A drive or train ride from Melbourne will take about an hour to reach Geelong, so you can easily travel from Melbourne to Geelong for a change of scenery. The top things to do in Geelong include sightseeing, exploring art and culture, enjoying family-friendly activities and finding places to relax for a few hours or a full day.
The guide includes 8 tips, both free and paid activities, outdoor stops and indoor activities for rainy days. Most of these attractions are located in the city centre and along the waterfront, making them suitable for a day trip. You will also find a planning guide to help make your choice, according to who you are going with, the weather and budget.
1. Walk the Waterfront and meet the Bollards
The walk around the Geelong waterfront is perfect for an easy stroll and includes bay views; there are over a hundred painted bollards by artist Jan Mitchell. Each of these colourful figures is carved from recycled timber and depicts people from the local community, such as early swimmers, sea captains and footballers.
The entire trail runs from Rippleside Park to Limeburners Point and the Botanic Gardens council’s shorter, curated trail will take approximately 30 minutes one way.
You can stop at Cunningham Pier, opened in the 1850s as Railway Pier from which you can enjoy views across the bay. There’s a free playground too, so it’s a great place for families to visit. The Geelong Arts and Culture Trails app may be useful to find the bollards along the way.
2. Take a spin on the Waterfront Carousel
Go back in time with a ride on the hand-carved wooden waterfront carousel at Geelong. It was constructed about 1892 and contains 36 beautifully crafted Dare horses and 2 chariots, with the majority of the existing traditional carousels having been built around the turn of the 20th century.
There is also a replica of an 1898 band organ and access to the pavilion is free to enter even for a ride in! A great walk to do along water, especially with little ones. If you don’t ride, it is worth a visit as a result of the detailed wooden figures and historic setting.
3. Spend a Morning at Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach Reserve combines seaside views with plenty of space to relax. The precinct, developed between 1928 and 1939, is a heritage-listed area with an art deco promenade, enclosed sea baths, floating islands, picnic lawns, a playground and a children’s pool.
It’s a draw for over 250,000 summer visitors and a family destination or woodland picnic by the bay. Bring snacks and lunches and enjoy the picnic tables and barbecues. You can also use the public toilets here after which the few hours will be a lot easier.
4. Wander the Botanic Gardens
The Geelong Botanic Gardens are located in Eastern Park and provide a quiet oasis just a short walk from the city centre and waterfront, opened in 1851 with an aim of providing a serene and tranquil area. Stroll through the heritage trees, including 36 trees added to the National Trust Register of Significant Trees or stop on the rose garden lawn.
There is also a small 1838 customs house, a fernery and the drought-tolerant 21st century garden in front of the entrance. Many of the gardens are suitable to visit if you want the most relaxing French air without embarking on a long walk. Wym Café is also at the premises in case you need to take a break during your visit.
5. Step inside the National Wool Museum
The National Wool Museum is located at 26 Moorabool Street, one block from the waterfront, in a historic woolstore building dating back to 1872. Founded on a hands-on approach, its exhibits describe the pathway from farm to fashion, and a rotating exhibition schedule provides a variety of topics to explore during the year. Give about 90 minutes to take your time with the exhibits!
It is also a good place to stop in for the wet weather, and has an indoor activity so close to other Geelong central attractions.
6. See Australian Art at Geelong Gallery
The gallery is located in Johnstone Park together with the premises of the Johnstone Park Visitor Centre, with access through Little Malop Street, with the entrance approximately 3 minutes walking from Geelong Railway Station.The collection includes Australian paintings, sculptures and decorative arts dating from the 19th and 20th centuries and it is definitely worth a visit for fans of art and culture.
On display for a summer visit, Eric Thake: a ticketed exhibition discovering the artist’s unmistakable visual gnomon in a representative survey. This exhibition is on show from 14 November 2026 to 8 March 2027.
7. Look Up at the Library and Heritage Centre
The building at 51 Little Malop Street is an art-house building which stands out in the heart of Geelong. It was designed by ARM Architecture and constructed in November 2015 and written using Indigenous and English names for each floor.
Across Johnstone Park from the railway station makes it easy to visit when exploring the city centre. Housed on level three of the Heritage Centre, local history and heritage resources can be explored. This building is also quite useful to hide under if it starts to get wet.
8. Catch a show at Geelong Art Centre
For an extra bit of fun, head to Geelong Arts Centre for what’s on in the city centre. It has over 30 acting membership shows that come in various forms of theatre, dance, music, comedy and family entertainment in its 2026 program to cater for different interests and ages.
A matinee might take the place of a day time visit, or an evening trip will make an evening in the city a night of two halves. Inquire and find a program that fits your plans.
Where to Eat After a Day Out in Geelong
After a long walk or an evening show, sitting down for a relaxed meal can be a welcome way to end the day.
The Groove Train, Shop 1 / 120 Brougham Street, Geelong VIC 3220, has a menu of freshly cooked and prepared pizzas, hearty steaks, creamy pastas, burgers and fresh salads. Vegetarian diners can choose from lunch and dinner options, with coffee and other drinks also available.
For a friendly get-together or family meal, browse The Groove Train menu to explore the available options. Please check the venue’s page, trading hours, online ordering and booking details prior to making a plan to visit this venue.
Food all day, from morning coffee to dinner
The Groove Train combines a café atmosphere with a casual restaurant and bar, giving visitors options for different occasions throughout the day. After visiting the Gallery, consider having a coffee and enjoying an informal bite after lunch, or after an evening performance at Geelong Arts Centre, a meal.
Pizzas, steaks, pastas, burgers, salads, and coffee and drinks are available on the menu for casual lunch, family dinner or catching up with friends. Diners can read the vegan dining guide for information about options for vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets or requests to leave out ingredients. When planning a zoo visit with children, families are also able to use this Kids Menu Guide.
Conclusion
Geelong’s tourist sites, especially during the summer months, allow you to easily take a tour and then enjoy something you can pay to see. Joy rides combined with the extra attractions of summer in Geelong are the ultimate combination, making any visit an enjoyable time. Explore the city and then relax with a meal at the end of the day.
Join the exclusive club of the adult group Groove Club and enjoy the exclusive benefits, offers, and freebies advertised on The Groove Train’s website.
