2025 Geelong Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

#summervacay This weekend I planned to visit Bendigo… but accidentally boarded the V/Line train going the opposite direction! By the time I realized, I was almost at Geelong — so I thought, why not turn this into a spontaneous solo trip? 😅💫 🚆 Getting There: From Southern Cross Station → Geelong Station via V/Line 👉 Make sure to double-check the train direction (learned the hard way 😅) ⏱️ Around 1 hour 💳 Just tap on with your Myki card — super easy! 📸 My Route & Must-Sees: Johnstone Park Right near the train station — we hopped on a local bus and got off near the beachside park. It’s spacious, relaxed, and there's even an art gallery nearby! If the weather’s good, it's the perfect photo backdrop ☀️📷 Eastern Beach & Cunningham Pier A must-visit spot — iconic sea baths, palm trees, and chilled beach vibes. Walk along the pier, dip your toes in the water, or just sit and watch the world go by 💙🌴 This little seaside town surprised me in all the best ways — chilled, beautiful, and super easy to explore without a car. Definitely worth a spontaneous detour! #GeelongDayTrip #MelbourneGetaway #SoloTravelVibes #EasternBeach

📍สถานที่: - Point Ormond lookout
- Half Moon Bay
- St.Kilda
- Port Melbourne
- Geelong beach
- Mornington beach
- Brighton beach
- Phillip Island การเดินทางที่เมลเบิร์นง่ายมากๆ ทุกที่สามารถไปแบบ 1 day trip ได้เลย💖🌊 #ออสเตรเลีย #trip #ทะเล #เมลเบิร์น #melbourne #australiatrip #ปีใหม่ทริปใหม่ #รับส่วนลดไม่พึ่งดวง #มัดรวมที่เที่ยว

1. Entering the Admiralty When I first arrived at the Admiralty Guest House, I was immediately drawn to its quaint exterior. The entire guest house looks like an ancient castle, with stone brick walls glistening in the sunlight. Inside the lobby, a vintage and warm atmosphere greets you. Looking at the wooden furniture polished smooth by time, I could almost feel the weight of history. **2. Accommodation Experience** As soon as I entered the room, I was drawn to the comfortable bed, with its soft mattress and fluffy duvet that made me feel gently embraced. The room's decor is simple yet stylish, and the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows is breathtaking. Notably, the room also features a cozy reading area and private bathroom facilities, making me feel right at home. **3. Guest House Services** The staff at the Admiralty are incredibly warm and friendly. From the moment I stepped into the guest house, they provided attentive service. Whether helping me with check-in or introducing local attractions and cuisine, they were patient and meticulous, making me feel at home. **4. Surroundings and Food Recommendations** The Admiralty Guest House is located in the heart of the city, with convenient transportation and a full range of shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities nearby. I highly recommend the nearby XX restaurant, where the food is unforgettable. Additionally, a short walk will take you to the city's famous attractions, allowing me to enjoy delicious food while taking in beautiful scenery. **5. Conclusion** Overall, the Admiralty Guest House left a deep impression on me. From its exterior to interior decor, from service to surroundings, I was thoroughly satisfied. It not only made me feel at home but also allowed me to fully relax and enjoy my journey. If you want to experience a different travel lifestyle, the Admiralty Guest House is your best choice! The Admiralty Guest House awaits you to experience a different travel lifestyle!

Geelong is located between Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. Geelong is also the starting point of the Great Ocean Road. If you go to the coastal highway of the Great Ocean Road, you must pass through this 𥚃. Come to Geelong and feel the tranquility here, sparsely populated, very suitable for relaxing and enjoying the feeling of life. The coastal views are beautiful here, with a tranquil and fantastic coastline Suddenly cheerful, you can take beautiful photos by taking a photo at the seaside. Another highlight here is the cute wooden dolls, each with different expressions and their own stories, with more than a hundred dolls scattered along the road, at the pier, by the sea and on the beach. #seascape #100 Ways to Travel

