Just southwest of Melbourne, Geelong in Victoria is a beautiful, waterfront city in Australia. Known for its big city feel without the city, Geelong is known as the “Gateway City,” owing to its key location along Port Phillip.
For many years, it was an important shipping and manufacturing hub. However, now it is a bustling centre for cultural activities, beach activities, and outdoor enthusiasts.
With all of this on offer, Geelong is an amazing place to visit. From the beautiful coastline with its seafront esplanade to the vibrant nightlife, the city is worth a visit for visitors, expats, and locals alike.
There are many ways to get to Geelong, and whether you travel by bus, car, train, or plane, Geelong is worth every minute it takes to get there. Avalon Airport (Melbourne’s second airport) serves as a key transportation hub, making it easier to reach Geelong.
Greater Geelong offers diverse attractions, from culinary adventures to festivals and sustainable community developments. You may be wondering what to do in Geelong.
Keep reading for a list of the top 11 fun things to do in Geelong!
11 Fun Things to Do in Geelong
1. Explore Pakington Street
Pakington Street in Geelong West, affectionately known as “Pako” is a lively area renowned for a mix of shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Stretching three kilometres, it features diverse sections with a bustling commercial hub at the north end and a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere near the Barwon River. The street hosts Pako Festa, an annual multicultural festival that celebrates the community’s diversity. Whether you’re looking for unique shopping experiences or cosy cafes, Pakington Street offers something for everyone.
Check out the 63 degrees cafe which I visit each time I go to Geelong, it serves a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including Middle Eastern eggs and other Instagram-worthy options.
One of the highlights of 63 Degrees is its commitment to catering to various dietary preferences. The cafe offers dedicated vegan and paleo menus, featuring creative and wholesome dishes like raw desserts and sugar-free options.
2. Check Out the Eastern Beach in Geelong
There is one obvious answer for what to do in Geelong: go to the beach! As a city full of nature lovers with a beautiful waterfront, Geelong is a wonderful spot for chilling on the beach.
The nearby Surf Coast area also offers great surfing spots. There is a beach to fit every need, from family-friendly bays with calm waves to world-class waves for surfing. Going to the beach is one of the classic activities in Geelong. Whether you want to go for a swim, grab a surfboard, or just catch some sunshine, Geelong beaches are the perfect location for it.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, there is no better place than Eastern Beach.
If you’d rather have a more calm beach-going experience, check out Rippleside Geelong. The area is well-equipped with barbecues, a playground, a small jetty, and walking trails.
If you need to find waves for your surfing skills, head over to Thirteenth Beach, where there are waves suitable for beginners and experts alike. No matter which beach you choose, visiting the beach in Geelong is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Geelong.
3. Visit Cunningham Pier
Cunningham Pier is a fun place to explore, which brings together a comfortable beach atmosphere with fun activities. Known as one of the most iconic features, this is a “must” on the list of what to do in Geelong.
The picturesque pier, with white accents dotting the sky, hosts a fun restaurant and stunning views all around. You’ll see the locals out for a leisurely walk or trying to catch fish off the pier.
Even if you don’t feel like grabbing a meal at the Cunningham Pier restaurant, you can take in the sculptures and visit the small cafes and eateries.
If you have kids in tow, they’re guaranteed to appreciate the playground as well!
The views and the variety of activities make visiting Cunningham Pier one of the most fun things to do in Geelong!
4. Take a Ride on the Giant Sky Wheel
You’ll see the Giant Sky Wheel from just about every place in town, especially from the pier or the beaches. It is an iconic part of the Geelong skyline, as well as fun things to do in Geelong!
It stretches eighty feet tall, with twenty gondolas to ride in. Each gondola car can hold up to four adults, so you can go up on your own or with friends!
While you’re up in the sky, you can get a great view of the surrounding area, including the surrounding suburbs. If you’re not up for a ride on the wheel, you may still appreciate the Giant Sky Wheel lit up at night, with over 300,000 lights and light patterns.
5. See the Waterfalls at Buckley Falls
Buckley Falls is a wonderful outdoor activity right near the heart of Geelong! Fed by the scenic Barwon River, it is only 5 kilometres to the west of Geelong’s city centre, still in the heart of the action.
Buckley Falls holds a beautiful rock cascade, which features a stunning waterfall. There are three cascades along the river, which you can follow with a walking trail. There are viewing platforms and a parking lot, which makes it easier to access.
If you want to multiply the fun, pack up a picnic and take advantage of the picnic area at the falls. It is a great way to get a bit of exercise and appreciate the area’s natural beauty, making it one of the most fun things to do in Geelong!
6. Step into History with the Geelong Gaol Museum
Opened in 1853, Geelong Gaol operated continuously until 1991, as a prison, industrial school, hospital, military detention centre, and more. It is the third-oldest prison in Victoria with a storied history, featuring six high-profile executions.
