Explore
Geelong, an hour from Melbourne, serves as the perfect starting point for the scenic Great Ocean Road adventure. This vibrant city, rich in culture and entertainment, boasts an array of attractions that cater to every interest.




Nearby
There’s plenty to discover just a stone’s throw from our Geelong accommodation.

Day Trips
A short drive away you can find some of the most exciting experiences and attractions that this region has to offer.

Dining
The best places to wine and dine are within easy reach with world-class dining precincts at your fingertips.
Explore the city
The Geelong waterfront and Eastern Beach offer picturesque settings for leisurely strolls and refreshing swims, highlighting the city’s natural beauty. The Geelong Art Gallery, a cultural gem, presents a diverse collection of 19th and 20th Century Australian and European art, enriching visitors’ understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.
For those interested in shopping and dining, Geelong’s CBD is a bustling hub where sophisticated restaurants meet high-end boutiques, particularly at the southern end of Pakington Street, affectionately known as the “Paris end.” The city centre is also home to several indoor shopping centres like Westfield Geelong and Market Square, providing endless retail therapy options. For unique finds, Eastern Geelong’s specialty shops and boutiques are well worth exploring.




Sports
Sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers will delight in a visit to our region. The iconic GMHBA Stadium, home to the Geelong Football Club, is an historic venue for Australian Rules football, while the Geelong Arena hosts a variety of concerts, sports events, and expos throughout the year.
Family fun
Family attractions in and around Geelong include the historic Eastern Beach sea baths, Adventure Park in Wallington for thrilling water rides, and the serene Geelong Botanic Gardens for a peaceful retreat. The Serendip Sanctuary and Fairy Park in nearby Anakie offer enchanting experiences for nature and fantasy lovers alike.






Stop over
Geelong is not only a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment but also a gateway to the majestic Great Ocean Road. This iconic route showcases Australia’s stunning coastline, surf beaches, national parks, and historic ports, along with fine dining and cultural hotspots. For those visiting Deakin University’s waterfront campus or exploring the rich tapestry of attractions Geelong has to offer, the city promises a memorable experience with something for everyone.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of sport, shopping, or the start of the Great Ocean Road near Torquay, Geelong’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant city life makes it a must-visit destination.
What’s on
The Australian International Airshow, one of the largest aviation events in the Southern Hemisphere, showcases an impressive display of aircraft and aerospace technology every second year.
For those interested in sports, the Festival of Sails, Australia’s oldest sporting event, paints Corio Bay with colourful sails and provides a plethora of water activities alongside a vibrant waterfront festival atmosphere.
Food and wine enthusiasts are drawn to Geelong for events such as the Great Australian Beer Festival, Tastes of Central Geelong, and Toast to the Coast, where local and international brews, gourmet foods, and the finest wines from the region are in abundance. The Pako Festa, held annually in February, is a grand celebration of Geelong’s cultural diversity, offering a parade, music, and food from around the world.
These events, along with others like the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach and the Victorian Open Golf, underline Geelong’s status as a premier destination for major annual events, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Whether you’re an hour from Melbourne, near the start of the Great Ocean Road, or exploring the Geelong CBD and Eastern Beach, the city’s events calendar is packed with experiences that cater to every taste and interest.



Images courtesty of Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Authority and Wyndham City Council.




Geelong events
- Festival of Sails | 25-27 January 2025
- Pako Festa | 22 February 2025
- Golden Plains Festival | 8-10 March 2025
- Australian International Airshow | 25-30 March 2025
- Great Australian Beer Festival | May 2025
- The National Celtic Folk Festival | 6-9 June 2025
- The Geelong Cup | 22 October 2025
- Queenscliff Music Festival | 28-30 November 2025
- Geelong Revival Motoring Festival | 28-30 November 2025