Geelong

Travel Guide

Geelong which includes sailing, boating and a marina
Geelong showing outdoor art
Queenscliff which includes heritage elements and signage
Barwon Heads
Geelong which includes general coastal views
Spectacular rock forms, scenic drives, attractive beaches and a fascinating cultural heritage await at this port city in Victoria.

Geelong sits at the bottom of Australia on the shores of Corio Bay. This busy port and gateway to the long scenic coastal route of the Great Ocean Road is the second-largest city in Victoria. Enjoy waterfront walks, cycle along picturesque trails, play on beaches and embark on a daytrip to see spectacular natural attractions.

European settlement started in Geelong in the 1830s. The principal trade in the early days was wool. Get a sense of Geelong’s history as you pass the city’s original Victorian buildings, including the Town Hall and Christ Church. Pick up more insights into the area's past by visiting the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the National Wool Museum. At the Geelong Maritime Museum, study models of ships and naval artifacts.

For a fun day out, head to Geelong's waterfront, a large recreational space of landscaped gardens, piers, restaurants and cycling paths. The area also encompasses Eastern Beach where you can cool off in an art deco swimming enclosure, then walk along the wooden promenade. Younger children will love the restored 1892 carousel. 

Go to the oceanfront Steampacket Gardens for a picnic on its lawns. If you are into sport, watch a thrilling Aussie Rules football match at Simonds Stadium, home of the Geelong Cats Football Club.

Explore Geelong’s beautiful surroundings by walking or cycling along the Bellarine Rail Trail. The 35-kilometre (21.7-mile) route passes through acres of farmland. Hike or mountain bike through You Yangs Regional Park, known for its granite peaks.

See even more scenic splendour with a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Drive to some of Victoria’s most famous attractions, such as the collection of limestone rock stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Visit the beach town of Torquay and go wine and food tasting in wineries along the way.

The cultural and picturesque attractions of Geelong lie 74 kilometres (46 miles) from Melbourne. A regional train connects the two cities, or you can fly into the domestic airport in Avalon, a 20-minute drive away from Geelong.

Where to stay in Geelong

Serendip Sanctuary is a great place to see Emus and Kangaroos in a 'wild' setting. They let many native animals roam free and you can just walk past them. They have a number of bird hides and enclosures where you can also see native animals.

It's free to visit and is close to Lara train station.

Lara

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Lara. You might want to make time for a stop at You Yangs Regional Park or Kevin Hoffman Walk.

Lara
Belmont Common is one of my favourite birdwatching areas in Geelong. There is a bird hide at Jerringot Wildlife Research. You get a lot of waterbirds in the area and also the occasional bird of prey. It's well known for crakes, rails and lathams snipe. #localgem

Belmont

Get to know Belmont by checking out its shopping, spas, and river views. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Balyang Sanctuary or Little Creatures Brewery during your time in the area.

Belmont
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Waurn Ponds

Visitors to Waurn Ponds enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Saint Regis Winery is worth a stop.

Waurn Ponds
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Leopold

When in Leopold, you can plan a visit to Adventure Park Geelong and Curlewis Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Leopold
Balyang Sanctuary in Geelong is a great place for families to visit. The area was converted to a haven for various waterbirds including ducks, pelicans and cormorants. It is very close to the Barwon River Trail and has many tables for picnics. 

Birdwatchers can find many interesting animals here if they explore it in depth. #localgem

Newtown

Unique features of Newtown include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Balyang Sanctuary or The Heights Heritage House and Garden while you're exploring the area.

Newtown
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Geelong West

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Geelong West and surrounding area, you can visit Islamic Society of Geelong and Geelong Golf Course.

Geelong West
Rydges Geelong
Rydges Geelong
4 out of 5
Cnr Gheringhap & Myers St, Geelong, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,887 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$2,887
NT$3,175 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Reasonable price - close to everything we needed"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Rydges Geelong
Admiralty Inn
Admiralty Inn
3 out of 5
66 Mckillop Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is NT$2,017 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
NT$2,017
NT$2,219 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Price was very cheap which worried me but the quality was very high. Clean rooms, good wifi, good bed and home cooked eggs and bacon breakfast was perfect. Thank you. We will stay here again."

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

Admiralty Inn
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
4 out of 5
40 Ryrie Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is NT$2,603 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
NT$2,603
NT$2,863 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
"The Holiday Inn is modern and conveniently located. The only downside is that you have to separately book and pay a second party for parking your car, even though it’s parked underneath the same building."

Reviewed on 2025/6/17

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,434 reviews)
"Great location, excellent customer service and the rooms are well kept, very modern and have very thing you could need. The option for the undercover locked parking is very convenient. Would definitely stay again if or when in the area."

Reviewed on 2025/7/5

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central
4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (204 reviews)
"Excellent stay"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Quest Geelong Central
Anchor Geelong
Anchor Geelong
3.5 out of 5
39 Swanston Street, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Spirit of Tasmania Ferry ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (346 reviews)
"My favourite place to stay when in Geelong. Amazing as always"

Reviewed on 2025/7/3

Anchor Geelong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Geelong

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cute little beachside town with lots of outdoor eating.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Geelong is a great place to stay. It has it all - beaches, wonderful dining options, shopping & an easy train ride to Melbourne.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

We were just passing through and needed a place to stay otherwise we avoid Geelong as its just not a nice place. Hotel was nice though.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Geelong waterfront has so much going on. A great place for families to explore

Cities near Geelong