It was a trip to Geelong, Australia. We found it to be an incredible destination with a mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. We started our day at Eastern Beach Reserve, a beautiful waterfront area perfect for a morning stroll. We explored the Art Deco-style sea baths, swam in the enclosed swimming area, and admired the Baywalk Bollards—hand-painted sculptures that tell the story of Geelong’s history. 📍Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 Then, we headed to the Geelong Botanic Gardens, a peaceful spot with an array of beautiful plant species. We enjoyed wandering through the different themed gardens, especially the rose garden and the heritage-listed fernery. It’s a great place to relax and appreciate nature. 📍Podbury Dr, East Geelong VIC 3219 For lunch, we visited Little Creatures Brewery, a vibrant place with a laid-back atmosphere. I would highly recommend trying their wood-fired pizzas 🍕 and pairing them with one of their house-brewed beers 🍻 The "Little Creatures Pale Ale" was a standout for us. 📍221 Swanston St, Geelong VIC 3220 💰AUD 15-30 In the afternoon, we explored the National Wool Museum, where we learned about the rich history of Australia's wool industry. The museum offers interactive exhibits that are fascinating for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to see the impressive wool processing machinery in action! 📍26 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220 💰AUD 8 for adults Just a short walk from the museum, we discovered the Geelong Waterfront Carousel, a beautifully restored vintage carousel. It’s a delightful experience, especially for families or anyone who enjoys a touch of nostalgia. 📍Western Foreshore Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 💰AUD 4 per ride As the sun began to set, we made our way to Cunningham Pier. We took in the stunning views over Corio Bay, and I would definitely recommend dining at "The Pier Geelong" restaurant located right on the pier. We enjoyed their seafood platter, which included fresh local catches like calamari, prawns, and fish—absolutely delicious! 📍10 Western Beach Foreshore Rd, Geelong VIC 3220 💰AUD 40-60 per person #australiatrip #Vacation #trip

#melbournetrip If you’re in Geelong this is a gem to go and see. Although this museum is not part of my travel plan but since I was here and it only cost AUD 10 so I decide to take a look. It's focused mostly around the whole wool industry from the early settler day right up though the various industrial innovations and developments. They have a massive loom in the middle and if you're lucky enough you'll get to see it going.I think one of my favorite bits is the old home displays you can walk though and check out stuff from various eras. Parking available along the street or Opp at Westfield

#celebratewithtrip Geelong bollards made out of old timber pylons from the demolished Yarra Street pier, these remarkable works of art are a much loved Geelong attraction. Over 100 of these colourful characters line a 3-kilometre walk along Corio Bay from Limeburners Point all the way to Rippleside Park. One of the best free things to do in Geelong is to pop on your walking shoes and explore the bollard trail. It is so nice to walk along the trail and see the fancy scenic area. There are people fishing and running along the pier. #melbourne

The Great Ocean Road is a road located in the south of Victoria on the east coast of Australia. It is about 243 kilometers long and built in the middle of cliffs. Photo 1 is the memorial arch starting from Torquay. After passing this place, it goes straight to The Twelve Apostles #great Ocean Road #Melbourne #the Twelve Apostles #bucketlist#tbt

The closest amazing beach to swim near Melbourne, Geelong!!💕 I can't even count how many times I went to Geelong cuz I used to go there to swim every weekend. The main beach was surrounded by this little small hill and the beach has amazing stuffs like 5m of diving poll, and the floating wooden trail to take a walk on the beach! Oh are you going there with kids or are you afraid of beach? Don't worry there's this little pool for kids and parents, indeed there is shower facility too ☺️ It absolutely is the best destination for summer picnic and oh! I almost forgot to tell you that they have this ferris wheel which is amazingly fun too! Don't forget to try fresh fish&chips along the beach as well🤤 #givethanks #melbourneguide #givethanks

Australia | Take a walk on the top of the rainforest tree Otway Fly Treetop is the longest and tallest canopy walkway in the world and a great family trip on the Great Ocean Road. project. There are two types of excursions, one is a rainforest walk for all ages, and the other is a relatively high-altitude cableway. As a non-adventure project enthusiast, I naturally still take a step on the top of the tree. Treetop Walk is about 2 kilometers in length. It takes about 1 hour to visit. It consists of a steel frame canopy walkway that is 600 meters long and 30 meters high, and walks between us through the canopy. There will be a spiral tower (Spiral Tower) with a height of 45 meters in the middle. From the perspective of God, the rainforest will have a different feeling. Zipline Tours 2.5 hours of cableway taxiing, including 8 cloud stops, 6 taxis, 2 suspension bridges, and 1 hour treetop walk. Address: Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

