If you are looking to escape Melbourne for a day trip or a weekend getaway consider Geelong. Why? Well, Geelong is only 75km from Melbourne’s CBD taking an hour or so to get there. Plus, it is Victoria’s second largest city, but without the crowds of Melbourne. There is also plenty to see and do in this part of Victoria with spectacular coastline, beach towns and a great gourmet trail, as I found out on a recent trip to Geelong. In fact, I was quietly surprised how interesting and fun Geelong is. Let me surprise you with how to spend a day or weekend getaway in Geelong.
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Why Go to Geelong?
Unless, you live in Geelong I thought to myself, why go to Geelong? Isn’t it just a suburb of Melbourne? Well no. It is a outside of Greater Melbourne and is a city in its own right. In fact, the second largest city in Victoria and the largest regional city in Victoria. And plenty of people call Geelong home. However, 20 or so years ago, Geelong got a facelift making it an attractive and interesting place to visit.
So whether you will come on a day trip or weekend getaway from Melbourne, or are looking to visit while on your big lap of Australia, I think it would be well worth adding it to your list of places to discover in Australia for a day or weekend escape. It has things to see and do for solo travellers, couples to Geelong on romantic getaways and very family friendly. And if you have longer than a day or weekend, Geelong is a great base to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Torquay and is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.
When to Visit Geelong
Anytime is a great time to visit Geelong. The summer months bring the crowds out to enjoy the waterside with the good weather. Winter sees wet and blustery weather, but it is still great walking along the seaside. Maybe you are visiting Geelong for an event such as an AFL game. Whatever reason is bringing you to Geelong anytime is a good time to visit Geelong.
History of Geelong
Geelong, also known as the city by the bay, was founded in 1837 when Governor Richard Burke formally named the area. The name ‘Geelong’ is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘jillong’, meaning ‘the place of the native companion’ or ‘land or cliffs’. And there are plenty of cliffs with amazing beaches in the area to explore.
I discovered Geelong was built as a centre for the wool industry which was prominent in the area. Plus, it is one of the last cities before you leave the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and arrive at Victoria’s Surf Coast. So many of the fun things to see and do in Geelong can be found in its waterside precinct. Making it a great destination for people of all ages as there is plenty of things to see and do in Geelong no matter if you are visiting Geelong with kids, solo to Geelong or with a friend or other family members.
How to Get to Geelong?
There are a number of ways to get you to Geelong.
Car: If you have a car you can take the M1 from Melbourne to Geelong. This drive in its self is quite interesting. The road is sealed and very flat. You will pass a number of suburbs including Alton and Werribee before arriving in Geelong. You will also see some small mountains – the You Yangs. Depending on traffic, which can be horrendous sometimes on this 3-lane wide road, it can take about an hour to reach Geelong. And there is plenty of parking in Geelong however, a lot of it is metered so you may have to pay to park in some places.
If you aren’t keen on driving from Melbourne to Geelong you can also get there by train, bus or ferry. And as you can easily walk around Geelong, these are great options for a Geelong day trip. However, a car will be handy if heading to Geelong for a weekend, as you will be able to drive around Geelong and see more.
Train: There is a good train service from Melbourne to Geelong on V/Line. Leaving every 30 minutes or so from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD, the journey takes about an hour.
Bus: Buses to Geelong are regular and leave from Spencer Street Station. They take you over the West Gate Bridge and along the Princes Freeway to Geelong. Check the timetable on the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website.
Ferry: Travelling by ferry from Melbourne to Geelong I found quite a unique and fun way to travel. Port Phillip Ferries run two services every day starting in the Docklands. The ferry ride takes about 95 minutes to cross Port Phillip Bay.
You can also catch the Queenscliffe to Sorrento Ferry that links the Mornington Peninsula with the Bellarine Peninsula. You can travel as a foot passenger or take your car aboard. Check out Searoad Ferries for details.
Best Things to See and Do in Geelong on a Day Trip
On this day trip to Geelong I’ve divided the day up into morning, afternoon and evening activities to help you make the most of your day in Geelong.
How to Spend the Morning in Geelong
If you are only coming to Geelong for one day you can probably spend most of your day in the Waterside Precinct. However, on this day trip to Geelong, it is only for the morning. If possible, pop into the Information Centre located at the pier and pick up a map and you will see there are plenty of options of how to spend your time in Geelong. And kids to Geelong, and people of all ages, will find something to see and do.
It’s All About the Waterside Precinct
Let’s start your day in Geelong in the Waterside Precinct. Some 20 or so years ago Geelong got a facelift and one of the areas concentrated on was the waterside area of Geelong. Facing Corio Bay there is plenty to see and do here.
The most popular thing people visiting Geelong do is walk the Bollards Walk along the waterside. There are some 100 or so bollards to see that represent characters from Geelong’s past and life in Geelong. They are dotted along Geelong’s grassy palm tree-lined foreshore. The bollards are old pier timbers transformed into bright works of art. It can take a couple of hours one way to see all the bollards, but at the same time you will see the following as you walk along.
