coastline. There are quite a few Great Ocean Road towns along the way, with attractions of their own.

Bellarine Peninsular: This peninsular of land has many sleepy coastal holiday towns and picturesque coastal environs. From Geelong travel to the nearby seaside villages of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Portarlington, famous for their food and wine scene.

Where to Stay in Geelong

Geelong is nicknamed “The City by the Bay”. The best area for tourists to stay is near the city centre along the waterfront, where you will find relaxing seaside walking trails and loads of cafes.

Cheap Accommodation in Geelong

Discovery Parks – Geelong is basically a caravan park-style accommodation in Belmont, an inner city suburb. The location is along the Barwon River with its peaceful walking trails and the awesome Barwon Valley playground for the kids. And they have some great on-site cabins for families.

Mid Range Accommodation

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the city is the Quality Hotel Bayside. This is in a fantastic position overlooking the bay, with lovely walking and cycling paths just across the road. It’s within walking distance of the best central Geelong attractions.

Affordable Luxury

You can’t go wrong with the Novatel Hotel Geelong, in a perfect location along the waterfront in the City Centre. This hotel is surrounded by great bars, cafes and restaurants just across the road from the waterfront.