About 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne lies the increasingly popular city of Geelong. This Victoria’s gem fills itself with panoramic delights and the gorgeous Bellarine Peninsula. In fact, the place lies alongside the iconic Great Ocean Road, guaranteeing there are several fun things to do in Geelong.
Thanks to Port Philip Bay, Geelong boasts a rich history of being the industrial center of Victoria. Hence, you will find plenty of fascinating museums and beautiful buildings such as the Town Hall. Besides these, one can admire the art of Geelong Gallery and relax at the Botanic Gardens.
The neighboring Bellarine Peninsula’s attractions are also worth mentioning. The combination of sun, sea, and sand here ensures scenic spots like no other. Furthermore, the tourists love these oceanic beaches and increase their adrenaline with water sports.
With so much to see and do, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula warrant at least a visit or weekend away from the state’s cosmopolitan capital of Melbourne.
Things to Do in Geelong
Hence, it is certain that there is an endless list of things to do in Geelong. With this abundance, you may have started craving to visit this beautiful place this weekend.
Stop now! Don’t let your excitement go overboard, as before coming here, you need to prepare a list. A list of things to do in Geelong that comes in handy while traveling.
Quick Tip: Apart from Geelong, the state of Victoria has numerous places that will melt your heart. Click here to learn more about the beautiful cities in Victoria, such as Bendigo and Ballarat.
Hence, we are here to help you build a list of things to do in Geelong that is both time-efficient and exciting. Keep reading to learn about the top 12 fun things to do in Geelong this weekend.
Things to Do in Geelong (1-7)
1. Visit MoPA: Museum of Play and Art
MoPA: Museum of Play and Art is one of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s museums. Attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country, every single week, MoPA is based in one of Geelong’s oldest buildings and is home to a huge range of immersive exhibits and experiences that will entertain the kids all day.
The on-site cafe provides a great selection of foods at very affordable pricing, and the coffee is amazing.
Tickets are very limited and bookings are required on most days.
- Official website: Click here
- Tickets: Click here to book your tickets.
- Address: 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220.
- Fun Things To Do: Witness exhibits and enjoy fun activities with your children
- Hotels Nearby: Admiralty Inn, Novotel Geelong
2. Stroll in the Geelong Waterfront
If you are traveling with family, strolling in the Geelong Waterfront is one of the best things to do in Geelong for families. With Eastern Beach Reserve in its possession, you will experience quality time here.
Since the waterfront acts as a scenic picnic spot, its shores offer spectacular bay views. On hot days, lying on the white-sand beach is an absolute delight. You should join your kids in the castle-building session at the beach. Fortunately, the place also houses a playground where children run wild to their heart’s content.
The Steampacket Gardens is where most families reside to relax and enjoy their picnics. One can find numerous restaurants around the area, ensuring enough food options. Located near the gardens, you will find the Cunningham Pier. If you love fishing, this pier is your place to fish for delicious fish.
However, one of our favorite things to do in Geelong Waterfront is clicking photos with the Baywalk Bollards. These whimsical characters are made with wood and illustrate the local history of the lifesavers in a buoy and the military brass band.
- Address: Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Open 24 hours
- Fun things to do: Click photos with Baywalk Bollards, fish in Cunningham Pier, and relax at Steampacket Gardens
- Entrance Fee: Free (few attractions may cost some)
- Hotels Nearby: Novotel Geelong
3. Drive on the Great Ocean Road
There’s no such word that can describe the beauty of the Great Ocean Road. Along Victoria’s south coast, this road offers the most picturesque sceneries you have ever seen. The pristine beaches along the road are a great escape from daily life.
As you drive along this 243-kilometer road, you will encounter lush roads of rainforest and Winelands. Furthermore, the road also gives access to spectacular places, including the Point Addis National Park and Bell’s Beach.
This picturesque road starts from the city of Geelong. Hence, it is called the 'Gateway to the Great Ocean Road.'
Midway through the road is the Great Otway National Park. Luckily, this park has all that you expect from a national park. Scenic landscapes, lush nature, beautiful wildlife, and whatnot! You will love driving through the Great Ocean Road. Finally, one can also find superb surfing spots along with stunning sea views. Hence, adding this activity to your list of things to do in Geelong is a must to have an incredible trip.
- Address: Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea VIC, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Fun things to do: Drive along the scenic views of Great Ocean Road and visit the nearby attractions
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Great Ocean Road Resort
4. Smell the Nature at Geelong Botanic Gardens
Out of all, Geelong Botanic Gardens is the most relaxing one. The Gardens boast an impressive collection of kaleidoscopic flowers and mature trees. Strolling around the green belt is one of the fun things to do in Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Like other Botanic Gardens, this beauty also gets subdivided into various sections. For instance, the Rose Garden is famous for its beautiful fragrance, and the TeaHouse Lawn aspires to be a great picnic spot. One can also visit the conservatory to amaze themselves with beautiful flowers and botanical beauties.
