There's more to do than just eat and drink in Geelong (although that's still lots of fun too).
Sure, it’s fun to stay in and watch Netflix on the weekend, but why not head out and experience some of the coolest and wackiest spots in town for a fun day out? After you peel back the layers of our city, you’ll find some pretty cool stuff.
There’s some circus classes, a spooky ghost tour, and even a Thomas the tank engine inspired hop and hop off experience that the whole family will enjoy.
We’re diving into Geelong’s most interesting locations that’ll make for a visit you’ll never forget.
CircArts Geelong
Geelong’s CircArts will help you live out your lifelong dream of running away and joining the circus. They team at CircArts are dedicated to having fun, and are open to all people of all different shapes, sizes and fitness abilities. Just some of their extensive range of programs include super fun acrobatics classes and aerial classes that are bound to make your day.
Taking a couple of classes on a day is a great way to boost your physical and mental health, have some fun with some friends, or so you can finally learn how to do that handstand.
Check out some more info about classes over at CircArts website here. You can find CircArts at 1/39 Leather St.
Geelong Helicopters
Ever wanted to see our stunning town from up above? Then check out Geelong Helicopters, which is a super fun way to spend your day. They fly out of Geelong Waterfront, for that extra premium experience.
They’ve got a bevy of flight types, ranging from around 20 minutes, to a whopping hour and a half, where you’ll tour the marvellous 12 Apostles. And If you’re ever strapped for time but still feel like going on a helicopter ride for some reason, they’ve even got a 5 minute flight that still takes in some of Geelong’s most beautiful views.
As these different flights cater for all the different budgets and tastes, there’s scenic flights, private charters, even a photography flight for those who want to beef up their portfolios. A Geelong Helicopter Gift Certificate is also a great gift for those who are too hard to buy for.
Book in a flight here today.
Looking for more things to do on the weekend? Here’s 17 day trips to take close to Geelong.
Geelong Gaol Ghost Tour
Keen for an adrenaline rush? Then check out the Geelong Gaol Ghost tour. It’ll definitely be a memorable night, where you’ll hear spooky stories from years past about those who graced the cells of the heritage-listed penitentiary.
The skilled and knowledgeable guides will make it a night to remember. Their website mentions that all ages are welcome, but it’s definitely not for those that are faint hearted.
They’ve got tours happening every night of the week, and they last around 90 minutes. The owners of the gaol also let you hire the spot for parties, dinners, private tours and even to film a movie.
Check out some more info here, and book it in now! You can find the Geelong Gaol at 202 Myers St.
Geelong Ferris Wheel
A constant of the Geelong landscape is the massive Geelong Sky Wheel. It’s one of the biggest Ferris Wheel’s this side of the equator, so it makes for a great view of Geelong and its surrounds. You’ll get a great view of the wonderful Corio Bay, and at night, the wheel is lit up, where you can experience some pretty cool light shows.
If you haven’t been there before, it’s definitely worth your time, but if you’re scared of heights, each ride only lasts for around 10 minutes, so you’ll be down in no time. The wheel can be found near the Geelong Yacht Club.
Hop On Hop Off
If you’re keen for something the whole family can enjoy, then check out the Hop On Hop Off train for a fun day out. The super fun and skilled train drivers will make for an experience that your kid will never forget.
The cartoon inspired train will take you on a scenic ride to the Eastern Beach pools. They are constantly running these trains, with around two leaving every hour, and a bunch more during the school holiday period.
The rides on these waterfront trains only last for around 20 minutes, and it’s only an easy $7, so it makes for a cheap day out too. The trains run out of Eastern Beach Reserve.
Geelong Art Gallery
In one of the oldest selections on this list, the 125-year-old Gallery is actually one of the country’s first built buildings that are still in business.
It of course celebrates the best of Aussie artwork, while also showcasing an ornate group of early 19th and 20th European paintings too. They also put on a range of informative lectures, workshops and exhibitions for those who are that way inclined.
Check out some more info on the Art Centre here. You can find the Geelong Art Gallery at 55 Little Malop St.
Explore Street Art
Geelong is bringing their A-game to street art in recent times. It’s an absolute treasure trove of unique and vibrant street art to explore, whether you’re in the CBD, on Pakington Street or out in North Geelong – there’s something for everyone.
We’ve come up with a non-exhaustive list of some stellar works you can see right now. Don’t forget to take some snaps!
If you really feel like embracing Geelong and all its quirks, head out and explore the Geelong Bollards that line the Waterfront from Rippleside Park to Limeburners Point and the Botanical Gardens. Local artist Jan Mitchell transformed a bunch of old timbers and piles from a damaged city pier into 104 unique artworks that chronicle the city’s past. See how many you can find!
Hire a Segway
Thanks to the good humans at Segway Geelong, locals and visitors alike can zip along through the beautiful Leura Park Estate vineyard (15 minutes from central Geelong) and along the stunning Geelong waterfront.
Perfect for those wanting some unique and outdoorsy, it only takes a couple of minutes to get the low-down on how it works then you’re good to go!
Choose from either the 90-minute tour amongst the vines (with the option of adding on a lunch experience) or the 60 minute Geelong Waterfront tour which takes you around the picturesque Geelong Waterfront and Eastern Park.
Find out more info here.
Swim with the Dolphins
For those that love sea life, you’d be stoked to know you don’t need to travel far to fulfil your dream of swimming with the dolphins! Located in Queenscliff, the award-winning Sea All Dolphin Swims is a family-owned business that offers a truly unique marine experience on Port Phillip Bay.
Where else can you snorkel with wild dolphins, seals and colourful reef fish all on one cruise?
An adventure for absolutely anyone, you’ll get to swim with wild dolphins and seals and snorkel at the world-renown diving and snorkelling site Pope’s Eye marine park. It really is an amazing experience and we’re so lucky to have it right on our doorstep.
Find out more here.
Wangim Walk Wave Attenuator
If you like to stretch your legs, maybe check out Geelong’s new $10.1 million, 440m Wave Attenuator.
A major milestone in the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project and named after the Wadawurrung language for Boomerang, Wangim Walk stretches out over Corio Bay to form one of Australia’s longest on-water walkways, providing safe harbour to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and allowing the public to walk on water.
Providing stunning views of the bay, the Wangim Walk is protected with a safety gate installed at the start of the landmark, allowing the attraction to be closed when the weather turns dangerous.
Find out more here.
