Where the locals go

Pakington Street, or ‘Pako’ as it’s affectionately known to locals, is vibrant, multicultural and bustling with cafés, restaurants, bakeries, provedores and boutiques at both ends.

Cosmopolitan at the southern end in Geelong West and a bit fancier further north in Newtown, the vibrant eateries serve-up everything from Asian-fusion to top cuts of steak and hearty Italian faves.

Located west of Geelong’s CBD, the 1.5-kilometre-long street is a go-to spot for locals and visitors, especially for a crackin’ coffee and brunch.

Quick Bites & inspired eats

From top-tier restaurants and degustations to sweet treats and leisurely brunches, Pako celebrates the best of dining out.

Tulip Restaurant is the strip’s hatted restaurant, serving up creative seasonal combinations such as Jerusalem artichokes with garlic custard and walnuts. Baah Lah! Dining is also a high achiever focusing on Singaporean flavours and techniques, a nod to the chef’s heritage. The Retreat offers a warm, European-inspired dining experience in a beautifully restored former post office, with a menu shaped by French classics.

Woolstore brings a contemporary feel to a heritage space, offering modern Australian dishes with flair and an impressive cocktail list to match.

For Italian food I Ragazzi is the go-to or if you’re seeking a ‘hit-the-spot’ pub meal, visit The Queen of the West – a classic corner pub built in 1919 and recently beautifully restored with a children’s playground out back.

Eat & Drink

COFFEE MECCA

Café culture thrives on Pako with loads of places to get your caffeine hit. King of the Castle is a must- visit with its industrial stylings and extensive all-day breakfast menu.

Along the strip, you’ll find plenty of options, from dog-friendly spots to cafés that turn into wine bars when the sun sets.

Pako Festa

Once a year, the street comes alive with Victoria’s largest free multicultural celebration, Pako Festa. 100,000 people flock to this one-day event for shopping, food stalls of all kinds, live music, and a street parade celebrating multiculturalism in Geelong. The event usually takes place in February.

Explore

Things to see & do

Pakington Street has long been a creative hub brimming with innovative retail boutiques, artist studios and maker's markets like the one held at Rutland St Makers.

The Rutland Street creative precinct, known as Boom Creative Studios, is home to small-scale agencies, jewellers, artists and creative types selling their wares inside the heritage red brick building.

Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances also calls this precinct home. Here you can purchase fine fragrances, but you can also make your own.

During an immersive two hour workshop, you’ll work your way smelling 70 premium ingredients to craft a bespoke fragrance that is uniquely yours.

Back at the Geelong West end of Pakington Street, Boom Gallery is another haven for creativity. Featuring regularly changing exhibitions of local artists and those further afield, you'll find mixed media, jewellery and ceramics to admire or take home with you.