When you see all of the gardens, relax at the local cafe and sip the famous Devonshire tea. Finally, visiting Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of the best things to do in Geelong for free if you are a budget traveler.
- Address: Corner of Eastern Park Circuit & Podbury Dr, East Geelong VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Relax in the Geelong Botanic Gardens and visit the TeaHouse Lawn and the conservatory
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Bay City Geelong Motel
5. Board the Bellarine Railways
You can make traveling around Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula more fruitful by boarding the Bellarine Railways. Being one of the oldest lines in Victoria, Bellarine Railways is still in operation every day of the week except Saturdays. However, these heritage trains are worth boarding because of the sightseeing trips from Queenscliff to Drysdale.
Historically, these lines got used to transport passengers, military personnel, and goods from the Queenscliff port to other places. The railway saw a shutdown a century later but was revived in 1979 by some volunteers.
You can make traveling around Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula more fruitful by boarding the Bellarine Railways.
Since then, boarding the Bellarine Railways has been a popular thing to do among tourists. Hence, relive the same vibes of the 19th century as you travel through Geelong in the old steam trains. You can even ride Thomas with children here. Hence, it is one of the best things to do in Geelong for families
- Address: 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Saturdays are closed
- Fun things to do: Board the heritage trains and locomotives of Bellarine Railways to see different attractions in Geelong
- Ticket Fee: Tickets average between $10 to $20 per person
- Hotels Nearby: Ocean Grove Chalet
6. Explore the Historic City Center
If you are a history head, the city center of Geelong will amaze you with its heritage and culture. Also referred to as Wadawurrung Country, Geelong was where the Aboriginal Australians resided. Hence, you would find the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, depicting the Indigenous culture of Geelong.
As you move further into the city, you will encounter the Town Hall. A person who loves art will know how incredible its architecture is! Furthermore, Geelong has served as a vital port for Ballarat goldfields and the wool industry. One can learn more about the impact of Wool on Geelong by visiting the National Wool Museum.
The historical architecture of Geelong reflects the heritage of the city. Hence, visiting them is one of the best things to do in Geelong with families who love doing cultural activities.
Other notable heritage centers include Customs House, Christ Church, and many others. Finally, Geelong Gallery is also worth mentioning as it is one of the best regional galleries in Australia. Geelong CBD has a lot in store for tourists, and you should definitely not miss it!
- Address: Geelong CBD, Geelong VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Whenever you desire
- Fun things to do: Visit Geelong CBD to see the historic attractions of the city
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Novotel Geelong
7. Head to Barwon Heads
With Barwon River by its side, Barwon Heads is a great getaway from bustling life. To begin with, Barwon Heads is on the southern shores of the peninsula, with opportunities to become photogenic. An afternoon here will make you fall in love with the place.
When you enter the beaches, the picturesque coastal scenery of Barwon Heads will greet you to make your day. Take your family here and let the kids run wild and play with the sand. Furthermore, making castles and other shapes is also a great pass time.
Did you know that SeaChange, an iconic eighties show, was shot here? This show was also why Barwon Heads noticed a significant increase in tourists in the eighties.
Besides the sun, sea, and sand, Barwon Heads has a lot of things to do offshore. The most famous among tourists are the Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary and Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary. Exploring these beautiful places will help you enjoy the itinerary to its fullest.
- Address: Barwon Heads VIC, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: November to April
- Fun things to do:
- Golf Club Fee: $150
- Hotels Nearby: Barwon Heads Hotel
Things to Do in Geelong (8-12)
8. Know about Wool at the National Wool Museum
As mentioned, Geelong played a crucial role in Australia’s wool industry. Hence, storing all the fascinating information, one can visit the National Wool Museum to learn about the city’s wool industry. Located on Moorabool Street, the museum exhibits everything you need to know about wool.
From learning about the beginning of the wool industry and its economic impact to the stories from workers, you will have a fun time here.
The earliest signs of the wool industry in Geelong and Australia date back to the 1840s. Since then, Geelong has been one of the leading producers of wool, making this museum one of the best things to do in Geelong.
Your kids will also love the place because of the fascinating activities found here. For instance, they can knit their socks in the sock-knitting machine, see the carpet loom, meet the sheep, and many more. You may get attracted to the beautiful wool knitted here. Don’t worry, you can buy the woolen gifts from the museum shop as souvenirs.
- Address: 26 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Learn about the history and influence of Geelong on the wool industry and buy high-quality woolen gifts
- Entrance Fee: $10 for adults and $6 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Novotel Geelong
9. Geelong Gallery is for the Art Lovers
Geelong Gallery opened in 1896 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. Being one of the best regional galleries in Australia, this place boasts an impressive collection of art pieces.
