City comforts by the bay

Geelong’s north-facing waterfront sparkles against palm trees and yachts, and the city's heritage bones provide a unique backdrop for shopping, culture and the arts.

It’s easy to get to this unique corner of Victoria. Take a cruise across the bay with Port Phillip Ferries from Docklands in Melbourne; catch a V/Line train to Geelong Station, or jump in the car.

Dine with a view

There’s something about sitting down for a bite to eat with the glimmering bay as your backdrop. And the Geelong waterfront has endless options with an added splash of history.

Grab a coffee and modern Aussie-style breakfast (smashed avo anyone?) inside the heritage Pavilion café circa 1927. Or choose from one of three levels (the top being a sky deck with unbeatable waterfront views) for cocktails and dinner at Sailors' Rest – formally a home away from home for weary seafarers in the early 1900s.

Naturally, seafood is in good supply and you’ll find restaurants dishing up scallops, mussels and the Aussie classic, fish and chips.

Tempo Kitchen & Bar is a top choice for seafood in a stylish setting. If you're lucky to get a seat out front enjoy your meal with the sparkling bay as company.

Eat & Drink

Waterside family-fun

For fun and games, there’s a playground next to a huge skate park near Cunningham Pier. Younger children will relish in the feel of yesteryear at The Carousel. The Armitage-Herschell merry-go-round was constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation around the world. Kids can also jump around on the Aero Bounce Bungy Trampolines or go for a gentle spin on the Giant Sky Wheel.

Eastern Beach Train Tours operate mini train rides in the area – flag them down and hop on with the kids. Follow it up with a splash in the children’s pool or promenade at Eastern Beach Reserve.

Family-Friendly

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Geelong Bollard Trail

More than 100 bollards are dotted along the waterfront. Artist Jan Mitchell turned old pier timbers into bright works of art representing characters from Geelong’s history. Walking time is approximately two hours one way strolling past Wangim Wave Attenuator, Cunningham Pier and Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Explore

Action-packed events calendar

Every January, more than 100,000 people drop anchor at the Geelong waterfront for the Festival of Sails – a world-class sailing event first held in 1844. Royal Geelong Yacht Club hosts this five-day celebration encompassing racing, live music and the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race also starts and finishes its 124-kilometre race at this scenic spot in summer and the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival has vintage cars racing the iconic strip in the last weekend of November.

Add in the many markets, sailings and Christmas festivities, and it’s a happening spot with almost a year-round calendar of events.