Just make sure you get in early - these babies are hard to find in the afternoon.
There’s nothing more quintessential than a croissant to start the day. Geelong has countless pastry outlets churning out these crispy golden baked goods each day.
Here’s where to find the best of the best.
Born and Bread Bakehouse
Born and Bread Bakehouse has become a Pakington Street hero since landing on the strip in 2014. Ben Gower, the owner and head baker comes from good stock, having both a father and grandfather who were masters of the trade. Gower has taken things to a new level, operating one of the most sought after bakery’s in the region. Born and Bread’s delicious pastries are given that additional pop through the interior design of Doweljones, where a restrained colour palette of white and natural timber ensures that the buttery wares are the focal point in the space.
Address: Shop 2, 364 Pakington Street, Newtown
Open: Monday-Saturday 730am – 2pm
Website: bornandbreadbakehouse.com.au
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Ket Baker
100% sourdough is the MO at Ket Baker. From humble beginnings out of a kitchen garage in 2016, Ket Baker found a new site in Wallington to expand their operation. Miek Paulus, the genius behind the baked goods, completed her pastry training in Belgium, and shortly after fell in love with an Aussie in France. Lucky for us, the man who stole her heart was a Geelong local, so now we have access to these delicious pastries on our doorstep. The sour twang of the pastry is delectable, and pairs perfectly with some sweetness; maybe a danish filled with locally sourced fruit and custard, or one filled with homemade raspberry jam (and butter please).
Address: 377 Grubb Road, Wallington
Open (or until sold out – check socials): Tuesday-Friday 8am – 6pm
Saturday 8am – 5pm
Sunday 9am – 3pm
Website: ketbaker.com.au
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That Place Patisserie
Ashea Allen, a French-trained pastry chef and Geelong local is the brains behind That Place. With serious credentials both internationally and domestically (Tivoli Road Bakery), Allen has managed to emulate the quality of her peers, creating ‘the place’ when it comes to croissants and sweet treats in Geelong. With a dedicated croissant room to keep the conditions just right, you can expect world-class quality. The pastry is buttery and flaky, and is regularly paired with decadent specials – recent offers like the chocolate croissant covered in black sesame, salted caramel and chocolate mousse have our attention.
Address: 110b Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont
Open: Tuesday 7am – 12pm
Wednesday-Friday 7am – 3pm
Saturday 8am – 3pm
Sunday 8am – 12pm
Website: thatplacepatisserie.com
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Pane Di Matteo
Highton locals are proud that Pane di Matteo calls their suburb home, and with good reason. Since opening in 2015, the team have been serving up some of the butteriest croissants known to man. After 14 years of learning from the best (the old’ man), Matt Santoro decided to venture out alone and Pane di Matteo, which translates to ‘bread by Matthew’ was born. Matt takes care of the bread, and Sicilian-trained pastry chef Vincenzo Sabatino takes care of the pastries. The Italian dream team are proud of their heritage, and if croissants aren’t your thing (even though they will be after visiting) be sure to try some fresh baked biscotti or cannoli.
Address: 12 Porter Avenue, Highton
Open (or until sold out – check socials): Monday-Friday 7am – 1pm
Saturday 7.30am – 1pm
Website: panedimatteo.com.au
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Local Geelong
Local Geelong is a well-loved cafe slinging coffee, cake, brunch and pastries by day, before transforming into an Enoteca at night. With local snacks seven days a week and some of the smoothest coffee around town, the space is super light and airy, filled with plants and tasty-goodness. Locally cultured butter is a heavy feature (yay) at Local, with their almond croissants and white choc croissants being gifts from god.
Address: 175 McKillop St, Geelong
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 7am – 2pm (closed Monday-Tuesday)
Website: bakery-local.square.site
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Piknik Café
What started as the restoration of an old scotch oven has resulted in the continued creation of some of Bellarines best baked goods. Alchemy Woodfire Bakehouse sells its goods at Piknik Café now, but the focus is still on quality, naturally leavened, organic bread and pastries. Expect to see classics here, a place where escargots and danishes are on high rotation too. Be sure to pair your plain croissant with one of the delicious house-made preserves or jams (…if that’s your jam).
Address: 1195 Queenscliff Road, Swan Bay
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 7am – 230pm
Website: piknik.com.au
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Little Wings Artisan Bread
After many years trying to perfect a sourdough loaf, you best believe that Little Wings also has the croissant covered. This family run operation prides itself on quality, making small batches of baked treats that utilise as much local produce as humanly possible. The experimentation with their croissants is a bit more contained than their bread loaves, but expect to see classics done well. Remember treats from here should be savoured, because the team is only baking form Thursday through to Saturday.
Location: Unit 2/34 Murradoc Road, Drysdale 3222
Open (or until sold out, check socials): Thursday-Friday 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 1pm
Website: littlewingsartisanbread.com.au
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