Geelong

Travel Guide

Geelong
Geelong which includes outdoor art
Queenscliff featuring heritage elements and signage
Barwon Heads
Geelong featuring 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 artefacts.

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

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Mount Duneed

While visiting Mount Duneed, you might make a stop by sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Conewarre K47 Streamside Reserve.

Mount Duneed
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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 Serendip Sanctuary.

Lara
Geelong showing rides

Geelong Central

If you're spending some time in Geelong Central, Westfield Geelong and Geelong Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

Geelong Central
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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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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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Corio

You'll enjoy the restaurants and seaside views in Corio. You might want to make time for a stop at Corio Native Grasslands Reserve or Limeburners Lagoon Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Corio
Rydges Geelong

Rydges Geelong

4 out of 5
Cnr Gheringhap & Myers St, Geelong, VIC
The price is €89 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€89
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed, large room has everything you need. Bathroom was a bit sad, paint peeling on the roof and was quite cramped."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Rydges Geelong
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG

4 out of 5
40 Ryrie Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is €100 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€100
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (305 reviews)
"Great location if you have a show at GPAC"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
Eden Oak Geelong

Eden Oak Geelong

4 out of 5
20 Adams Court, East Geelong, VIC
The price is €75 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€75
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (398 reviews)
"Beautiful quiet setting in parkland surrounds. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. We will definitely choose this hotel if we need to stay in Geelong."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Eden Oak 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.
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! (1,453 reviews)
"I only stayed for one night with my partner for a concert but the facilities were great and the reception were so friendly and helpful. 100% would come back here again!!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

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 aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
"We found the bed a little bit too hard to sleep on, everything else was all good. Promixity to town centre was excellent. The staff were very friendly. We have stayed in quite a few quest properties, as we are members, while I understand that they are all independant of each other, I was a bit taken ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

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 ...
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.

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