Suggested Time: Overnight
Geelong

Curious is calling in Geelong. Not just the waterfront. Not just the obvious. In one day, you can shape clay in a historic paper mill, taste award-winning Australian gin, and settle in for French-inspired dining by candlelight. It’s creative, a little unexpected, and very easy to get to from Melbourne. If you’re searching for a unique Geelong day trip, pottery workshop, gin tasting experience or wine bar with atmosphere, this one’s for you.

In one day Geelong awaits

1
Mould a moment at Elizabeth Bell Ceramics

Inside the historic Fyansford Paper Mills, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics offers hands-on pottery workshops in Geelong that genuinely lets you switch…

Inside the historic Fyansford Paper Mills, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics offers hands-on pottery workshops in Geelong that genuinely lets you switch off.

Small class sizes. Real guidance. No chaos.

You can book a two-hour pottery class or a private group session. Perfect for beginners, hens parties or anyone who has typed “pottery classes near Melbourne” into Google.

You leave with having made something real. And that hits different.
- 100 Lower Paper Mills Road Get Directions
- 0481 345 550
- Website
2
Follow the botanicals at Anther Distillery

Five minutes from Geelong CBD, Anther Distillery is Geelong’s go-to for small-batch gin tastings and yummy cocktails.Set inside the historic Federal…

Five minutes from Geelong CBD, Anther Distillery is Geelong’s go-to for small-batch gin tastings and yummy cocktails.

Set inside the historic Federal Mills, you can book a gin discovery tasting, try a cocktail tasting board, or join a distillery experience to learn how Australian native botanicals become award-winning gin.

If you’re looking for a distillery near Melbourne, gin tasting Geelong, or cocktail bars in North Geelong, this is the stop.

One sip in and you’ll understand why they’ve taken home Champion Gin titles.
- 33 Mackey Street Get Directions
- 0424 781 543
- Website
3
Sip some intrigue at Fantôme Wine Bar

When night falls, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into another world at Fantôme Wine Bar. Curtained booths. Low lighting. Theatrical cocktails that…

When night falls, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into another world at Fantôme Wine Bar.

Curtained booths. Low lighting. Theatrical cocktails that add a little drama and a French-inspired menu that’s has some very interesting additions.

More than 100 wines by the glass and the kitchen open late.

If you’re looking for a late-night wine bar in Geelong or a date night that actually feels different, this is your spot.
- 126 Ryrie Street Get Directions
- 0403 875 871
- Website
4
Step inside Geelong Gaol

If you’re looking for something unexpected in Geelong, this is it. The National Crime & Justice Museum at Geelong Gaol is set inside Victoria’s…

If you’re looking for something unexpected in Geelong, this is it.

The National Crime & Justice Museum at Geelong Gaol is set inside Victoria’s most intact 19th century prison. Three levels of bluestone, original cells and real stories from 1853 to 1991.

You can explore exhibitions on colonial prisons and the Eureka Stockade, or book a Geelong Gaol paranormal or Ghost tours to investigate the surgery and morgue after dark.

Some places are better felt than explained.
- 202 Myers Street Get Directions
- 1300 865 800
- Website

Stay a little longer

With an itinerary this packed, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head. Geelong offers boutique hotels, waterfront apartments and heritage stays all close to restaurants, bars and the waterfront. Book a weekend getaway from Melbourne or turn it into a midweek escape. Stay central and walk everywhere.

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