DISCOVER THE REGION

The Geelong Arts Centre is Australia’s largest regional performing arts venue, hosting theatre, music, dance, and comedy in its modern, purpose-built spaces. It plays a key role in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, showcasing local talent alongside national and international productions.

One of Australia’s oldest regional galleries, Geelong Gallery houses an impressive collection of 19th to 21st-century Australian and international art. From classic landscapes to contemporary installations, it’s a cultural gem just minutes from the waterfront. Entry is free, with rotating exhibitions and events year-round.

Follow a trail of colourful, life-sized bollards along the Geelong Waterfront, each hand-painted to represent a character from the region’s past. From lifesavers to Indigenous figures and sailors, the 100+ bollards make for a fun, scenic walk combining art, history, and bay views.

Step into Geelong’s industrial past at the National Wool Museum, located in a beautifully restored 19th-century bluestone building. Discover the city’s role in Australia’s wool trade, see vintage machinery in action, and explore exhibits that blend history, science, and fashion. Great for all ages

All aboard for a one-of-a-kind dining experience on The Q Train, a restored heritage railway offering multi-course fine dining as it travels through the scenic Bellarine Peninsula. Featuring seasonal menus that celebrate local produce and wine, this moving feast is perfect for food lovers, special occasions, and romantic evenings.

Located in a converted wool mill, Little Creatures is a local favourite known for its craft beers, hearty fare, and lively, industrial-chic setting. Take a guided brewery tour to see how the beer is made, then enjoy a tasting paddle in the spacious, family-friendly beer hall just minutes from the waterfront.

Nestled in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, Clyde Park Estate is renowned for its award-winning cool climate wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in a picturesque cellar door setting, paired with stunning vineyard views and seasonal gourmet platters, making it a must-visit for wine lovers.

Just outside Geelong, Mt Duneed Estate invites you to explore its cellar door and taste a curated selection of premium local wines. Set among beautiful vines and offering a peaceful, modern setting, it’s the perfect stop for wine lovers seeking a refined yet down-to-earth tasting experience.

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is a world-class waterfront venue set to open in 2026, featuring a 1,000-seat theatre and flexible spaces for conferences, exhibitions, and performances. Named in the Wadawurrung language meaning “open your eyes to the hills,” it celebrates local culture and marks a bold new chapter in Geelong’s civic and cultural life.

Once part of Geelong’s wool industry, The Mill Precinct is now a hub of creativity, business, and culture. With coworking spaces, cafés, galleries, and artisan workshops, it blends history and innovation in a vibrant urban setting.

Housed in a beautifully restored 1915-built boiler house, this bar and restaurant delivers modern dining in an industrial-chic setting. Located in the heart of the Federal Mills Precinct, it’s known for elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and atmospheric interiors.

The Fyansford Paper Mills, established in the late 19th century near Geelong, was a major industrial site for paper production, featuring distinctive bluestone architecture. Today, it serves as a heritage-listed arts and cultural precinct, housing galleries, studios, and creative spaces.

Dive into the wild side of Port Phillip Bay with a guided swim alongside dolphins and seals. Departing from Queenscliff, this unforgettable eco-adventure includes all gear, just bring your sense of wonder. A safe and thrilling way to get up close with some of the bay’s most playful residents.

Escape to granite peaks and native bushland just outside Geelong. The You Yangs offer a range of walking trails for all levels, from gentle woodland strolls to summit hikes with panoramic views. Wildlife sightings are common, including wallabies, echidnas, and wedge-tailed eagles overhead.

Go behind the scenes of sustainable seafood with a hands-on mussel farming tour on the Bellarine Peninsula. Learn how these local delicacies are grown and harvested, then enjoy a fresh-off-the-boat tasting. It’s a delicious, educational marine experience perfect for curious foodies

Narana offers a unique cultural experience showcasing Aboriginal heritage alongside native Australian wildlife. Visitors can enjoy interactive cultural displays, traditional performances, and walk among kangaroos, emus, and other native animals in a natural sanctuary setting.

The Bellarine Peninsula is a golfer’s paradise, featuring a variety of scenic courses set among coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and native bushland. From championship layouts like 13th Beach Golf Links to charming local clubs, the region offers options for all skill levels, combining challenging play with stunning natural beauty.

Catch your first wave in Australia’s surfing capital. Go Ride a Wave in Torquay offers beginner friendly lessons with experienced instructors, all equipment included. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, it’s a fun, safe way to tap into the region’s iconic surf culture.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take the leap with Skydive Australia. Free-fall from 15,000 feet over the breathtaking Great Ocean Road coastline, with panoramic views of turquoise waters, cliffs, and rolling surf. An unforgettable experience for thrill seekers and bucket-list chasers.

Hit the water with a local fishing charter from Queenscliff or Portarlington. With gear and guidance provided, it’s a great option for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Chase snapper, flathead, or kingfish while soaking up the serenity of Port Phillip Bay, ideal for groups, or a peaceful solo day out.

Victoria’s largest water theme park, perfect for kids and adults alike! Thrilling waterslides, splash zones, lazy rivers, mini-golf, and rides make it a fun all-day outing in the warmer months.

Experience a safari-style adventure just an hour from Geelong. Get close to elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras in spacious enclosures, with interactive exhibits and kid-friendly trails.

A sweet seasonal outing in Drysdale. Pick your own fresh blueberries & strawberries, explore berry rows, and enjoy local produce at the café. Kids love the fun lookout tower with views over the Bellarine Peninsula

An interactive, creative space designed especially for children under 10. Hands-on exhibits, art stations, and sensory experiences combine fun with education, plus a stylish café for parents.

November 9th.

Run4Geelong is an annual, community fun run held on Geelong's waterfront that raises funds for the Barwon Health Foundation, which supports the Barwon Health service. Run4Geelong offered 3km, 5km, and 10km options, including a Kids' Dash.

November 28th -30th

The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival is Australia’s premier classic motorsport event, held annually along the Geelong Waterfront,featuring quarter-mile sprints, vintage vehicle displays, and retro-themed attractions. Drawing over 45,000 visitors, it celebrates motoring history with a family-friendly, festival-style atmosphere packed with racing, fashion, and entertainment.

January 11th

The Portarlington Mussel Festival celebrates the region's blue mussel industry with food, live music, market stalls, and community activities.

January 24th - 26th

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual keelboat regatta, featuring world-class yacht racing including the historic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race. Held over the Australia Day weekend, it also offers live music, food stalls, fireworks, and family-friendly entertainment along the vibrant waterfront.

Jan 28th to Feb 1st 2026

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is an elite one-day cycling event held in Geelong, Australia, featuring a scenic coastal route. Established in 2015 to honor Cadel Evans, it’s now part of the UCI WorldTour and a major fixture in Australian cycling.

February 28th

Pako Festa is Victoria’s largest free multicultural street festival, held annually in Geelong’s Pakington Street to celebrate cultural diversity through parades, global food, music, and dance. Since 1983, it has brought together over 100,000 people each year for a vibrant, community-driven celebration.

March 2026

The Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta is Australia’s largest all-female school rowing event, held annually on the Barwon River in Geelong. Established in 1985, it features over 2,000 athletes from Victorian schools competing across three days of racing.

March 13th to 15th

A premier half-Ironman triathlon held in Geelong, Australia, featuring a 1.9 km swim in Corio Bay, a scenic 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km waterfront run. It’s known for its athlete-friendly atmosphere and serves as the opening race of the IRONMAN Pro Series, attracting top international talent