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FAQs
Getting here
Where’s the closest airport to Geelong?
Avalon Airport is 20 minutes from Geelong and SkyBus will get you from the terminal to central Geelong. From Avalon you can fly to and from Sydney, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The trip from Melbourne Airport takes approximately an hour and Gull Airport Service offer a shuttle to and from central Geelong and Werribee.
Or you can pick up a rental car at either airport and make your own way to the region.
Can you get there via public transport?
By train:
Regular rail services operate between Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and Geelong, and buses connect central Geelong with the suburbs and villages of The Bellarine.
Check out timetables at Public Transport Victoria.
By ferry:
Australia’s favourite car and passenger ferry connects Queenscliff and The Bellarine with the Mornington Peninsula, Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and Phillip Island. The lounge and external decks all offer spectacular coastal views as passengers relax and enjoy a coffee and the scenery. The 40-minute crossing departs regularly each day. Visit www.searoad.com.au for timetables, fares, special packages and to book online.
Another exciting way to hit up The Bellarine and Geelong region, direct from Melbourne CBD, is via a cruise on Port Phillip Ferries.
The 400-seater vessel provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay, while sipping on a coffee or local wine. Head over for one of their carefully curated packages, or create your own adventures at the local beaches, wineries and attractions.
They cruise 365 days a year from Docklands to both Geelong and Portarlington, departing just across the road from Marvel Stadium. With trips also available from Geelong directly to Portarlington.
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne?
Geelong is only an hour from the Melbourne CBD via the Westgate and Princes Freeways, and Bellarine destinations are within half an hour of Geelong. It’s a compact region, easy to explore by car.
Where can you park in Geelong?
There are many on-street and off-street parking options in central Geelong. Most parking is paid with some free short-stay spots. Pay close attention to signage when parking.
Westfield Shopping Centre and Market Square Shopping Centre are both central locations for parking. For a guide on where to park visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.
General
Who are the Traditional Owners?
Geelong and The Bellarine is on Wadawurrung Country and the Wadawurrung People are the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways.
What are the main attractions to see there?
Geelong’s north-facing bay is an attraction in its own right and is also where you’ll find the Eastern Beach boardwalk and sea baths, 440-metre on-water walkway known as Wangim Walk, The Carousel circa 1892, infamous bollard trail and more.
What’s the busiest time of year?
During the summer months (Dec to Feb) and Easter school holidays are our busiest periods.
Are there any dog-friendly activities?
Spirit of Tasmania Questions
Where is the Geelong terminal?
How far is the terminal from central Geelong?
It’s a short 10-minute drive away. Just turn left when exiting the terminal and merge onto the Princes Highway towards Geelong.
Where can I get an early breakfast after disembarking?
Aside from the terminal café, there are many spots to grab an early coffee and breakfast ahead of a day of exploring. Pakington Street is known as café central, and only a short 7-10 minute drive from the terminal. See a list of cafés open early around Geelong and The Bellarine here.
What about parking?
There is a free public parking area for visitors and passengers with their vehicles, including caravans and motorhomes, waiting to board the ship at the Quay.
There is also a dedicated passenger drop off/pick up parking area at the front of the terminal.
Where can I park my caravan in Geelong?
You can park free for three hours and enjoy all that Geelong & The Bellarine has to offer.
These ‘short-stay-long-bay’ parking spots make it easier for RV travellers to park to shop, sightsee and generally enjoy all that the City has to offer.
RV Parking Locations:
Western Beach Road – Google Maps exact location here
Brougham Street – Google Maps exact location here
Eastern Beach Road – Google Maps exact location here
I don’t have a car, how do I get to and from the terminal by public transport?
By train:
A nearby railway station to Spirit of Tasmania Quay is North Geelong Railway Station (a 20min walk). It can be accessed via the V-Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD.
Click here for fares and more information on the Public Transport Victoria website.
Alternatively, Geelong Railway Station is accessible via taxi or by bus.
By bus:
The Spirit of Tasmania has partnered with MyBus Geelong and introduced a new shuttle service offering Spirit of Tasmania passengers transfers from Spirit of Tasmania Quay to the Geelong Railway Station.
