From 30 August to 9 November 2025.

Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize is in Geelong. From 30 August to 9 November 2025, Geelong Gallery will be the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2025 regional tour. This is your chance to see all 57 finalist works from across the country, including this year’s winner, Julie Fragar’s powerful portrait of artist Justene Williams.

The Archibald Prize is renowned for its portraits that capture public figures, local legends and big personalities, all through the eyes of Australia’s best painters. This year’s line-up includes both returning finalists and plenty of fresh faces. In fact, 37% are showing their work for the very first time.

The exhibition features everything from the smallest work, Callum Worsfold’s compact self-portrait, to Marcus Wills’ expansive portrait of Cormac Wright, stretching nearly two metres high. It’s a true mix of bold styles and compelling stories, brought together in one captivating space.

There are eight Victorian artists featured in the 2025 exhibition, including ceramicist and multidisciplinary artist Vipoo Srivilasa, whose work will be on display in re/JOY, on display at Geelong Gallery in the next room!

Make sure to cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award while you’re there.

Tickets are timed-entry to help manage crowds.

Get your tickets

Come for the Archibald Prize, stay for…

There’s more to see while you're here. From limited-time offers and standout places to eat and drink, to local art, boutique stays, and spots to explore, Geelong makes it easy to turn your visit into something more.

Eat

Once you’ve explored the portraits, it’s time to explore the plate.

Geelong’s dining scene is on show just steps from the Gallery, with Little Malop Street and surrounds dishing up some of the region’s best bites, bold flavours and creative spaces.

Start with lunch or dinner at The Arborist, where woodfire cooking and fresh produce take the lead. Felix serves up clever, seasonal food in a space that feels both refined and welcoming. If you’re craving something comforting and packed with flavour, Sober Ramen is the go.

Caruggi has been a long-time local favourite for Italian fare, while SUMI keeps things precise and polished with Japanese influence. Down by the water, Tempo Kitchen & Bar is perfect for a sunset meal.

For drinks, pop into Geelong Cellar Door to try local wines or swing by Anther Distillery in Federal Mills for a gin tasting. If you're planning something special, 1915, Maestro or Alma all offer dining experiences worth booking ahead.

For more places to eat, check out the guide here.

Stay a little longer

For those who like being right in the middle of it all, Oaks R Hotel Geelong or Oaks Vue Suites Geelong offer sleek city stays with bay views and modern amenities (and they're offering a 10% discount if you buy tickets to the Archibald Prize). Just around the corner, Novotel Geelong is a waterfront favourite, perfect for waking up to views of the shimmering Corio Bay.

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong delivers contemporary comfort with easy access to restaurants, shops and cultural spots (and they’re also offering a 12% discount for visitors to the exhibition), while Rydges Geelong brings relaxed vibes and spacious rooms ideal for longer visits. If you're chasing a boutique-style retreat, The Electric Hotel ticks the boxes with its stylish rooms and arty character.

Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments is set to open its freshly redeveloped hotel in August. Guests can look forward to stylish new rooms, an indoor pool, sauna, fitness centre and two dining options, all designed with comfort and convenience in mind. It’s a brand-new stay experience just moments from the city’s top spots.

For a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery, Eden Oak Geelong provides a tranquil setting just minutes from the city centre.

No matter where you check in, you’ll be close to the action. Great food, culture, shopping and the waterfront are all within walking distance.

Play, Shop and Explore

Make a day of it. After the Gallery, dive into Geelong’s creative side with a visit to Boom Gallery, Untether Gallery, a show at Geelong Arts Centre, or a family session at MoPA. Stroll through Johnstone Park, check out what’s new at Westfield Geelong, or wind your way along the Barwon River or, if you’ve got time, visit Oakdene’s cellar door. There’s more to see, and it’s all close by.

For more places to explore, check out the guide here.

Getting to The Archibald Prize

Getting to Geelong to see the Archibald Prize 2025 is easy, with travel options by car, train, ferry or coach. The exhibition is held at Geelong Gallery, right in the heart of the city, at 55 Little Malop Street.

By Train

Jump on a V/Line service from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. It’s around an hour to Geelong Station, and just a short 3-minute walk to the Gallery through Johnstone Park.

By Car

Geelong is just an hour from Melbourne’s CBD via the Princes Freeway. There’s free two-hour parking sessions in 2P on-street spaces across Geelong, and free parking on weekends. Additional parking is available at the Civic Centre car park off Gheringhap Street.

By coach

Major coach services including V/Line run routes to Geelong from across Victoria. Most services arrive at Geelong Railway Station or the Moorabool Street Bus Interchange, both within walking distance of the Gallery.

By Ferry

Port Phillip Ferries run passenger services from Docklands to Geelong on weekends. The ferry departs at 10:40am on Saturdays and Sundays, arriving in Geelong at 12:50pm (via Portarlington). From the waterfront berth at Cunningham Pier, it’s an easy 13-minute walk into the city.

Coming from Tasmania? The Spirit of Tasmania terminal is only an 8-minute drive from the city centre.

If you’re travelling from the Mornington Peninsula, you can bring your car across the bay with Searoad Ferries, operating daily between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Once you dock at Queenscliff, it’s a scenic 30-minute drive to Geelong’s CBD.

Getting around

Once you’re here, the city is compact and easy to explore on foot. Grab a coffee, visit a laneway bar, then stroll to the Gallery, all without needing your car.

Archibald Prize 2025 at Geelong Gallery

From 30 August to 9 November 2025.

Come for the Archibald Prize, stay for…

Special Offers

Caruggi - Archibald Prize Offer

Archibald Prize 12% Off Your Stay

Lunch menu inspired by works from Archibald Prize 2025

Boom Gallery - Archibald Prize Offer

Eat

Felix Restaurant

ALMA Restaurant

Geelong Cellar Door

Anther Distillery - The Geelong Distillery

1915

Frankie Bar & Eatery

The 18th Amendment Bar

Sumi Geelong

Sober Ramen

Caruggi

Maestro

Tempo Kitchen & Bar

Non Disclosure Bar

Stay a little longer

Eden Oak Geelong Hotel

88 Ryrie Street

Abbotswood Motor Inn

Timber Door Luxury Accommodation

Geelong Surf Coast Highway Holiday Park

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

Tasman Holiday Parks - Geelong

Rydges Geelong

Oaks R Suites Geelong

Quest Geelong Central

Novotel Geelong

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong

Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments

Play, Shop and Explore

National Wool Museum, Geelong

Westfield Geelong

Oakdene Wines

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Arts Centre

Boom Gallery

MoPA: Museum of Play and Art - Geelong Children’s Museum

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Untether Gallery

Geelong Waterfront Visitor Information Centre

Want more info?

Getting to The Archibald Prize

By Train

By Car

By coach

By Ferry

Getting around

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