The second largest city in Victoria, Geelong is a progressively popular destination for tourists. Geelong is situated in the southwest region of Melbourne and the natural beauty and tiny seaside towns that are part of the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road close by.
A once bustling hub of industry due the Port Phillip Bay, it has a rich past and there are many things you can do and see in Geelong that include grand historic buildings and fascinating museums to visit. Alongside stunning gallery and gardens, there’s amazing restaurants and bars that you can try in the vibrant Corio Bay waterfront.
It borders the city with the Bellarine Peninsula which has countless gorgeous places. Beautiful ocean beaches and stunning surf spots are situated in close proximity to coastal towns, forts with historical significance along with heritage rail lines.
With many things to do and see, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are definitely worth at least a weekend or a trip far from Australia’s bustling capital, Melbourne. Below, you will get to know the top places that you can visit in Geelong.
Geelong Waterfront

Swirling gently along Corio Bay is the lively Geelong Waterfront which is surely the most popular spot in the city. It is brimming with things to see and do, it has many attractions, activities and amenities that have many things to do for everyone.
The port was once a humble one which was closed for a while. It was redesigned and revived in the late nineties. Beautiful piers and impressive sculptures are now spotted along with grassy areas with swimming areas, as well as historic landmarks. Along with a 19th century carousel and Ferris wheels and parks and picnic areas that you can use. There are also grand homes and more than a hundred colorfully painted Baywalk Bollards stretch along the promenade.
Geelong Gallery

If you’re looking for stunning artworks and you’re looking for something extraordinary, then you’ll need to visit the stunning Geelong Gallery. With paintings, photographs and sculptures, it’s widely regarded as one of the top and most renowned local art galleries in Australia.
The museum was established in 1895. It has a massive collection of more than 6,000 pieces of Australian as well as international artists that are displayed in the airy and light galleries. In addition to contemporary ceramics and prints dating back to the 1800s, the museum showcases famous paintings including Frederick McCubbin’s “A Bush Burial” and Eugene von Guerard’s “View from Geelong”.
Geelong Botanical Gardens

The stunning Geelong Botanical Gardens can be located within Eastern Park along the city’s waterfront. It is home to a myriad of varieties of plants, flowers, and trees. It’s an ideal place to unwind and relax after a long day of touring.
One of the most renowned botanical gardens in Australia, the garden was first established in 1851. Its huge collection today includes vibrant flowers from all over the globe. Beautifully landscaped, its numerous well-groomed lawns and flower beds are in areas that are dedicated to walnut and oak trees along with ferns, camellias, and roses.
Ocean Grove Beach

A short drive to the west from Point Lonsdale is another outstanding location to visit if you want to soak up some sand waves and sea. Idyllic Ocean Grove Beach is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, it is a great spot to look out across Bass Strait with lifeguard stations and safe swimming areas scattered along the coast.
With more than two kilometers of length, the soft sands are ideal to relax and unwind and soaking in the sun. Alongside swimming, beachgoers can visit local nature reserves and enjoy beautiful hikes, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.
National Wool Museum

The National Wool Museum is not to be missed when you would like to know more about Geelong’s history as the ‘wool capital in the entire world’. The museum’s exhibits and artifacts are well-presented, the significant impact that this industry played on not just Geelong’s economy, but also its society and architecture, but also its environment as well.
The museum was opened for public viewing in the year 1988. The museum is located in a beautiful bluestone structure in the heart of town which was once wool stores. Inside, there are interactive exhibits and dioramas that explore everything from sheep and wool to how wool was selected and then transformed into fabrics using the massive weaving looms.
Great Ocean Road

A must-see picturesque road in Australia and around the world. The Great Ocean Road meanders its course through the south coastline of Victoria. With 243 km of length, the road takes you through incredible limestone sea stacks as well as private coves with beautiful beaches, lush tracts, forests and fertile winelands in the spotlight.
Due to its proximity, the town on the coast of Torquay is the rambling route’s beginning point. It is no wonder that Geelong is frequently referred to as the gateway for the ‘Great Ocean Road’. It is surely worth driving at least a small portion while in town. Incredible natural beauty spots like Bell’s Beach and Point Addis Marine National Park are not too far away.