Must sees

From the historic to the iconic, there’s a long list of one-of-a-kind sights that make this region stand out.

Want to see a giant Sphinx outside of Egypt? Tick. What about the only black lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere? Double tick.

Geelong and The Bellarine is a diverse region with something to see around every corner - even the unexpected. Time to start ticking off the list!

Unique sights

Geelong brings ancient Egypt to town with our very own Sphinx at the aptly named Sphinx Hotel. Nestled in North Geelong and standing 15 metres tall, this mythical creature, with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle is a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza, only it doubles as a one-stop entertainment venue.

Step aboard The Blues Train and you’ll never forget it, never regret it. The adventure starts in Queenscliff with dinner and drinks then all-aboard! You’ll hear four blues bands as you move from carriage-to-carriage while the heritage train journeys along the Bellarine Railway – stopping for more drinks along the way.

Hailed as Australia’s first and only cheese train, at Splatters Cheese Bar dozens of different cheeses and hot snacks roll by you on a 20-metre conveyor belt for artisan cheese tasting. Think sushi train, but with gouda and brie instead of sashimi.

Splatters Cheese Bar: Cheese Train, Geelong West

Piers and lighthouses

As a coastal destination, there are two things this region has a lot of: piers and lighthouses. Striking against the blue bay, they're popular spots for photographers, admirers and lovers of maritime history.

Standing on Queenscliff’s edge is the only black lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere, one of three to exist worldwide. Fort Queenscliff is built around the structure, visit the museum onsite to learn the history of the area and have a tour around the unique lighthouse.

Also in Queenscliff, the pier and boat shed features in many photos, but it’s also a site that played a significant role over its lifetime. The Queenscliff Pier and lifeboat shed were an integral part of improving safety for boats entering and leaving Port Phillip – known for its treacherous waters.

At Point Lonsdale, the lighthouse is still used for navigation and tours are available. At Queenscliff, the High Light is one of only three black lighthouses in the world. If you linger a while at either beacon, you’ll see ships negotiate The Rip.

Stretching 330 metres out over Corio Bay, Cunningham Pier is an icon on Geelong's waterfront. A photo of the signage at the entrance of the pier is a must on your visit.

Cultural Attractions

A visit to the newly redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre is a must for all culture enthusiasts, if not just to appreciate the architecture! The centre has been transformed into the largest dedicated regional arts centre in Australia hosting an array of theatre, comedy, dance and live music events.

Established in 1896, Geelong Gallery is one of the country’s oldest regional galleries, with a vast collection of nationally significant works both contemporary and historical. Prized are Frederick McCubbin’s 1890 painting A Bush Burial, and Eugene von Guérard’s 1856 work View of Geelong.

Down towards the waterfront precinct is the National Wool Museum – a must-see for history lovers. Set inside a charming 1872 bluestone wool store, the museum tells the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles and hosts art exhibitions.

5 unique train experiences

From cheesy delights to soulful blues, coastal culinary delights, and miniature marvels, we’ve got the most unique train adventures like no other.

A Guide to Galleries & Museums in Geelong

Bathe in some of the artistry, innovation and culture that makes Geelong a UNESCO City of Design. We're a creative bunch!

Bollard trail

Painted as figures who played a part in Geelong’s history, over 100 wooden statues form the 1995 installed Bollard Trail.

Made by artist Jan Mitchell, you will come across lifeguards at the promenade, surveyor Ian MacDonald, a Geelong Footballer, the founding editor of Geelong Advertiser, James Harrison, and the Sisters of Mercy nuns down at St Helen’s.

The trail runs from Rippleside Park all the way to Limeburners Point.

Bollard at Eastern Beach, Geelong Waterfront

Natural wonders

Located near the mouth of the Barwon River, Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary protects 17 hectares of reef and sea life. Its unique geology creates a fascinating underwater world of feather stars and barnacles, sea slugs, rays and small sharks, and schools of fish living amongst the kelp forests, sandstone arches, and colourful sponge gardens.

Buckley Falls is Geelong’s hidden gem, just minutes from the suburbs. Located upstream from where the Barwon and Moorabool rivers connect, it’s a popular spot for photographers and an area of environmental, historical and cultural significance for the Wadawurrung People – who lived in and cared for this region for tens of thousands of years.

Established in 1851, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest in the country. It conserves plants from around the world, including the rarely blooming Corpse Flower plant.