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16 unique and surprising things to do in Geelong

Credit: Visit Victoria

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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
Port Philip Bay at sunset. (Credit: 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

Bellarine
Bellarine Peninsula is an under-the-radar gem of historic seaside villages.

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

The Bellarine Railway
Embark on the vintage steam train journey. (Credit: The Wanderer Studio)

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.

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5. Cut loose with the kids at Adventure Park

the crazy coaster at Adventure Park, Geelong
Conquer your fear and ride the rollercoaster.

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 Ferries catamaran at the Portarlington Pier
Port Phillip Ferries connects Melbourne’s Docklands to Geelong via a 70-minute scenic trip.

Port Phillip Ferries connects Melbourne’s Docklands to Portarlington via a 70-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. (Credit: 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

Geelong waterfront
Walk 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. (Credit: 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

a selection of wines at Geelong Cellar Door
Geelong Cellar Door has a fantastic range of local craft beer. (Credit: Armelle Habib)

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.

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11. Soak up serious street art in Geelong

Geelong’s trademark street art
Discover Geelong’s trademark street art hidden down the laneways. (Credit: Amy Carlon)

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. (Credit: 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

Boom Gallery, Geelong
Boom Gallery showcases the work of local, interstate and international creatives.

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. (Credit: 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

Old 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

the Geelong Harvest Experience
Wander through the kitchen garden and harvest produce.

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.

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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From coast to bush: these are Gippsland’s best hikes

    Michael Turtle Michael Turtle
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

    I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

    For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland, and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

    Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

    The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

    sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park
    Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

    Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

    a couple on Mount Oberon
    Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

    The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit, which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

    a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park
    Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

    You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk, even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

    the George Bass Coastal Walk
    George Bass Coastal Walk trails for seven kilometres along clifftops. (Image: Visit Victoria/Time Out Australia)

    Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk, usually done over seven days.

    the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland
    Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The best bush hikes in Gippsland

    the Baw Baw National Park
    The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

    Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

    Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

    Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

    Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

    The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

    the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland
    Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

    Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

    As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park, along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

    the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park
    Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

    The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

    the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park
    The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

    Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park, known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

    A traveller’s checklist

    Staying there

    the WildernessRetreats in The Prom
    Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

    Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

    Eating there

    the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland
    Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

    Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

    Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

    a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland
    The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.

    Video credit: Tourism Australia