What Locals Love About Geelong
By Bree Pagliuso|
Some places have a way of pulling you in. Geelong is one of them. Maybe it’s the way the coastline stretches out endlessly, the scent of salt in the air, or the easy smiles of the people. Whatever it is, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, Geelong invites you to slow down and open your eyes to its vibrant blend of history, art, and contemporary charm.
Wander through eclectic galleries, browse one-of-a-kind boutiques, and, of course, enjoy the food and drink that everyone talks about across Australia and that reflects the region’s rich and diverse local produce.
And soon, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will stand proudly along the waterfront—a venue designed to celebrate the land, its people, and the deep cultural connections that make Geelong unique. Positioned on the waterfront precinct, right where the city meets the bay, it will offer a new kind of event experience with sweeping views across Corio Bay. It will be a place where the past, culture, and community come together, honouring the region and loved by the locals.
After speaking with locals, we discovered some of the things they love most about Geelong.
The scenery
Stand anywhere along the Geelong waterfront, and it’s hard to argue. The bay unfolds in front of you, calm and shimmering, the kind of view that never gets old. Watch the boats glide across the water, with the occasional ship cutting through the horizon. Cyclists pass by, soaking in the fresh sea air. It’s the perfect place to pause, take a deep breath, and let the world slow down.
And then there’s the Ferris wheel, a beacon by the water’s edge. At night, it lights up the sky, spinning slowly as the city hums around it. It’s a reminder that Geelong knows how to take its time. There’s space here, room to breathe, to think, to take things as they come.
A city coming into its own
Geelong has always had charm, but something’s shifted. There’s a new energy here—a creative pulse running through its streets. The artistic scene has grown, and Geelong is developing its own distinct style. The city is stepping confidently into its own, blending its historical roots with new ideas.
The Geelong Gallery is home to an expansive collection of Australian and European art, from Arthur Streeton’s classic landscapes to contemporary Indigenous works. The National Wool Museum tells the story of Geelong’s industrial past, while just outside, more than 100 colourful bollards stand along the waterfront, each representing a different chapter in the city’s history.
The Woolstores, once home to the industry that built Geelong, now house galleries, studios, and co-working spaces. The creative scene is thriving, from street murals that splash colour across laneways to local makers reimagining what’s possible.
It’s the people
Of course, it’s not just the art or the waterfront that makes Geelong special—it’s the people. Friendly, laid-back, always up for a chat. There’s something about Geelong that feels welcoming, with its ocean backdrop, easy-going locals, and the convenience of being just an hour from Melbourne.
Maybe it’s the community spirit—the way locals take pride in their town and share it so easily. Maybe it’s the mix of old and new, heritage streets meeting modern spaces, long-time residents swapping stories with new faces.
We're surrounded by diverse experiences
A short drive away, The Bellarine Peninsula awaits with its vineyards and breathtaking bay views. Spend the day discovering coastal treasures, sampling seasonal delights from local provedores, and unwinding on golden beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Wander through Point Lonsdale ’s coastal charm or relax, take in the high ceilings and bluestone walls at Provenance Wines or slow down with a long lunch by the water at Terindah Estate, where the vines meet the bay.
Feeling adventurous? Spot dolphins from a boat in Queenscliff, paddle the calm Barwon River or take in the rugged beauty of the Bluff Lookout Walk. For a touch of history and culture, Fort Queenscliff shares stories of the past while local provedores serve up the best of the region’s flavours.
There are the everyday places that locals return to, time and time again
And then there are the pockets of the city that keep people coming back. The iconic Eastern Beach with its art deco sea baths, a place where generations have swum, picnicked, and stretched out on the grass under the sun. The organic stores and markets are brimming with fresh produce, where you’re just as likely to find a local farmer as you are an artisan baker. From the charm of Eastern Beach to the warmth of the local community, it’s these little things, the daily rituals, the familiar spots, the easy rhythm of life, that make Geelong what it is.
Stay a while
Whether you’re wandering the waterfront, discovering a hidden gallery, or just sitting with a coffee as the world drifts by, Geelong gives you space to slow down to take it all in.
And if you listen closely, you’ll hear what it’s been saying all along: welcome, stay a while, and make yourself at home.
The locals will tell you, Geelong stays with you, even when you leave.
Discover Nyaal Banyul where community, culture and coastline come together.