Your Ultimate Guide to Geelong Today: Top Things to Do
Bottom Line Up Front: Geelong offers an incredible mix of waterfront attractions, cultural experiences, family fun, and natural beauty – all within easy reach. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, this vibrant coastal city has something special waiting for you today.
Start Your Day at the Stunning Waterfront
Eastern Beach Reserve – The Crown Jewel
Begin your Geelong adventure at the iconic Eastern Beach Reserve, a cosmopolitan waterfront destination that’s been charming visitors since the 1930s. This award-winning attraction features:
- A large outdoor lagoon perfect for a refreshing swim
- Historic carousel housed in a spectacular glass pavilion
- Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Corio Bay
- Art Deco promenade ideal for leisurely strolls
- Playground and picnic facilities for family enjoyment
The reserve combines old-world charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for all ages.
Discover the Famous Bollard Trail
Take a self-guided walk along Geelong’s Baywalk Bollards – over 100 painted sculptures depicting the city’s rich history. Download the free Active Geelong app to experience six bollards with augmented reality features between Eastern Beach and Cunningham Pier. It’s one of the most unique free attractions you’ll find anywhere.
Immerse Yourself in Culture and Arts
Geelong Gallery – A Cultural Treasure
Visit one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries, where free entry grants you access to both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. The gallery features works spanning from 18th-century European masters to contemporary Australian pieces. Families with young children can enjoy the regular Gallery Tots sessions designed for ages 18 months to 4 years.
Geelong Arts Centre
The newly renovated $140 million Geelong Arts Centre stands as the jewel of Little Malop Street’s arts district. Check out their current programming, which often includes family-friendly shows and performances at more affordable prices than Melbourne venues.
Family Adventures and Thrills
Adventure Park Geelong
For adrenaline seekers and families, Adventure Park in nearby Wallington offers unlimited rides, waterslides, go-karts, archery, and adventure activities. It’s Victoria’s premier theme park destination with something for every thrill level.
MoPA: Museum of Play and Art
One of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s museums, MoPA provides interactive exhibits and play-based learning experiences that captivate kids while engaging adults too.
Natural Beauty and Gardens
Geelong Botanic Gardens
Established over 150 years ago, these stunning gardens showcase an extensive array of plants from around the world. The gardens offer peaceful walking paths, heritage buildings, and rotating seasonal displays. Don’t miss the Wednesday plant sales if you’re looking for unique botanical souvenirs.
You Yangs Regional Park
Just a short drive from the city, the distinctive granite peaks of You Yangs rise dramatically from the volcanic plains. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying panoramic views across the region.
Unique Experiences
Hot Air Ballooning
Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon flight over Geelong, Port Phillip Bay, and the Bellarine Peninsula. Multiple operators offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience, complete with champagne toast upon landing.
Swim with Dolphins
Join an eco-adventure tour departing from nearby Queenscliff to swim with wild dolphins, seals, and marine life in Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park – an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Historic Q Train
Experience fine dining aboard the heritage Q Train for a unique gastronomic journey through the Victorian countryside, combining history with exceptional cuisine.
Food and Drink Scene
Little Creatures Brewery
This renowned Australian craft brewery has made Geelong home, offering tastings of their famous pale ales and seasonal brews in a vibrant waterfront setting.
Quirky Dining Experiences
- Splatters Cheese Bar – Dine aboard Australia’s first cheese train
- 1915 at Federal Mills – Contemporary Australian cuisine beneath an iconic smokestack
- The Geelong Boat House – Fresh fish and chips with stunning bay views
Shopping and Markets
Geelong Vintage Market
Browse over 60 unique stalls featuring collectibles, vintage items, and local crafts – perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
Popcultcha
Visit one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary collectibles, including comic books, figurines, and pop culture memorabilia.
Current Events and Seasonal Highlights
June 2025 Special Events
- National Celtic Folk Festival (June 6-9) – A 21st anniversary celebration on the Bellarine Peninsula
- Weekly plant sales at Geelong Botanic Gardens every Wednesday
- Tastes of Greater Geelong (June 20-July 20) – A month-long culinary celebration
Getting Around and Practical Tips
Location: Just over an hour from Melbourne, Geelong serves as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula.
Best for: Day trips, weekend getaways, family adventures, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
Don’t Miss: The waterfront precinct, which seamlessly blends recreation, culture, dining, and natural beauty in one spectacular location.
Pro Tip: Many of Geelong’s best attractions are within walking distance of each other along the waterfront, making it easy to experience multiple highlights in a single day.
Why Visit Geelong Today?
Geelong has transformed from an industrial port into a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates its heritage while embracing innovation. The city offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with world-class attractions, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving food and arts scene. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Geelong provides memorable experiences that showcase the best of coastal Victoria.
From sunrise balloon flights to sunset waterfront dining, from cultural galleries to adventure parks, Geelong ensures every moment of your visit is filled with discovery and delight. The city’s compact, walkable waterfront precinct means you can easily experience multiple attractions while soaking in those spectacular bay views that make Geelong truly special.