Other things to see and do as you are walking the Bollards Walk is to walk out onto Cunningham Pier. If you brought your fishing rod you could throw a line out! You can see all the boats moored at the Geelong Yacht Club. Perhaps go for a ride on the hand-carved wooden Carousel. Or relax on the sand at Eastern Beach Reserve and go for a swim in the enclosed sea baths. Perhaps take a walk through the Botanic Gardens then finish your morning in the Geelong seaside with some fish and chips from one of the many fish and chip stores dotted along the foreshore. Or sit in one of the cafes and restaurants.
Geelong Waterfront from Cunningham Pier
Cunningham Pier
And the band plays ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’
How to Spend the Afternoon in Geelong
On this Geelong day trip I’d spend the afternoon in Geelong’s CBD. So after lunch, definitely make time to walk a couple of streets back to Geelong’s CBD. You may even see some street art as you do!
In Geelong’s CBD you will find the cultural centre that is home to the Wool Museum, other historic landmarks including the Geelong City Hall, T&G Building, Geelong railway station, St Mary of the Angels Basilica and the old Geelong Post Office.
You may like to visit the Geelong Gallery. Established in 1896, it is one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries. Here you can discover a variety of art collections including the prized Frederick McCubbins’s 1980 painting A Bush Burial.. And don’t forget to admire it’s stunning outside Neoclassical-style architecture.
Perhaps wonder around the National Wool Museum and discover how Geelong was built on the wool industry. Set inside an 1872 bluestone wool store, the museum showcases Australia’s rich heritage in wool production with interactive displays telling stories from shearers to designers. I really enjoyed visiting this museum.
If old buildings aren’t your thing, shop till you drop on Little Malop Street. This street is known for its bars, cafes, street art, buskers and diverse culinary scene and also for its shopping. Here you will find the Market Store and also Westfield Geelong. But it is the bars and restaurants where you are spoilt with choice of restaurants serving up Greek, Southern American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian and classic Aussie pub fare.
Geelong’s National Wool Museum
Botanic Gardens Geelong
Geelong Street Art
How to Spend the Evening in Geelong
By early evening you will have done plenty of walking and ready to head home or look for a place to have dinner. You could head to Little Malop Street or head back to the Waterside precinct and enjoy dinner and nightlife by the water.
How to Spend the Weekend in Geelong
It is easy to extend your day trip to Geelong to a weekend in Geelong as there is still more to see and do.
- On day 2 you could visit Kardinia Park, home of the AFL team the Geelong Cats. There is also a small sport museum here where you can learn about local sports people including John Landy and Cadel Evans.
- And then there is the Geelong Botanic Gardens to enjoy. The gardens are home to an abundance of native plants. It is a wonderful place to walk around or maybe sit and relax with a picnic.
- Or you could take a drive to Torquay for the beach culture or around the Bellarine Peninsula and discover some fabulous lighthouses, beachside towns, micro-breweries and wineries like Scotchmans Hill Winery or Jack Rabbit. The Bellarine Peninsula is fast becoming one of Australia’s leading wine-making regions.
- If visiting Geelong with kids you may want to visit MoPA (Museum of Play and Art). There are plenty of colourful murals adorning its walls and it is brimming with interactive exhibits. Family of all ages may find this place in Geelong a fun options.
- Take a peak into Geelong’s dark past at the old Geelong Gaol. Go on a day or night ghost tour for a scary tour.
- Couples to Geelong looking for something romantic to do might consider sailing over Geelong on a Geelong Balloon Flight.
Where to Stay in Geelong
There is plenty of accommodation in Geelong if planning a weekend in Geelong. If towing a caravan there are caravan parks plus plenty of budget to five star accommodation in hostels and hotels. Check out options at Booking.com.
Summing Up a Day Trip to Geelong
My visit to Geelong was a big surprise to me as I wasn’t expecting it to be so interesting and fun. So I would suggest a visit, even if it is only a stopover on your way to the Bellarine Peninsula or Great Ocean Road. Have you been to Geelong? I’d love to hear.
Geelong looks like a fun place to spend the weekend. We’d enjoy the waterfront, wool museum, and botanical gardens in particular.
Geelong is a fun place to visit, particularly the waterfront. That was my favourite area.
I’ve stopped by Geelong on many occasions, for a late lunch and stroll along the waterfront. It’s always an enjoyable afternoon to just be, along the water.
I loved the waterfront too. You can make it want you want to make it. A place to relax, a place to eat, a place to reflect or a place to go wild with friends. I’m glad you get to stop there often.
I didn’t know about Geelong before reading your article; the town certainly looks like one of the best daytrips you can take from Melbourne. Also, it is very easy to reach, which makes it even more convenient. The town seems very laid back, and I like the waterfront. Great article
I was pleasantly surprised with Geelong and think it is a great day trip, or longer, from Melbourne.
I hadn’t heard of Geelong but it looks lovely. The botanical gardens sound nice and the wool museum would be really interesting and such a unique topic for a museum. The old buildings look really cool too. Great guide
Geelong was a big surprise to me. I only knew it from the AFL football club, but when I visited, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of things to see and do. I really loved seaside walking the Bollard walk. And I agree, the Botanical Gardens were a great place to kick back and relax.
Thanks for sharing this information. My hubby and I will be visiting Victoria soon, and I will now put Geelong on the list. It looks like a place we will really enjoy.
I was quietly surprised with Geelong. There was plenty to see and do that was of interest.