Hotels in Geelong, Australia

Geelong, a sunny city with a wealth of heritage

Situated about an hour away from Melbourne by car, Geelong boasts a sunny bay, beautiful beaches and a historic city centre. Many visitors flock to this vibrant city each year to explore this beautiful part of Australia while catching a tan. The city streets are lined with historic buildings, art galleries and museums that provide visitors of all ages the chance to learn about Geelong’s art, culture and heritage. Geelong is set up in such a way where getting around by foot is easy. This will certainly benefit those who are staying in hotels near the city centre.

Spend the day by the water

Geelong offers endless opportunities for you to show off your summer body. With plenty of beaches, swimming pools and water parks, you will be spoilt for choice. Adventure Park is a great place to spend the day, whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or family. With over 20 rides, Adventure Park is the biggest theme park in Victoria and includes a variety of water rides. If you fancy a day on the beach, Geelong’s Waterfront hosts the Eastern Beach Reserve. Here you will find the well-known Bayside Bollards which can be explored by walking the length of the promenade. The bollards have become one of the top tourist attractions in Geelong and are certainly worth a visit. The waterfront is filled with many other great attractions, including Cunningham Pier where visitors can venture out a little closer to the ocean, a children’s playground and a giant swimming pool for all ages. For those who wish to catch a wave or two, the Bellarine Peninsula is a perfect spot to surf. This is also the official start to the Great Ocean Road, just moments from fantastic picnic spots, hiking trails and pristine beaches.

A walk through national heritage

During your stay in Geelong, you might want to check out a few historical sites in order to experience all that this lively city has to offer. Johnstone Park is a great place to start, as it is overlooked by The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, housed in a beautifully modern dome structure. Here you will be able to view heritage archives, have a coffee at the café or enjoy a quiet session in the reading room. If you are more into art, Geelong Gallery is the place to be. This gallery specialises in 19th and 20th century Australian art, including sculptures, paintings and contemporary work. If you are interested in how Geelong used to be in the early 20th century, there are a collection of paintings depicting the city during that time. If you prefer to see art in action, The National Wool Museum offers just that. Live demonstrations are often held to educate the public on wool, while this museum also features a wide variety of exhibits, a clothing shop and a restaurant. If you don’t mind a short drive, Queenscliff, located about 25 minutes from Geelong city centre, boasts a wonderful collection of well-kept old hotels that are definitely worth seeing.

Discover the taste of Geelong

During your stay in Geelong, you will find it difficult to choose where to eat with all the world-class dining options that surround you. From fresh seafood to vegan dishes, there are no shortages or lack of variety in food. It is important to set a meal budget before your stay in Geelong, as you will find yourself eating out more than expected. If you are up for American cuisine, you will find a few restaurants to satisfy your hunger. From Southern-style fried chicken to waffles, milkshakes and pulled pork, the authenticity of these all-American diners might make you believe you got on the wrong flight in the first place. If you’re in search for some of the freshest food in the city, you’re in luck. You will be able to find fresh produce that is picked daily from nearby farms. This means that the food available will vary depending on the time of year and the most popular seasonal foods. For all coffee connoisseurs out there, Geelong offers some of the best coffee shops in Australia that take the coffee business seriously. Only the finest single-origin coffees that have been roasted and sourced from Africa, Latin America and Asia are all available within the city centre. If you are in a rush, a takeaway coffee will surely keep you going. For those who wish to spoil themselves on a fine-dining occasion, there are a range of world-class restaurants in the area that serve some of the latest trends in food, from buffet dinners to set tasting menus.