Must-visit: explore Little Malop Street Precinct

From experimental dumplings to a hearty serve of moussaka, Little Malop Street is a melting pot of global cuisines.

Away from the kitchen, this street and surrounding area is home to a thriving cultural hub and range of specialty retail stores.

From sun-up to sundown, and long after, this precinct really packs a punch.

Asian cuisines are in good supply on this strip. Here you’ll find Japanese-inspired favourites like tonkotsu ramen at Sober Ramen and fish cooked over a smoky robata grill at Sumi. Traditional Chinese dumplings are on offer at Drunken Dumpling and for some more unusual fillings, including yellow curry beef, stop by Bahjong. Malaysian, Afghan and Indian are also on offer.

Graze on a Northern Italian-focussed menu, including Focaccia col Formaggio a dish unique to the town of Recco, at Caruggi Restaurant or find your Greek favourite at Mavs Restaurant. For something sweet follow it up with a Greek dessert at Mavs’ sister venue, LoukouMadness.

Alma takes its inspiration from South American cuisines with the likes of empanadas and ceviche on the menu. For food from another southern region, Pistol Pete’s dishes up from the deep south. Think hearty servings of gumbo and jambalaya all the way from Memphis, Clarksdale and New Orleans.

The Arborist and its new rooftop bar are cleverly created around the excelsior tree and serve up share plates illuminating Middle Eastern flavours.

At WestEnd and Felix you’ll find modern Australian dining that’s just as fine as the interiors. And for a steak cooked just how you like it head to Emerge.

To round it out, there’s also burgers, pizzas, tacos and hot fried chicken.

Wash it all down with a glass of local or international wine at Geelong Cellar Door or Union Street Wine. Beer more your thing? Next door to Union Street Wine is the go-to for craft beer in central Geelong: Valhalla Brewing.

When the night gets a little darker, slink up the steps to The 18^th Amendment Bar and be taken back in time to the prohibition era. Or head around the corner to Manhattan Bar and cosy up in a booth with cocktail in hand.

Little Malop Street runs through the centre of Geelong’s cultural heart. Facing each other on the western end, you’ll find one of the country’s oldest regional galleries, the Geelong Gallery, and what will soon be the largest regional space for creative and performing arts in Australia at Geelong Arts Centre.

On the same street it’s hard to miss ‘The Dome’, known formally as Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. The futuristic dome clad in hexagonal tiles with soaring glass-shard windows is easily one of Geelong’s most impressive buildings.

Also in the vicinity you’ll find street art of all types, an independent gallery, an emerging and youth arts centre, and plenty of live music at Piano Bar and Pistol Pete’s Food ‘n’ Blues.

Be mesmerised by the pink convenience store interiors and spiritual goods at Satellite Hearts, pick up some used reads for your home library at Books Around or peruse collectables, comics and vinyl at Popcultcha Geelong.

Along with its expansive art collection, the Geelong Gallery has an equally impressive retail store with unique gifts

Stroll a few streets over and you’ll find elevated pub dining at Ambergris Hotel, endless cocktails and share plates (including Geelong’s best gluten free menu) at Recess Bar and Eats and Asian-fusion dining at Frankie Bar Eatery.

A 7-minute walk away you’ll find comfortable accommodation at Rydges Geelong. For a waterfront location and stellar bay views (if you pick the right room), book a stay at Novotel Geelong, R Hotel or Vue Apartments. Peace and quiet more your thing? Eden Oak is nestled beside the Geelong Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of the CBD.

For something still within walking distance that’s a bit more budget-friendly, check out Admiralty Inn, Eastern Sands Motel, Belmercer Motel and Quality Hotel Bayside.

And keep an eye out for the soon to open Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong – neighbouring the Little Malop Street precinct.