Top reasons to visit Geelong
- Outdoor Adventures: Geelong is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring parks, marinas, and beautiful beaches for a variety of activities.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore historical sites like the Old Geelong Gaol, Geelong Gallery, and the Geelong Arts Centre for a rich cultural immersion.
- Family Fun: Geelong Adventure Park offers thrilling rides and attractions, making it an ideal destination for families.
- Vibrant CBD: The bustling Geelong CBD boasts luxury shopping, dining options, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a wide range of accommodations, from family-friendly motels to beachside retreats, catering to every traveller's needs.
Find great hotels in and around Geelong
Discover a variety of accommodation options in Geelong, Victoria, catering to every traveller's needs. Whether you're seeking family-friendly motels, business-oriented hotels, or a relaxing beachside retreat, Geelong offers a delightful range of choices. With its convenient services and welcoming atmosphere, you'll find the perfect place to unwind after exploring this vibrant region. Experience exceptional hospitality in a hotel that suits your travel style in Geelong.
- Rydges Geelong: Rydges Geelong is a well-appointed 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Geelong, offering a delightful blend of adventure and family-friendly amenities. With a commendable guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, this hotel caters to those seeking both business and leisure experiences. Guests can engage in various adventure sports, including sailing and hiking, with several options available nearby. The hotel also provides essential services for children, such as breakfast and a dedicated pool area, making it a suitable choice for families looking to explore the region’s outdoor activities.
- Wyndham Resort Torquay: Located approximately 19km from Geelong, Wyndham Resort Torquay is a charming 4-star accommodation that boasts direct access to the beach. With a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, this resort is ideal for families seeking a seaside getaway. The property features a range of family-oriented amenities, including a children’s pool, an arcade game room, and a playground. Guests can enjoy the sun and surf, creating lasting memories while relaxing in a vibrant coastal setting.
- Oaks R Suites Geelong: Oaks R Suites Geelong stands out with an impressive guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. This 4-star hotel offers a prime location in Geelong and direct beach access, making it a splendid choice for families wanting to enjoy a coastal retreat. The hotel provides a variety of child-friendly amenities, including cribs, highchairs, and breakfast options. Families can appreciate the modern comforts and spacious accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay while exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Where to stay in Geelong
Geelong offers a delightful blend of adventure and family-friendly experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers. Explore the vibrant Geelong CBD, where you can indulge in luxury shopping and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss the charming neighbourhoods nearby, perfect for excursions and outdoor activities. With friendly locals and a range of delightful experiences, your visit to Geelong promises to be both memorable and enriching.
- Belmont: Belmont is a charming suburb located close to Geelong, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of outdoor entertainment options. The area sees a steady influx of visitors, particularly in March and during the festive season from December to January. Belmont is perfect for those seeking a blend of leisure and activities, with attractions such as a dog park, a water park, and a fairground showground. For those who enjoy the beach, the nearby family-friendly beaches and sports facilities provide excellent opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
- Lara: Nestled in the Geelong vicinity, Lara is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. The suburb experiences peak visitor numbers in April and from June to July, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore recreational areas, bustling shopping centres, and a mall that caters to various needs. The allure of Lara lies in its proximity to stunning national state parks, historic buildings, and serene nature reserves, providing a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
- Geelong West: Located just a stone's throw from Geelong's central hub, Geelong West is a vibrant suburb that combines family-oriented activities with rich cultural experiences. It attracts visitors primarily in January to February and July, offering a plethora of educational and artistic venues such as theatres and arts centres. The area's local landmarks include picturesque beaches and a marina, making it a delightful spot for family outings and cultural explorations. Geelong West serves as a gateway to various events and conference venues, providing additional entertainment and engagement opportunities for visitors.
Things to do in Geelong
Shopping
In Geelong, explore the vibrant Westfield Geelong for a mix of local and international brands. If you're up for a drive, check out the charming Geelong Waterfront Market for unique souvenirs and fresh produce. The Geelong Vintage Market also offers a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles.
Recreation
Experience rejuvenation at the Geelong Wellness Centre, where you can indulge in holistic treatments and relaxation therapies. For outdoor activities, explore the picturesque Geelong Botanic Gardens, offering tranquil walking paths and lush greenery, ideal for a peaceful retreat in nature.
Adventure
The Geelong Adventure Park offers thrilling activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and a giant swing amid beautiful landscapes. For water enthusiasts, the Geelong Waterfront provides opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to explore the stunning coastline while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Nightlife
Experience Geelong's vibrant nightlife at the lively Little Creatures Brewery for craft beers and great food. Alternatively, enjoy cocktails at the hip Geelong Hotel, or dance the night away at the popular The Piano Bar, known for its lively atmosphere and live performances.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Geelong
Geelong is a budget-friendly destination with numerous free attractions, including the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal and You Yangs Regional Park. For transport, consider using the bus to save money, as taxis can be expensive. To optimise your stay, visit during the cheaper months of May or July to August, and aim for a Tuesday arrival to avoid higher weekend rates. Use Expedia to combine your hotel bookings with flights and activities for additional savings, ensuring you sort by price to find the best deals.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Geelong are May and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Geelong is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Geelong is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Geelong with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Geelong
Geelong is an excellent destination for outdoor and family adventures, featuring attractions such as reserves, marinas, and beaches. Visitors can explore cultural highlights like the Old Geelong Gaol, Geelong Gallery, and the Geelong Arts Centre, ensuring a rich experience for all types of travellers. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Geelong offers a variety of activities that cater to both outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
- Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Indigenous Australians at Narana. This cultural centre offers engaging experiences, including art exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours that highlight Aboriginal traditions and stories, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
- Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal: Experience adventure at the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal, a key gateway for exploring Tasmania. Enjoy outdoor activities, stunning coastal views, and the vibrant atmosphere of the marina, making it an exciting starting point for your journey.
- You Yangs Regional Park: Discover the stunning landscapes of You Yangs Regional Park, where you can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The park offers a variety of trails and lookout points, perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Best time to go to Geelong
The best time to visit Geelong can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Geelong falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Geelong falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Geelong
Flying into Geelong is easy from its major airports. MELbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is situated 68km away, with excellent hotel options nearby, such as The Langham and Stamford Plaza, both 19km from the airport, offering transfer services. Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB) is 66km from Geelong, with luxury hotels like Hyatt Centric and The Hotel Windsor just 11km away. The closest is Melbourne Avalon Airport (AVV), located 16km from Geelong, with hotels such as Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments and Oaks R Suites Geelong available, providing convenient access to the airport.