GEELONG
THINGS TO DO IN GEELONG
Geelong is switching things up in a big way, and Melbourne and beyond are sitting up and taking notice.
Geelong is changing in a big way, and people from all over are flocking to Victoria's second-largest city to get in on the action – from foodie hotspots and creative hubs to breweries and distilleries to street art and cultural centres. But it's not just Geelong's city centre that has people's attention. It's what's sprinkled around the urban and rural hubs.
From Lara in the north to the rolling hills of Waurn Ponds in the south, Geelong is a thriving centre that makes the most of its coastal setting. But it's not just good food and must-visit breweries that have put Geelong on the map. Home to the second oldest AFL team, locals take a lot of pride in their team, and it shows because, on game day, there is no better place to be than in the many pubs cheering on the Cats.
In a city that is seeing a lot of change of late, Geelong has become a must-visit destination. So, come hungry and thirsty, because there is a lot of exploring to do on our round-up of things to do in Geelong.
The Waterfront
Geelong's famed Waterfront draws a crowd, and for good a good reason. The vintage meets contemporary vibe has a real charm – a 19th-century carousel, an art deco boardwalk and a sea bath at Eastern Beach. The standout, though, is the Baywalk Bollards, colourful characters from times past which has had an augmented reality update, where the stories of the characters provide insight into some of the region's history.
Foodie Hangouts
With what feels like a new restaurant or eatery opening up every week, much to the delight of locals, Geelong's foodie scene is starting to rival that of Melbourne's. From acclaimed fine diners to rustic French brasseries, Geelong is pulsing with top tier eateries that have people from all over flocking to Little Malop Street – the epicentre of Geelong's drinking and dining scene. But don't stop there. Neighbouring streets and suburbs are increasingly becoming home to on-trend cafes, global eats and high-end dining.
Breweries & Distilleries
Drawing legions of fans are the many breweries, distilleries and cideries that are popping up in and around Geelong. A tour of the craft breweries and distilleries has become one of the top things to do in Geelong, thanks to the region's fertile soils and unique microclimate. And each venue has become a destination within itself, be it White Rabbit Brewery & Barrel Hall, Little Creatures Brewery, or Arthur Distillery.
Out & About in the Great Outdoors
Be it hiking and mountain biking through the You Yangs in the north or strolling through Geelong Botanic Gardens, wading in the water at Eastern Beach or paddling around Queens Park, Geelong loves to be in the great outdoors. But in Geelong, it's the many playing fields that are sprinkled throughout that really shines a spotlight on the regions number one love, AFL.
A Cultural Affair
Adding to the list of things to do in Geelong is the line-up of museums and galleries. Along Little Malop Street you'll find Geelong Art Gallery, Geelong Library, the Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre. Plus, the annual events calendar is jam-packed with music festivals, cycling events, sailing and, of course, AFL games.
From microbreweries and distilleries to a waterfront precinct that impresses, when it comes to things to do, Geelong delivers tenfold.
