14 Best Things To Do In Geelong, Australia

things to do in geelong
William
William 
Updated
| 4 min read

Geelong is located southwest of Melbourne, Australia and is home to stunning attraction sites, industries, institutions, a rich cultural background, and thrilling events; making it an ideal travel destination. Moreover, here, you can indulge in leisure activities such as hiking, rock climbing, watching movies, and dancing to pass time and create fun memories. Some top tourist destinations in the region include National Wool Museum, Geelong Waterfront, Eastern Beach, and Balyang Sanctuary, and are frequented by both natives and tourists. And because it doesn’t have to be boring in a new town, find out the best things to do in Geelong, Australia, for cherishable memories.

1. Appreciate a scenic waterfall view at the Buckley Falls Lookout

Buckley Falls, evening (8 June 19)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thom Devereux used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Buckley Falls Lookout offers you a spectacular view of Buckley Falls, a rock cascade. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot within the suburb, this is a must-visit. You can do some yoga and find tranquility in the calming sound of the water.

For adventure lovers, this lookout along the Barwon River is great for hiking and biking. You can also take picture-perfect shots of the Buckley Falls from this spot while gazing upon the picturesque scene of this nature-filled place.

Buckley Falls Lookout

Address: Highton VIC 3216, Australia

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

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2. Unlock the secrets of the Geelong Gaol Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

16th Jan 1903 - Mr Flowers who was being transferred from the Police station to Geelong Gaol, managed to escape the police. After a chase through the streets for was court. #geelonggaolmuseum

Posted by Geelong Gaol Museum on Sunday, January 15, 2023

The current site of the Geelong Gaol Museum was once a jail for perpetrators. Established in 1835, the Geelong Gaol housed the horrific experiences of the prisoners with each of its cells having only a compact space for the incarcerated. It was closed in 1991 and became private property in 2019 when it was transformed into a museum.

Inside this museum, you can listen to a one-hour talk about cold cases handled by Bob Marmion, a historian and an ex-detective. You can also join in a ghost tour inside the place if you’re brave enough to conquer what’s hiding from each of the facility’s rooms.

Geelong Gaol Museum

Address: 202 Myers St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: Geelong Gaol Museum

Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD for children aged 16 years and below; 15 USD for concession; 20 USD for adults

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3. Test your endurance at The Rock Adventure Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Yea we are open today. 12pm till 5pm for your holiday climbing needs. #geelongclimbing #geelongadventures #geelongfamilyfun #schoolholidayfun #climbing #rockclimbing

Posted by The Rock Adventure Centre on Tuesday, January 25, 2022

If you want family fun, The Rock Adventure Centre offers a magnificent indoor rock climbing experience. With walls extending up to 12 meters (39.37 feet) high, this attraction will test your mental fortitude. This place of interest opened in 2001 and has continuously given joy to locals and tourists alike.

This facility is great for both children and adults. It offers a climb-it club, a collaborative program that accommodates kids ages 6 to 12 to enhance their climbing skills. For the grown-ups, Team Rock is designed to improve their bouldering skills and propel them to the top of the wall.

The Rock Adventure Centre

Address: Rear, 403 Pakington St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: The Rock Adventure Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: 16 USD for children under 13 years old; 18 USD for concession; 20 USD for adults

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4. Walk along the shores of Rippleside Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nestled between two suburbs, Rippleside Beach is a relaxing spot where you can take a breather. You can bring your furry friends so you can walk with them on the sand. If you don’t want to swim, you can still enjoy the place with the calm sound of the waves and the panoramic view of the ocean.

The beach is also adjacent to Rippleside Park. You can use the barbecue facilities to grill some foods that you can share with your loved ones over its picnic area. For those with kids, you can also bring them to the playground where they can have fun and play around.

Rippleside Beach

Address: Rippleside VIC 3215, Australia

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

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5. Learn local history at HM Prison Geelong

Geelong-gaol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wongm used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Get to find out about Geelong’s history by visiting this establishment that’s endowed with fascinating artifacts and publications. It was opened in 1853 and served as Australia’s maximum-security prison. A walk inside it is scary and informative at the same time, making it worth a visit. Indulge in a guided tour around the facility and hear creepy stories about it from knowledgeable and friendly tour guides. You can try the escape room challenge, too.

HM Prison Geelong

Address: 202 Myers St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: HM Prison Geelong

Opening hours: Sat & Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

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6. Tour the Geelong Botanical Gardens

<div class="fn">
Geelong Botanical Gardens</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paul Carmona used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A stroll inside these gardens ushers you to a new world you’ve never experienced before. They are clean, well maintained, and filled with plants you don’t see very often. Interestingly, these breathtaking lawns are stunning all year round. It’s also a nice location for walking and cycling. And if you get hungry, visit the facility’s eateries that are serving tasty food and beverages at reasonable prices. In addition, you get to enjoy scenic ocean views from the compound.

