Must-visit: Explore the Little Malop Street Precinct

From experimental dumplings to a hearty serve of moussaka, Little Malop Street is a melting pot of global cuisines.

Away from the kitchen, this street and surrounding area is home to a thriving cultural hub and range of specialty retail stores.

From sun-up to sundown, and long after, this precinct really packs a punch.

Asian cuisines are in good supply on this strip. Here you’ll find Japanese-inspired favourites like tonkotsu ramen at Sober Ramen and fish cooked over a smoky robata grill at Sumi. Traditional Chinese dumplings are on offer at Drunken Dumpling and for some more unusual fillings, including yellow curry beef, stop by Bahjong. Malaysian, Afghan and Indian are also on offer.

Graze on a Northern Italian-focussed menu, including Focaccia col Formaggio a dish unique to the town of Recco, at Caruggi Restaurant or find your Greek favourite at Mavs Restaurant.

Alma takes its inspiration from South American cuisines with the likes of empanadas and ceviche on the menu.

The Arborist and its new rooftop bar are cleverly created around the excelsior tree and serve up share plates illuminating Middle Eastern flavours.

Tucked in an alleyway is Felix Restaurant, which is French dining at its best. Try the spanner crab profiteroles and leek and Gruyère croquettes while taking in the beautiful interior design.

Wash it all down with a glass of local or international wine at the cosy Geelong Cellar Door or the newly renovated Eureka Hotel which now has a rooftop bar.

When the night gets a little darker, slink up the steps to The 18th Amendment Bar and be taken back in time to the prohibition era. Or head around the corner to Non Disclosure Bar for cocktails and caviar (and other decadent share plates) in Gatsby-era surrounds.

Little Malop Street runs through the centre of Geelong’s cultural heart. Facing each other on the western end, you’ll find one of the country’s oldest regional galleries, the Geelong Gallery, and the largest regional space for creative and performing arts in Australia at Geelong Arts Centre.

On the same street it’s hard to miss the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. The futuristic dome clad in hexagonal tiles with soaring glass-shard windows is one of Geelong’s most impressive buildings.

Also in the vicinity you’ll find street art, an independent gallery, an emerging and youth arts centre, and live music at Piano Bar.

Be mesmerised by the pink convenience store interiors and spiritual goods at Satellite Hearts or peruse collectables, comics and an extensive vinyl collective upstairs at Popcultcha Geelong.

Along with its expansive art collection, the Geelong Gallery has an equally impressive retail store with unique gifts for the loved one in your life who appreciates beautiful things.

Stroll a few streets over and you’ll find endless cocktails and share plates (including Geelong’s best gluten free menu) at Recess Bar and Eats and Asian-fusion dining at Frankie.

Right in the heart of the Little Malop Street precinct is The Electric Hotel – accommodation tailored for business and short stays with 24/7 contactless check-in. There are also two new hotels within wandering distance of the culinary strip – Holiday Inn & Suites is on Ryrie St and Quest Geelong Central is on Gheringhap St.

A 7-minute walk away you’ll find comfortable accommodation at Rydges Geelong. For a waterfront location and stellar bay views (if you pick the right room), book a stay at Novotel Geelong, R Hotel or Vue Apartments. Peace and quiet more your thing? Eden Oak sits beside the Geelong Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of the CBD.

For something still within walking distance that’s a bit more budget-friendly, check out Admiralty Inn, Eastern Sands Motel, Belmercer Motel and Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments.