Discover all-day activity with the best things do in Geelong

From 4WD adventuring to conquering Victoria’s largest water park, the best things to do in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula set pulses racing.

Been to the boardwalk, done the carousel, got the T-shirt? Me too. Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, is undoubtedly one of my favourite spots to take the kids. But what struck me during my last visit was all the grown-up activity going on, particularly when I ventured into the neighbouring Bellarine Peninsula. Ranging from offshore expeditions that highlight the port city’s charms to hot air ballooning over Bellarine’s famed wine country, the best things to do in Geelong and the Bellarine threw me for six.

Here’s my hit list, along with some non-negotiable classics for your next visit.

In short

If you only pick one of the things to do in Geelong, make it the Portarlington Mussel Tour. You’ll score a literal taste of the city while out on that shimmering bay.

1. Comb the bay on a Portarlington Mussel Tour

Port Philip Bay at sunset. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The most delicious of the region’s offshore journeys, a Portarlington Mussel Tour offers seriously unique thrills across beautiful Port Philip Bay. I jump on a 40-year-old vessel to meet Lance, a mussel farmer, and his team who strive to keep my small Classic Mussel Tour group (there are multiple tours to choose from including a sunset cruise) entirely relaxed and showered with delights. The team chat all things mussels before launching into a mussel farming demonstration — where guests are invited to pluck your own morsel — as well as a cooking demonstration and the delivery of beautifully dressed mussels and snacks alongside beer and wine. The three-hour tour wraps with dessert, tea and coffee. It’s priced at $295 per person ($310 pp from May 1st 2026) but check the website for other tour pricing.

2. Cycle the Bellarine Rail Trail

You can’t visit Geelong and not do the Bellarine Peninsula, an under-the-radar gem of historic seaside villages, abundant produce, and cool-climate wineries. The best way to get there, I discovered, was on two wheels. The Bellarine Rail Trail runs 35 kilometres alongside a historic train route from the outskirts of Geelong to picturesque Queenscliff. It took around three and a half hours to cycle one way, and wildflowers set a serene scene amplified by coastal and countryside views.

3. Jump aboard The Bellarine Railway’s night ride

While we’re talking rails, let’s shine a light on The Bellarine Railway’s Steamlight Nights journey. Staged on sporadic winter dates each year (check the website for upcoming rides), the vintage steam train journey departs Queenscliff station before rattling through the night to a (faux) snowy playground where you’ll toast marshmallows over fire pits and dust one another in fluttery flakes. Fairy lights dial up the magic, making the whole thing a winner for adults and children alike. In 2025, adult tickets went for $20 a pop while children were priced at $15 each.

4. Tear up dirt tracks with Ragged Edge 4×4

the Ragged Edge 4x4 monster truck — Prepare for an epic road trip with a four-wheel drive in a monster truck.

Switch up the pace in a custom-built monster truck. Ragged Edge 4×4 ’s gnarly wheels offer extreme fun via V8 engines, almighty tyres and four-wheel steering. There are a bunch of packages (including a night drive) and tracks to tackle, all running out of Lara, which is about 20 minutes north of Geelong, but no matter where you land, expect tight turns, vertical rock ledges and other ridiculously hectic obstacles.

5. Cut loose with the kids at Adventure Park

Did you know Geelong is home to Victoria’s largest water theme park? Adventure Park is set to be bigger and better when it opens for summer again in November 2025 (the seasonal attraction turns into a winter wonderland during winter). A total of 21 rides will bring crowds through the doors as highlights including the triple-funnel ‘Tsunami’ water slide and ‘Lazy River’ never fail to get kids grinning.

6. Tour the bay on a Port Philip Ferry

Port-Phillip-Ferry — Port Phillip Ferries connects Melbourne’s Docklands to Geelong via a 90-minute scenic trip.

Geelong is a one-hour drive from Melbourne, but why not catch the ferry instead? Port Phillip Ferries connects Melbourne’s Docklands to Geelong via a 90-minute scenic trip. The ferry itself is modern and clean, and barista-made coffee is plenty welcome. The journey glides across Port Phillip Bay, skirting the Bellarine Peninsula, before arriving smack-bang on the city’s waterfront next to the carousel.

7. Marvel in artworks along the Bollard Trail

the Bollard Trail at the Geelong waterfront — Find over 100 of these colourful characters on the Bollard Trail along the Geelong waterfront. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Keen to get a feel for Geelong’s creative spirit? It runs rife along the Bollard Trail, found at the Geelong waterfront. In the 1990s, the late Melbourne-born artist Jan Mitchell transformed reclaimed timber pier pylons into works of art to showcase the city’s rich history. Her handiwork still stands, a trail of more than 100 colourful characters, each depicting integral pieces of one fascinating tale. The trail runs between Limeburner’s Point to Rippleside Park.

8. Keep creative juices flowing at the Waterfront Art Trail

Tick off the bollards and launch into quirky sculptures, found at the Waterfront Art Trail at 1 Eastern Beach Rd. Encompassing Barcode Fountain, a stainless-steel water feature fitted with blue lighting, Cargo Boxes, packed with curiosities to pay tribute to Geelong imports during the days of early settlement, and more, the art trail is oh so Melbourne (edgy, cool and totally enthralling, in other words).

9. Go hot air ballooning with Liberty Balloon Flights

hot air balloons soaring above Geelong at sunset — Soak up all the scenery on a Liberty Balloon Flight. (Image: Dan Powell)

Find fresh perspective with an up-in-the-air spin care of Liberty Balloon Flights . Launching at sunset all year round, the hot air balloons take off from varying locations depending on where the wind blows. Regardless, you’ll likely soar throughout the Bellarine as views out to Port Philip Bay and the ocean endlessly dazzle. The cherry on top is a sparkling wine-fuelled breakfast waiting for you once you’re safely on ground again.

10. Get your artsy hipster on at Little Malop St

the Geelong Cellar Door at Little Malop St — Geelong Cellar Door has a fantastic range of local craft beer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just a few blocks back from the waterfront, Little Malop Street is home to some of the city’s trendiest spots to eat, drink, shop and explore, including Geelong Gallery (more on that standout below). Next door is Geelong’s most architecturally smashing building — the futuristic dome-shaped Geelong Library and Heritage Centre . Across the road, another showstopper: the Geelong Arts Centre , a hub of theatre, music and drama. On the culinary front, don’t miss The Arborist , Sumi Geelong , or Geelong Cellar Door , to name just a few.

11. Soak up serious street art in Geelong

Geelong Street Art — Discover Geelong’s trademark street art hidden down the laneways.

It’s bayside but we’re still in Melbourne. Geelong is famed for its stellar street art, hidden down laneways leading off Little Malop St. Look out for murals depicting significant Geelong identities on Denny’s Place, and a Moi-Yo Miller mural by Michael Cassar on the junction of James Street and Minns Lane. Moi-Yo, born in Geelong, once considered the most beautiful woman in the world, travelled the world as Dante the Magician’s assistant in the 1930s. Meanwhile, a quick stroll to 65 Brougham Street will give you the Unknown Mariner mural by Cam Scale, a tribute to Geelong’s maritime history.

12. Be totally awed at Geelong Gallery

the exterior of Geelong Gallery — Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest regional art galleries. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Yet another unmissable collective of creativity, Geelong Gallery , established in 1896, is one of Australia’s oldest regional art galleries – and definitely one of the best. Here you’ll discover the annual Archibald Prize, plus dazzling Australian and European painting, sculpture, printmaking and decorative arts collections from as far back as the 18th century.

13. Discover local talent at Boom Gallery

artworks on display at Boom Gallery, Geelong — Boom Gallery showcases the work of local, interstate and international creatives. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Don’t miss Boom Gallery , a dynamic contemporary gallery in Geelong West. The space showcases the work of mostly local, sometimes interstate, creatives which extend to sculptures and jewellery inside a separate object gallery. Check the website for current exhibitions and if something really takes your fancy, regular exhibition openings invite members of the public to celebrate over a wine.

14. Learn something new at the National Wool Museum

a flock of sheep inside the National Wool Museum, Geelong — The National Wool Museum is Australia’s largest museum dedicated to wool. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store close to the waterfront. It’s Australia’s largest museum dedicated to wool and traces the industry’s origins from the 1840s through to today. What I love about the space is its fixed, award-winning ‘On the Land: Our Story Retold’ exhibition, which reveals the history of Australian wool through traditional storytelling out of Wadawurrung Country. The exhibition was crafted by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung elder Bryon Powell and Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson.

15. Step back in time at The Fyansford Paper Mill

The Old Paper Mills at Fyansford is a restored 1870s bluestone complex.

On the city’s fringe, The Fyansford Paper Mill is worthy of your to-do list. The restored 1870s bluestone complex harks back to the beginnings of Geelong’s industrial era. Today it’s an arts and cultural precinct with more than 15 businesses spanning art galleries, studios, retailers and food. Provenance Wines is a standout, arriving as a cellar door and a restaurant. The entire site is just gorgeous, located on the Barwon River with leafy walks and waterfalls to uncover.

16. Sharpen your skills with a Harvest Experience cooking class

Who knew Geelong was the place to refine your culinary chops? Harvest Experience is a family-run business that strives to show visitors how to live directly off the land. There’s a bunch of classes on offer, but I recommend going the original, full-day ‘Harvest Experience’ where you’ll wander the kitchen garden, harvest produce yourself, learn how to prepare and cook it, and finally, gobble it down. Only six people are signed on at a time, making the experience super intimate and personalised. Other classes include a pizza and mozzarella tutorial and DIY sweet condiments lesson.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.