Deakin University has collaborated on historical research projects related to the Geelong Gaol, enhancing our understanding of its past. Now, the old prison operates as a museum on the history of the Geelong Gaol, as well as the rest of the correction centres in Victoria.
It is open every day of the week, with plenty of permanent exhibitions and guided tours. If you’re interested in ghost stories, you can take one of the nightly ghost tours. If you want to take it a step further, the museum offers paranormal investigations on Friday and Saturday nights.
It is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Geelong, which puts you in touch with the history of Geelong.
7. Check Out the Baywalk Bollards
If you’ve seen photos of Geelong VIC, you’re likely familiar with the Baywalk Bollards! These fun sculptures are found all around town, from Rippleside Park all the way to the Botanic Gardens.
You can also find them in Geelong West, a vibrant area known for its multicultural heart and diverse dining options. There are over 100 of these enormous sculptures, each painted uniquely to look like players of the Australian Football League or important icons of the city. They are the work of notable artist Jan Mitchell, who was commissioned to transform the old timber from the city pier into artwork.
They are fun to take pictures with and catalogue as you move through town. If you’re interested in seeing a lot of these famous sculptures, consider doing the Baywalk Bollard Trail Walk, which starts as Rippleside Park and winds through the city over an estimated two hour walk.
8. Visit the National Wool Museum
It may not sound like a spool of fun, but the National Wool Museum is a classic activity in Geelong, Victoria’s second largest city!
The National Wool Museum captures the unique story of Australian wool, textiles, and fibres through a collection of exhibits and events. Established in 1988, the National Wool Museum was part of the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations.
The permanent exhibitions, as well as hands-on activities, which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the wool industry. With a low ticket cost of around $12, it is a great way to spend an afternoon and easily one of the best things to do in Geelong!
9. Wander the Geelong Botanic Gardens
If you’re interested in rare plants, gardens, and sculptural features, the Geelong Botanic Gardens are the place for you!
Founded in 1851, the Geelong Botanic Gardens stretch over 200 acres. With such a rich history and connection to the community, Geelong Botanic Gardens have evolved over time to incorporate both a modern and vintage feel. From the stunning vintage fountains to the “21st century garden,” the Geelong Botanic Gardens let you experience the beauty of nature without leaving the city.
The best part? The Geelong Botanic Gardens are free to the public, so you can appreciate the beauty without paying a dime! You can even catch a guided tour or educational program, if you plan your visit correctly.
10. Look for a Rare Find at the Geelong Vintage Market
If you want to look for unique, vintage finds, the Geelong Vintage Market is the perfect place to explore!
Geelong and the Bellarine is a region known for unique shopping experiences. Located in the North part of Geelong, the Geelong Vintage Market combines two warehouses worth of space, side by side. There are plenty of individual stalls in the warehouse, over 60, such that you could wander around there for hours, looking for stellar finds.
There is a mix of vintage items, as well as new artisan crafts. If you need to pick up a gift for anyone back home, this is the perfect place to shop around and have fun doing it!
11. Visit Geelong's Annual Food Festival
Geelong’s annual Food Festival in June and July showcases a wide variety of local delights with a variety of food and beverage experiences from the surrounding local regions. It includes cooking classes, food tours, and special dining offers, showcasing local cuisine.
This event provides an opportunity to explore and enjoy the diverse food offerings in Central Geelong. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, meet local chefs, and enjoy live entertainment.
Family-friendly activities and workshops make it suitable for all ages. The event highlights the rich culinary culture and local produce of the region.
Exploring Australia: What to Do in Geelong
While you’re exploring everything Australia has to offer, don’t forget to put Geelong on your list of places to see!
This amazing city offers beautiful natural sites, from the beaches to Buckley Falls, as well as cultural attractions like the Baywalk Bollards and the National Wool Museum.
The famous Great Ocean Road is a nearby attraction, connecting Geelong to popular beach-front communities and coastal landmarks. Geelong is a wonderful site for appreciating the beaches and boardwalks of Australia.
If you do visit Geelong, don’t forget to check out these fun things to do in Geelong!
Frequently Asked Questions about Geelong, Victoria
What is special about Geelong?
Known for its city feel without congestion, the breathtaking coastline, the diverse nightlife and cuisine, Geelong offers everything.
Is Geelong an Aboriginal word?
Geelong was founded by the local Wadauurrung in 1827 and has a modern name that means “land, cliff or mouth of land”. This region was originally discovered by Europeans in 1838, three days before Melbourne.
Is Geelong Australia a good place to holiday?
The Bellarine Peninsula and Melbourne have everything: vibrant art and culture, surfing beaches that rival the best of the country and mountainous nationals perfect for hiking.
Do not miss the beautiful Bellarine vineyards that have 40 cellar doors that serve cool-climate wines.
Why is Geelong so popular?
Geelong, Victoria is an excellent place for people who want an urban experience with an easy commute. It is very easy to travel with easy access to roads and intelligent bus networks creating an excellent city.
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