Thankfully, this place is for tourists who love to see beautiful art. Their desire gets fulfilled at Geelong Gallery because of more than 6,000 stunning works. The works include sculptures, paper works, paintings, portraits, decorative arts, and others. In particular, works from the colonial period steals the spotlight.
Geelong Gallery has an impressive collection of Australian and International Art. Admiring these beautiful artifacts is an automated responsibility of every tourist!
Famous works of Geelong Gallery are Frederick McCubbin’s A bush burial and Russell Drysdale’s Hill End. Hence, we don’t see a reason why you should not visit this beautiful gallery. Ensure you add it to your list of the best things to do in Geelong this weekend.
- Address: 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: See a collection of 6000 artifacts at Geelong Gallery
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Rydges Geelong
10. Visit the Fort Queenscliff
Fort Queenscliff is a key monument in the history of Geelong due to its strategic role. Historically, the fort was a defensive hub for Victoria’s coastline, with soldiers and military personnel crowding the place. However, its fortification led to Fort Queenscliff becoming one of the best things to do in Geelong.
Even today, you can see the military reflections in the fort, such as barracks, guns, and the two nearby lighthouses. Several walking tours get organized to explore this historic fort. It enables the visitors to see the fascinating museum showcasing weapons, documents, and military uniforms.
Fort Queenscliff got built in 1860 to defend the entrance of Port Philip. Later, it became one of the best places to visit to learn about Geelong's history.
Since Point Lonsdale is a neighbor to Fort Queenscliff, you can plan a combined trip here. Up next is the lovely lighthouse of Point Lonsdale.
- Address: Cnr King & Gellibrand St, Queenscliff VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Click here
- Fun things to do: Visit the fascinating museum of Fort Queenscliff to see historic weapons, documents, and uniforms
- Entrance Fee: $18 for adults and $8 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Vue Grand
11. Sightsee at Point Lonsdale
One of the best things to do in Geelong today is to visit Point Lonsdale. Located near Port Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale offers tremendous views of the sea. Luckily, if you love calm places, this sleepy town would suffice your needs. It also provides perfect opportunities to become photogenic, especially at dawn. Many photographers come here to capture beautiful coastal views with their cameras.
Furthermore, Point Lonsdale has facilities for those who want secluded beach time. Tourists can also enjoy water sports and surf around the Port Phillip Bay Heads.
One can also spot the vessels mediating between the Rip from the lighthouse. Since almost every ship passes through the Bay Heads, you can spot all of them from Point Lonsdale. Hence, you must add visiting Point Lonsdale to your list of fun things to do in Geelong.
- Address: Point Lonsdale VIC, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: March, April, and October to December
- Fun things to do: Visit Point Lonsdale to become photogenic and click gorgeous photos at dawn
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Lon Retreat & Spa
12. Meet the Koalas at You Yangs Regional Park
Meeting the Koalas has been one of our favorite things in Australia, and Geelong is no exception. Tourists can meet their favorite animals here, and the best place to do so is You Yangs Regional Park.
This regional park provides endless opportunities for epic adventures and panoramic sceneries to relish. No matter where you look, you are deemed to find something fascinating in You Yangs Regional Park.
Wathawurrung people inhabited the region and even consider it a sacred place. Thrillingly, the highest point in the park reaches 319 meters offering a seamless scenery of boundless plains. At the top, you won’t find much fauna and flora, but hiking down will showcase the beautiful wildlife. From Koalas to kangaroos, various animals inhabit the bushlands of the park.
At the top of You Yangs National Park, you won't find much flora and fauna. However, the lower regions in park is where you can find the beautiful wildlife.
Finally, the hiking trails of the park extend over 50 kilometers. Hence, whether you want to bike or hike, the park has facilities for all. We highly suggest adding the park to your list of fun things to do in Geelong this weekend because of how beautiful are the wildlife and sceneries found here.
- Address: Turntable Dr, Little River VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Hike to the top to see the panoramic views, meet the wildlife and bike through the extensive trails of You Yangs Regional Park
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Lara Lodge
FAQs
<strong>What can teenagers do in Geelong?</strong>
There are tons of fun things to do in Geelong for teenagers. For instance, they can visit Barwon Heads to see the scenic views or board Thomas at Bellarine Railways. Teenagers who love understanding the history of a place will love a city like Geelong.
<strong>What do we call a person from Geelong?</strong>
Inhabitants from Geelong generally get referred to as a Geelongite or a Pivotonian.
<strong>What are the best things to do in Geelong today?</strong>
Tourists can enjoy a variety of things to do in Geelong. For instance, history lovers can visit Geelong CBD to see the historic center. You Yangs Regional Park and Barwon Heads are places for tourists who love nature. Hence, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.
<strong>When should I visit Geelong?</strong>
For tourists, the gap between November and March is the best time to visit Geelong. The weather is warm, and sunshine rules the city. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about rain ruining your 3-day itinerary to Geelong.
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