Regularly overlooked because it sits between two heavyweights, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Geelong often doesn’t get its due. But this small bayside city is more than just the sleepy gateway to Victoria’s best beaches. Geelong is the Australian state's second city, one with a variety of cultural and historical attractions. From the insightful Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre to the spooky Geelong Gaol Museum, things to do in Geelong go beyond visiting the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Autumn proves to be the best time to make the most of the Geelong region. Visit from March to May, and you will avoid most of the scorching summer heat—not to mention that summer vacation is over, and the Surf Coast beaches won’t be as busy. Geelong is never short on events, especially in the fall, with the Australian International Airshow held nearby at Avalon Airport every two years in March and the Rip Curl Pro taking over Bells Beach in April.
You can reach Geelong by flying into Avalon Aiport (first connecting in larger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne) or taking the V/Line train to Geelong Railway Station. Local buses connect the city center and suburbs, while regional buses provide access to Portarlington and the Bellarine Peninsula as well as towns along Victoria's Surf Coast, including Ocean Grove and Torquay. However, it will be far quicker and more convenient to explore Geelong and beyond by car.
Soccer is a big deal in Geelong; expect the city center to be busy whenever the Geelong Cats have a home game, and steer clear of GMHBA Stadium and Latrobe Terrace if you’re not going. Normally, though, Geelong is relatively quiet and relaxed. It has many beautiful green spaces along the Barwon River, such as Balyang Sanctuary and Buckley Falls Lookout, both of which are scenic but never too busy.