Bookings are essential for MyBus transfers, with a minimum of 48 hours notice required.
To make a booking call a MyBus team member on 1300 169 287 during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9.00am-4.30pm), email at hello@mybusgeelong.com.au or visit the MyBus website.
By taxi:
You can also use taxi services to access Spirit of Tasmania Quay.
Ubers are also available.
How do I get to and from Avalon Airport?
Avalon Airport is located approximately 19km (about 20mins drive) from Spirit of Tasmania Quay. For those looking to transfer to/from Spirit of Tasmania Quay to Avalon Airport, MyBus offers a transfer service.
To make a booking call a MyBus team member on 1300 169 287 during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9.00am-4.30pm), email at hello@mybusgeelong.com.au or visit the MyBus website. Avalon Airport is also connected to the Melbourne CBD via the Avalon City Express, operated by SkyBus.
How do I get to and from Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport is located approximately 80km (about 60mins drive) from Spirit of Tasmania Quay. The airport is also connected to the city by a regular bus service, Skybus, which arrives and departs from the bus terminal at Southern Cross train station. Head here for fares and timetable information.
Where can I take my dog for a run after arriving in Geelong?
Moorpanyal Dog Area – North Shore
Off-Leash Area
Location
Seagull Paddock
Off-Leash – supervised area
380-390 Melbourne Road, North Geelong
Location
Osbourne Park
Off-Leash- Area – except during organised sports and events
Swinburne Street, North Geelong
Location
Rippleside Park
Off-leash – supervised area
Mornings prior to 10.00am and evenings after 5.00pm.
On-leash – all other times
42 Bell Parade, Rippleside
Location
Western Beach
Off-leash – supervised area
Mornings prior to 10.00am and evenings after 5.00pm.
On-leash – all other times
100 Western Foreshore Road, Geelong
Location
There’s also a helpful map that shows the exact locations and conditions of dog walking areas around Geelong you can check it out here.
Where is the closest caravan park?
Barwon River Holiday Park
Barwon River Holiday Park is conveniently located only two kilometres from Geelong CBD and waterfront Geelong, nestled on the banks of the Barwon River. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, beautiful natural attractions and wildlife on offer.
Discovery Parks Geelong
Set alongside the Barwon River, the holiday park is five minutes from the centre of Geelong, 15 minutes from world-class beaches, a short drive from the Great Ocean Road and just over an hour from Melbourne.
Geelong Showgrounds
The Geelong Showgrounds has powered sites available for campers throughout the year and they’re dog friendly. For more information about camping at the Showgrounds, please contact them on 5221 1707.
Is there free camping in Geelong?
No, Geelong Showgrounds is the most cost-effective. For more information about camping at the Showgrounds please contact them on 5221 1707.
Where is the closest dog-friendly accommodation to the terminal?
Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, Geelong East.
Sabina on Little Myers, 90 Lt Myers St, Geelong.
Quality Hotel Bayside Geelong, 13-15 The Esplanade, Geelong.
R Hotel Geelong, 10 Bellerine St, Geelong.
Geelong Surf Coast Hwy Holiday Park, 621 Torquay Rd, Mt Duneed.
Where is the nearest service/petrol station to the terminal?
There are many petrol stations close to the terminal, depending on the direction you are heading in.
– Heading into Geelong there is a Shell Service Station on Melbourne Road, which can be found here.
– Heading out of Geelong there are several locations to stop along Melbourne Road, with BP being the first and can be found here.
What dump sites can I visit without being a guest at the park?
Most parks across Geelong and The Bellarine require you to be a guest to use their dump sites. However, these sites allow you for a fee:
Geelong Showgrounds
$5 for non-campers
For more information please contact call them on 5221 1707.
Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
$44 for non-campers
Who can I call if I have more questions?
Spirit of Tasmania’s Customer Service 1800 634 906, operates 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday.
Information was last updated on 26 October 2022. Please keep up to date with Spirit of Tasmania’s details via their website. https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/
*This information is to the best knowledge at the time of writing this article information may be subject to change.