Geelong

As Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong is a proud town with an interesting history and pockets of charm. While Melburnians love to deride their little cousin as a boring backwater, in reality few of the knockers have veered off its main thoroughfare enough to know what makes the town tick. Geelong’s new bypass means travellers can skip the city and head straight to the Great Ocean Road; however, there are lots of reasons to stop here.

With the recent closure of major industry, Geelong is in the process of reinventing itself as a tourist town. It's centred on the sparkling Corio Bay waterfront and the city centre, where heritage buildings from the boom days of the gold rush-era and the thriving wool industry have been converted into swanky restaurants and bars. It’s also a footy-mad town, passionate about its AFL team, the Cats.

The Wathaurung people are Geelong's original inhabitants and traditional custodians.

Explore Geelong

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Geelong.

  • Gardens

    Botanic Gardens

    Geelong's botanic gardens (established in 1851) are the fourth oldest in Australia and make for a peaceful stroll or picnic. Aim to get here for a…

  • Waterfront

    Geelong Waterfront

    Geelong's sparkling revamped waterfront precinct is a great place to stroll, with plenty of restaurants set on scenic piers, plus historical landmarks, a…

  • Cultural Centre

    Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

    The Wathaurung people – the original inhabitants and traditional custodians of Geelong – called the area Jillong, and this precinct on its outskirts…

  • Gallery

    Geelong Art Gallery

    With over 6000 works in its collection, this long-established gallery features celebrated Australian paintings such as Eugene von Guérard’s View of…

  • Gallery

    Boom Gallery

    Down an industrial street off Pakington St, Boom's warehouse space in an old woollen mill shows contemporary works by Melbourne and local artists. It…

  • Arts Centre

    Old Paper Mills

    Largely a secret even to locals is this historic 19th-century paper mill, overlooking a scenic stretch of the Barwon River, that's recently been converted…

  • Public Art

    Geelong Cement Works Silo Art

    The ugly old cement factory that sits atop Herne Hill has been beautified courtesy of three giant murals painted by Geelong-born street artist Rone. The…

  • Historic Building

    Old Geelong Gaol

    Built in 1849, HM Prison Geelong may have closed its doors in 1991, but this old bluestone jail remains as terrifying as ever. You'll see its grim cells…

  • Museum

    National Wool Museum

    More interesting than it may sound, this museum showcases the importance of the wool industry in shaping Geelong economically, socially and…

  • Winery

    Provenance Wines

    The highlight of a visit to Fyansford's historic Old Paper Mill complex is this working winery that's set within a beautiful, cathedral-like red-brick…

  • Historic Site

    Geelong Waterfront Carousel

    A prominent feature along Geelong's waterfront is this ornate 19th-century hand-carved carousel, housed within a slick 21st-century glass pavilion.

  • Park

    Geelong Play Space

    At this different kind of play area for kids, in Geelong's Eastern Gardens, near the Botanic Gardens, there's a pirate ship, a musical bridge, sandy areas…

  • Beach

    Eastern Beach

    Making up part of Geelong's scenic waterfront are this sandy beach and art deco bathing pavilion. There's classic European-style enclosed bay swimming,…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Geelong.

  • Activities