Discovering Geelong: A Gem Near Melbourne
Originally from Melbourne, iBestTravel Local Kate and her partner moved to Geelong over a year ago for its relaxed lifestyle. As a travel writer, Kate spends her time travelling the world but finds nowhere is as friendly as Geelong. This city boasts a great community feel, and its location—close to Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Great Ocean Road—is perfect for local adventures.
Weekend Highlights in Geelong
When I have friends in town… I recommend they explore Geelong’s art galleries, scenic waterfront, top-rate restaurants, and cozy neighborhood cafes instead of heading straight to nearby beaches. The city has a richness waiting to be uncovered.
A typical weekend involves… starting the day with exercise along the waterfront or a leisurely walk along the Barwon River before enjoying breakfast at my local cafe, House Iberia or Newfolk. Both feature excellent food and coffee.
Lunch could involve meeting friends at Little Creatures Brewery, or grabbing a baguette from Le Fournil bakery. I often take home pastries from Born & Bred Bakehouse. For dinner, I enjoy fish and chips at the Geelong Boathouse or bimbimbap from Donco, followed by an arthouse movie and local wine at the Pivotonian Cinema.
Nightlife and Shopping in Geelong
For a night out… I usually start with a few wines and a cheese platter at Union Street or Geelong Cellar Door. I then head to Captain Bar for some beers in their outdoor area, before proceeding upstairs for exquisite cocktails at the speakeasy, The 18th Amendment. Ending the night with live music at the iconic Barwon Club ensures a memorable experience.
If I feel like shopping… I visit Real Music Vinyl to expand my record collection, followed by a trip to the massive Geelong Vintage Market to hunt for unique bargains. For gifts, Boom Gallery offers a fantastic selection of locally made art and crafts.
Exploring Beyond Geelong
For adventurous outings… there’s an abundance of choices, making Geelong an ideal place to live. If I’m interested in wine tasting, I head to the Bellarine Peninsula to visit wineries like Jack Rabbit and Basils Farm. For a nature retreat, hiking in the You Yangs is invigorating, and during summer, enjoying a coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road is essential.
Art and Culture
When I’m looking for art… a visit to Boom Gallery is a must—not just to admire the exhibitions but also to enjoy coffee or brunch in the onsite Neighbour cafe. I often explore the Geelong Art Gallery for its remarkable collection of Australian art ranging from Brett Whiteley to Frederick McCubbin.
On sunny days at the beach… reaching some of Victoria’s best beaches and coastal towns is easy. The Art Deco bathing pavilion at Eastern Beach is beautiful but can get crowded. Instead, I prefer nearby stunning Breamlea or Fairhaven beach along the Great Ocean Road.
For fresh regional produce… I frequent Geelong Fresh Foods on Pakington Street, where I find local cheese, loose-leaf tea, and Zeally Bay sourdough. Other great spots include Geelong Wholefoods and the Fresh Food Merchant within the city, or I might take a trip to Port Arlington for fresh mussels.
Culinary Experiences
For special occasions… I recommend the award-winning IGNI. The cuisine is exceptional, with a unique dining format featuring surprise courses. I appreciate its unpretentious vibe and great soundtrack, too. Alternatively, Tulip on Pakington Street offers a superb selection of Modern Australian dishes.
If you’re looking for cheap eats… the Hot Chicken Project is hard to beat, serving authentic Nashville chicken. I also enjoy takeaway from Saigon Corner, a hidden gem in Herne Hill known for its delicious Vietnamese pho. A bowl of ramen at Sober Ramen in Little Malop Street is another favorite of mine.
When I need a caffeine boost… Cartel Coffee on Little Malop Street is my top choice for expertly roasted single-origin beans.
For a classic pub meal… my go-to is Gold Diggers Arms in Newtown. While Geelong may have a shortage of decent pubs, this neighborhood favorite wins for its character, great food, and welcoming service.