#holidayitinerary #august2025 #aussie #greatoceanroad Stretching gracefully into Corio Bay, Cunningham Pier is one of Geelong’s most iconic waterfront landmarks. Whether you’re here for a leisurely walk, a romantic sunset view, or simply to soak in the coastal breeze, the pier offers a tranquil escape with picture-perfect angles of the city skyline and bay. 🌊✨ Just a short stroll away, the Carousel Pavilion adds a touch of magic to the promenade. Housed in a glass pavilion, this beautifully restored, century-old carousel feels like stepping back in time — hand-painted horses, polished brass, and cheerful music all spinning against a backdrop of shimmering water. Families, couples, and even solo wanderers can’t resist its nostalgic charm. 🎠💫 The wider Geelong Waterfront ties it all together with its mix of art, history, and leisure. From the whimsical Bollards lining the foreshore, to the cafés and grassy lawns at Eastern Beach, it’s a place that invites you to wander, linger, and simply enjoy life by the water. ✨ Why Visit? • 🌅 Stunning views from Cunningham Pier, especially at sunrise or sunset. • 🎠 Step aboard a piece of history at The Carousel Pavilion. • 🎨 Stroll the Bollard Trail for a playful glimpse into Geelong’s past. • ☕ Plenty of waterfront cafés and picnic spots to unwind. 💡 Tip: Come in the evening — the pavilion lights, reflections on the bay, and the peaceful pier atmosphere make it feel cinematic.

#holidayitinerary #august2025 #aussie #beachlife The Geelong Waterfront is one of Victoria’s most charming coastal promenades, blending leisure, history, and art in one vibrant stretch. Strolling here feels like a seaside holiday within the city. At Eastern Beach, you’ll find a beautifully restored Art Deco swimming enclosure, complete with boardwalks, diving towers, and picnic lawns — perfect for a refreshing dip on a sunny day or a relaxed family outing. As you wander along the bay, the quirky and colorful Geelong Baywall Bollards bring history to life. These hand-painted timber figures, scattered across the foreshore, each tell a story of the city’s past — from lifesavers and fishermen to bathing beauties and musicians. They’re whimsical, photogenic, and a must for every visitor. ✨ Why Visit? • 🏖️ Swim or relax at Eastern Beach Reserve. • 🎨 Discover over 100 charming Bollards, each with its own tale. • 🚶 Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along the foreshore. • 🌅 Stay for the views — sunrise and sunset over Corio Bay are unforgettable.

#holidayitinerary #august2025 #thingstodo #beachlife One of Geelong’s most charming attractions, the Baywalk Bollards line the waterfront with over 100 brightly painted sculptures. Each figure is crafted from reclaimed pier timbers and tells a piece of Geelong’s history — from lifesavers and fishermen to musicians, swimmers, and town characters. ✨ Why Visit? • 🚶 Scenic Walk – The trail stretches along the waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll by Corio Bay. • 📸 Photo-Friendly – Every bollard is quirky, colorful, and irresistibly Instagrammable. • 🖼️ Living Art – More than just decorations, they’re an outdoor gallery capturing Geelong’s spirit. • 🌅 Beautiful Views – The bay as a backdrop makes the art walk even more memorable. 🌟 It felt like walking through an open-air storybook. Each bollard has its own personality — some made me laugh, others gave a nostalgic glimpse of the city’s past. The mix of art, history, and seaside atmosphere makes this a walk you don’t just see but experience.

#holidayitinerary #weekendgetaways #aussie #august2025 #seasights On Geelong’s stunning waterfront, The Carousel blends old-world charm with modern elegance. Set inside a sparkling glass pavilion, this beautifully restored 19th-century carousel feels like stepping into a timeless fairground scene. Hand-painted horses glide in circles to a cheerful barrel-organ tune, while the views of Corio Bay shimmer beyond the windows — a cinematic mix of nostalgia and seaside romance. 👨👩👧 Why Visit? • 🎠 Ride Through History – Over a century old, the carousel is lovingly preserved, complete with polished brass, painted panels, and even a chariot for little ones. • ♿ Inclusive Experience – With a mobility lift and wide timber deck, everyone — kids, parents, prams, and wheelchair users — can join in the fun. • 🌅 Scenic Pavilion – By day, sunlight streams through the glass walls; by night, the pavilion glows like a jewel on the bay.

#holidayitinerary #august2025 #weekendgetaways #aussie #citywalk Stretching along Geelong’s sparkling waterfront, the Bollard Trail Walk is one of the city’s most unique attractions. Over 100 whimsical, life-sized bollards — hand-painted by artist Jan Mitchell — line the path, each telling a story from Geelong’s rich history. From bathing beauties in vintage swimsuits to lifeguards, sailors, musicians, and even a racehorse and jockey, every figure is bursting with character. 👀 Why It’s Special • 🎭 Living History – Each bollard reflects a real slice of Geelong’s past, turning the promenade into an open-air gallery. • 📸 Photo Fun – Quirky and colorful, they make perfect backdrops for memorable snapshots.