Geelong Botanical Gardens

Address: Garden Street, East Geelong VIC 3219, Australia

Website: Geelong Botanical Gardens

Opening hours: 8am - pm (daily)

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7. Visit the National Wool Museum

Posted by National Wool Museum Geelong on Tuesday, 21 January 2020

If you’re interested in fashion, fabric, and photography, then this museum will excite you. It showcases the history of wool, fabrics, and textiles through its modern exhibitions and special events. The museum itself is in a classic machinery factory. A tour inside this establishment will give you insights into the past methods of making cloth. There are photos from all over the globe, showing the historical background of wool-making and fashion. You’ll be attended to by friendly and professional staff who’ll ensure that your visit is worthwhile.

National Wool Museum

Address: 26 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: National Wool Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm; Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm

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8. Ride Geelong Waterfront's Ferris wheel

Geelong Waterfront
Source: Photo by user Tim Moreillon used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Geelong Waterfront is endowed with amazing recreational facilities like a swimming pool, walking trail, and a volleyball court for your enjoyment. One outstanding facility is the Ferris wheel. A ride on this wheel gives you panoramic views of the waterfront as well as the city. You also enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with lots of options for everyone at this clean, calm and well-maintained establishment.

Geelong Waterfront

Address: 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: Geelong Waterfront

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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9. Soak up at Eastern Beach

View from Geelong ferris wheel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mart Moppel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Being one of the best beaches in Australia, Eastern Beach is renowned for its recreational activities like swimming and diving. Swim in its clean and clear waters all day long, and create unforgettable experiences. It also has lifeguards and diving boards, adding to its charm. You can also stroll around the beach, go on a camel ride, or play beach volleyball to add to the fun. The grassed area is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

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10. Check out the Geelong Gallery

Geelong-art-gallery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wongm used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Geelong Gallery boasts having outstanding sculptures, paintings, and other decorative pieces of art dating back to Australia’s colonial period. With over 4,000 pieces of art, you’ll be in for a great experience. The gallery is beautiful and easy to get around, being well lit and clearly marked. Additionally, the staff is welcoming and helpful in their quest to make your visit seamless. Apart from the exhibitions, it’s also conveniently located near Geelong Railway Station.

Geelong Gallery

Address: 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: Geelong Gallery

Opening hours: 10am -5pm (daily)

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11. Chill out at Johnstone Park

Johnstone-park-bandstand-geelong
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wongm used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This fantastic and historical park is right in the heart of Geelong and is popular with tourists. It’s endowed with green lawns, a great tree coverage, and walkways that are perfect for lazing around. Moreover, it’s well-maintained, clean, and has a lovely collection of flowers, bringing out a nice atmosphere perfect for relaxing and enjoying the breeze. There’s also a range of food and shopping stalls that you can visit.

Johnstone Park

Address: Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: Johnstone Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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12. See Geelong from Giant Sky Wheel

<div class="fn">
Geelong</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paul Carmona used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For a view of the city from a different angle, indulge in the Giant Sky Wheel ride. The cycle is reasonably priced and breathtaking, too. You’ll see the city’s major landmarks like Cunningham Pier, Steampacket Gardens, and Royal Geelong Yacht Club during the ride. You’ll be served by attentive and kind staff members, which includes instructors who are patient with beginners and children. At night, the wheel displays flickering lights and patterns that you can marvel to, adding to its glamour.

Giant Sky Wheel

Address: 31 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Website: Giant Sky Wheel

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12am - 8:30pm; Fri: 12pm -10:30pm; Sat: 10am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10am - 8:30pm

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13. Shop till you drop at Geelong Vintage Market

Posted by Geelong Vintage Market on Saturday, 22 February 2020

Are you into antiques, collectibles, and vintage clothing? Then this market is for you. Open seven days a week, it’s home to a variety of unique and quality items such as gooks, glassware, furniture, and clothes; each sold at pocket-friendly prices. You’ll definitely find something for everyone at this establishment. A visit to this facility is a visit back in time. In addition, there’s a cafe selling delicious food and drinks that’s a nice spot to sample local cuisines.

Geelong Vintage Market

Address: 1 Mackey St, North Geelong VIC 3215, Australia

Website: Geelong Vintage Market

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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Popular attraction nearby

14. 10. Slide down at Adventure Park (from USD 34.0)

Located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Geelong is this theme park with an array of attractions like water slides, rides, and playgrounds at your disposal. Water sliding at this park is fun as you go down slides with a variety of twists and turns. Additionally, the slides are large, well-maintained, and of different heights, bringing out a thrilling experience. After sliding, you can bask in the seating area endowed with beach umbrellas and chairs, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. For food, visit eateries across the facility serving a good variety of meals at reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making you feel valued.

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Adventure Park Geelong: General Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

The captivating Geelong

As Geelong, Australia is endowed with unique and charming attraction sites, you’ll be in for an array of things to do, see, and feel. Engage in the above leisure activities while visiting the city and make great memories.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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William believes that we should strive to make the world a better place. He's passionate about landscapes, the ocean, and people. When not traveling, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and planning for...Read more

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