Race weekend in Geelong: where to eat, stay and celebrate
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- Race weekend in Geelong: where to eat, stay and celebrate
Geelong turns into one of the best race towns in Victoria a few times a year. The Geelong Running Festival brings a marathon, half marathon and community 8km run through the city in September, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race takes over the streets in January, and Ironman 70.3 Geelong hits the water and roads in March.
If you've got a bib on, you're cheering from the sidelines, or you're just tagging along for the ride, here's how to fill the rest of your race weekend in Geelong, from the first coffee to the last celebratory beer.
Where to eat before and after your race
Race mornings start early, and Geelong's waterfront cafes know it. A run of spots along Eastern Beach and the Geelong waterfront open well before sunrise on event days, so you can get a coffee and something to eat before you're anywhere near a start line.
After the race is a different story. This is when you want a proper feed, a cold drink and somewhere to put your feet up. The waterfront precinct has you covered again here, with pubs and restaurants right along Eastern Beach and Steampacket Gardens serving everything from a big breakfast to a celebratory dinner.
THE RAW
The Raw showcases the finest produce from Geelong and the surrounding region, with a strong…
Sailors' Rest
Located steps away from the heart of the Geelong Waterfront you can find the historic Sailors'…
Tempo Kitchen and Bar
Tempo Kitchen and Bar is located in the heart of the Geelong Waterfront and promises an…
Fishermen's Pier
Fishermen's Pier is an Award Winning Seafood Restaurant located on the Geelong Waterfront for…
Pavilion Geelong
Pavilion Geelong sits on the edge of Eastern Beach, overlooking one of Victoria’s most loved…
Edge Geelong
Look no further than Edge for Geelong's favourite Waterfront Pub. Relax on the outdoor,…
Justin Lane Geelong
Eat, drink & be messy. That’s our motto here at JL. We pride ourselves on the quality of…
BROWN DELI
Brown Deli is a Geelong deli café concept with locations at the Geelong Waterfront and…
Franca's Ristorante
Franca’s is an Italian-inspired restaurant, thoughtfully created as a tribute to our founder,…
Wharf Shed
For a restaurant with fantastic food to match its ambiance, you can’t go past the Wharf Shed.…
Where to stay for race weekend
Staying close to the water makes race day a lot easier, whether you're trying to walk to the start line without a 6am Uber or you just want to fall into bed after 21.1km.
Most of Geelong's race-friendly accommodation sits within walking distance of Eastern Beach, Steampacket Gardens and the waterfront precinct, which covers the start and finish for the Geelong Running Festival, Ironman 70.3 Geelong and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Options range from hotel rooms with bay views to apartment-style stays if you're travelling as a family or a group.
Parkside Motel Geelong
Parkside Motel Geelong is a welcoming and conveniently located accommodation option in the…
Eden Oak Geelong Hotel
Nestled in the botanical gardens within the Eastern Park Precinct, Eden Oak in Geelong is a…
Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments
Just a short walk from Geelong's city centre, Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments feature 79…
Tasman Holiday Parks - Geelong
Set amongst beautiful gum trees near the banks of the Barwon River, this park is perfectly…
Timber Door Luxury Accommodation
Seeking luxury in the heart of Geelong CBD? Timber Door Luxury Accommodation has curated a…
Oaks R Suites Geelong
Just a five-minute walk to Eastern Beach, Oaks R Suites Geelong is nestled within a…
Comfort Inn Geelong
Welcome to Comfort Inn™ Geelong, one of the city's most distinctive places to stay. Housed…
Novotel Geelong
Novotel Geelong is the city’s premier hotel and conference venue, located in the heart of the…
Crowne Plaza Geelong
With expansive views across the bay, Crowne Plaza Geelong is a destination designed around…
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central is Geelong's newest hotel, offering premium apartment style…
Rydges Geelong
Conveniently located, Rydges Geelong offers stylish and affordable accommodation for business…
Geelong Surf Coast Highway Holiday Park
Located near Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong Surf Coast Highway Holiday…
Regional Escapes
Regional Escapes provides booking services for an extensive range of Geelong, Bellarine…
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong
Located within walking distance of GMHBA Stadium Kardinia Park, and Geelong Arts Centre,…
Abbotswood Motor Inn
Abbotswood Motor Inn offers affordable, comfortable, and convenient accommodation within close…
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
A short 20-minute drive from Melbourne, yet an entire world apart – Mansion Hotel and Spa will…
Make a weekend of it
Race day is one day. If you've made the trip down from Melbourne or further afield, it's worth turning it into a full weekend.
The day before the race: Wander the Geelong waterfront, check out the shops, restaurants and cafes around Little Malop Street, or take in the Geelong Sports Museum or National Wool Museum if you want something indoors.
If you're recovering after the race: the region is good for this too. A short drive gets you to the You Yangs for an easy walk with a view back over Geelong, or you can head to The Bellarine for a slower afternoon around Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale or Barwon Heads. An early morning swim in the bay or on the coast.
If you've got family or friends who aren't racing: golf courses, Adventure Park and family activities are all a short drive from the city, so there's plenty to keep the rest of the crew busy.
Geelong & Surrounds
Discover the best of Geelong and Surrounds, from vibrant Little Malop Street and scenic Waterfront dining to historic…
The Bellarine
From golden beaches and boutique wineries to charming townships, the Bellarine Peninsula offers a diverse escape packed with…
Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale
Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale blend seaside calm with rich history. Wander heritage streets, enjoy fresh coastal flavours,…
Avalon & You Yangs
A natural playground begging to be explored with plenty of action-packed activities for thrill seekers.
Things to do
Fill your days with unforgettable experiences in Geelong and The Bellarine. From iconic attractions and family-friendly…
Eat & Drink
The region’s buzzing restaurant and bar scene is now a well-known foodie destination. Get ready to uncover everything from…
Walks & Hikes
Coast or country. Flat or hilly. There are endless options to stretch your legs and hit your step count across Geelong and…
Beaches & Waterways
Long sandy beaches and lapping waves - it’s a big reason visitors are drawn to Geelong and The Bellarine.
Racing, riding or cheering, Geelong's waterfront makes a good base for all of it. Check the official event websites for exact dates and details, or head to our What's On page for upcoming events in Geelong and The Bellarine.
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