Geelong is a great place to spend a day. Besides the beautiful coastline, there's also a large beer factory I highly recommend visiting! Unfortunately, the beer tour was full this time, as I didn't book in advance. However, you can still explore the factory. You can experience multiple craft beers in one go, the atmosphere is spacious, and the food is delicious! It's a great place to take photos, and it's open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays! #Train #Beer

Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria, Australia, and is conveniently located about an hour's train ride from Melbourne. As the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong combines coastal scenery, historical culture, and modern art, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy life. Walking along the long waterfront promenade is incredibly pleasant, with numerous cafes, recreational facilities, and even a small train along the way. Most notably, the coastline is adorned with over a hundred colorful wooden figurine sculptures (Bollards), giving this place a unique charm.

GeeLong Grammar school , a famous school in the world

Since you are in Melbourne, if you have time, drive down to Geelong town, which takes an hour. It has its own characteristics in winter and summer, and it is refreshing to see everywhere. It is worth a visit! #scenery #beach

#summervacay The painted puppets on Geelong’s waterfront (also known as painted bollards or bay walk puppets) are one of the most iconic and beloved public art installations in Victoria, Australia. They are lined up along the scenic Geelong Eastern Beach promenade and have become a symbol of the city’s waterfront renaissance and a must-see attraction. Here is a detailed introduction to them: 1. Origin and purpose: * The project was born in 2010. * Conceived and led by local artist Jan Mitchell. * The main purpose is to beautify the waterfront and transform the coastline, which was originally dilapidated and monotonous due to the decline of the dock industry (especially the remaining bollards), into a vibrant and attractive public space. * The deeper goal is to revitalize Geelong’s seaside culture, attract tourists and local residents, and create a new and unique identity symbol for the city. 2. Artistic creation: * These "puppets" are actually transformed from abandoned bollards. * Jan Mitchell invited local community members, artists and students to participate in the design and painting. * The creative process was full of community participation, and many of the puppets were inspired by Geelong's history, culture and local characters. * Each puppet has a unique design, theme and personality, and no two are exactly the same. 3. Image and theme: * The puppets have rich and diverse images, full of fun and stories. * One of the most famous images is a surf lifesaver puppet wearing a yellow and red uniform and holding a lifebuoy. 4. Scale and location: * More than 100 painted puppets are scattered along the promenade on Geelong's east coast, extending from Cunningham Pier to Rippleside Park. * They are mainly concentrated on the seaside promenade around Eastern Beach, which is a great scenery for walking, cycling or riding the seaside carousel. 5. Significance and impact: * Symbol of urban revitalization: The project is widely regarded as a key catalyst for the successful transformation of Geelong's waterfront and the entire city. * Community Pride: It has greatly enhanced the pride of the local community and has become a landmark that Geelong people are proud of. * Major tourist attractions: Painted puppets are one of Geelong's most popular tourist attractions, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to take photos and check in. * Public Art Model: It shows how public art can effectively transform space, tell stories and create joy through community participation. * Free and open: It is open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day and is a great place to relax. In summary: The painted puppets on the Geelong seaside are far more than simple decorations. They are a vivid embodiment of community spirit, artistic creativity and urban revitalization. These puppets, transformed from abandoned mooring piles, full of personality and stories, not only beautify the seaside, but also become Geelong's unique cultural business card, warmly welcoming every visitor and inviting everyone to stroll along the beautiful bay and explore the fun behind them and the story of Geelong. Next time you go to Geelong, don't forget to take a walk along the east coast and say hello and take a photo with these charming painted puppets! They are definitely one of the best ways to soak up the relaxed, artistic, seaside vibe of this city. #beachlife #travel #familytravel #thingstodo #thingstodo #familytravel

Geelong, Melbourne's second largest city, you can choose to drive or go to Melbourne Flinders Street Station. This is the main train station. Tickets are very cheap. You can reach Melbourne's second largest city by train in 1 hour. There is the National Wool Museum, especially for a family with children who set off early in the morning. You can take a small train near the beach and the tourist center. Remember to pay for it yourself. It's worth it. Remember to go to City Hall and the auntie at the reception will give you an eco-friendly bag. Isolation is the library. Remember to go to the top floor. The rooftop terrace is an observation deck where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of this second largest city. It is worth going. There are many choices of restaurants.

Getting There - Join in Tours Attractions - See pictures Hotels - Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG Food & Restaurants - La Cucina Melbourne Shopping - Queen Victoria Market

Geelong is beautiful at night. Being a cold night, it was quiet and chilled. Pubs along the main drag sounded pretty good as well

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 When you come to Geelong, you must not miss this unique seaside art trail: Bollard Trail Walk! Walking along the coastline, you will come across one cute and historical painted wooden sculpture (Bollards) after another, including sailors, lifeguards, little girls, band members, Aboriginal elders... Each one represents a different historical moment or character background of Geelong. Here are the highlights: * There are more than 100 hand-painted wooden sculptures scattered along the seaside promenade from Rippleside Park to Eastern Beach Reserve. I personally picked a few famous wood carvings to take photos with. * Each one is unique, very suitable for taking photos and checking in. * The wood sculpture was created by Australian artist Jan Mitchell and is Geelong's most iconic public art. * Suitable for family walks, couples dating, and hipsters taking photos! Tips for taking photos: * You can choose the "Lifeguard Wood Sculpture" or "Band Wood Sculpture" as the background, which is the most photogenic! * The light in the evening is soft, which makes for beautiful photos and you can also watch the sunset. * You can walk along the trail all the way to the Poppy Kettle Playground and take lots of photos while walking! Location Information: * Bollard Trail Walk starting point: Rippleside Park (or start from Eastern Beach) * Opening hours: Open all day, free! By the way, the start of the Great Ocean Road is only about 20–30 minutes’ drive from Geelong.

Geelong, a seaside art town near Melbourne, is definitely a treasure at the start of the Great Ocean Road. Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria. It boasts the blue coastline of Corio Bay, offering both a relaxing seaside vacation atmosphere and an artistic vibe. Once an industrial hub, it has now transformed into a treasure destination that integrates art, cuisine, and natural scenery. Many people pass through it when driving the Great Ocean Road, but if time permits, it is perfect for a day trip or a short weekend getaway. 🚗 Transportation Guide: Starting from Melbourne, you can reach it by driving about 75 km along the M1 highway. You can also stop by Werribee Open Range Zoo along the way. If you choose public transportation, take the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station, which goes directly to Geelong city center in about 1.5 hours. It is recommended to rent a bicycle in the city (Bay City Cycles provides car rental services) and ride along the coastline to explore, which is environmentally friendly and pleasant. 🎨 Must-Visit Attractions: * Baywalk Bollards: Geelong's most iconic attraction, with more than 100 wooden sculptures created by artist Jan Mitchell arranged along the coastline, telling the local history in a humorous style, perfect for taking photos. * Geelong Gallery: A must-visit for art lovers, it houses Australian indigenous art treasures and offers free admission. * Bellarine Peninsula: A 20-minute drive away, explore the retro town of Queenscliff, or take a ferry to the Mornington Peninsula to experience the wonders of the double bay. 🍴 Food Recommendations: * The Beach House: A popular restaurant with sea views, recommended for seafood platters and Australian steak, with an average cost of AUD 40 per person. * Little Creatures Brewery: A craft brewery converted from an old factory building, the signature IPA is paired with freshly baked pizza, and the industrial-style environment is perfect for gatherings. * Parker’s Organic Market: The weekend market gathers ingredients directly supplied by local farms, and handmade cheese and berry pies are not to be missed. 🏡 Accommodation Options: * Luxury Choice: Cumberland Resort (a 4-star resort with a swimming pool and spa, double rooms are about AUD 200 per night). * Value for Money Recommendation: Mercure Geelong (located in the city center, within walking distance of the beach, with modern and simple rooms). * Featured Homestay: Farmhouse homestays on the Bellarine Peninsula, where you can experience picking fruits and vegetables and stargazing, suitable for family stays. ✨ Undiscovered Experiences: * Geelong Botanic Gardens: A free 19th-century garden, perfect for picnics and walks. * Adventure Park: The largest water park in the Southern Hemisphere, the first choice for family trips in summer. * Night Light Show: Every winter (June to August), the seaside trail will be transformed into a gallery of light and shadow art.

Happy moments

Geelong is a small town more than an hour's drive from Melbourne. It is really suitable for a visit with babies and parents.

Spent the day at Geelong Beach and honestly, it was such a vibe. The weather was perfect—sunny with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. The beach itself is super clean, with soft sand and calm water that’s great for a quick swim or just dipping your feet in while you chill. What I really loved was how much there is to do around the area. There’s a long, scenic path right by the water that’s perfect for walking or cycling, and the views of the bay are seriously underrated. I stopped for a coffee at one of the waterfront cafés (there are a few good ones!) and just sat there soaking in the atmosphere. Families were out, people were paddleboarding, and there were even a few folks doing yoga on the grass. Eastern Beach is a must if you’re visiting—there’s this cool old-school diving tower and a fenced-in swimming area that feels safe and nostalgic at the same time. There’s also a playground and picnic spots, so it’s really family-friendly too. Parking can be a bit of a mission if you go later in the day, but it’s worth it. Next time I’m definitely bringing a picnic and staying for the sunset—it was stunning even from the car ride home. 10/10 would go again.