Eastern Beach Reserve
Historic 1930s art deco reserve with an iconic ocean pool, promenade, and family-friendly park on Geelong's waterfront.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Eastern Beach Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1930s art deco reserve with an iconic ocean pool, promenade, and family-friendly park on Geelong's waterfront.
"OMG I just loved the place. Its so picturesque, serene and peaceful."
🐦 Beware of Seagulls!
Seagulls are notorious for swooping down and snatching food. Keep your snacks covered and avoid feeding them.
☀️ Pool Seasonality
The children's sea pool is typically open from November to April, with lifeguards on duty during summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Ocean Pool
Enclosed seawater pool
A stunning 1930s art deco enclosed seawater pool with diving boards and platforms. Perfect for a refreshing dip.
Art Deco Promenade
Waterfront promenade
Stroll along the beautifully preserved art deco promenade, offering scenic views of Corio Bay.
Family-Friendly Play Areas
Adjacent parkland
Well-equipped playgrounds and open spaces make it an ideal spot for families with children to relax and play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience
Embrace the Art Deco Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 Beware of Seagulls!
Seagulls are notorious for swooping down and snatching food. Keep your snacks covered and avoid feeding them.
☀️ Pool Seasonality
The children's sea pool is typically open from November to April, with lifeguards on duty during summer.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The art deco architecture and bay views make it a picturesque spot for photography.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Some areas, like the Pavilion cafe, are dog-friendly, making it great for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Beware of Seagulls!
Seagulls are notorious for swooping down and snatching food. Keep your snacks covered and avoid feeding them.
☀️ Pool Seasonality
The children's sea pool is typically open from November to April, with lifeguards on duty during summer.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The art deco architecture and bay views make it a picturesque spot for photography.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Some areas, like the Pavilion cafe, are dog-friendly, making it great for pet owners.
🧘♀️ Yoga by the Sea
Check for community events like beach yoga sessions for a unique wellness experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Eastern Beach Reserve's picturesque scenery, serene atmosphere, and charming art deco design. It's praised as a fantastic family park with a great coastal pool and ample amenities, offering a relaxing and romantic escape. Some caution is advised regarding seagulls snatching food.
"OMG I just loved the place. Its so picturesque, serene and peaceful. The water is so clear and perfectly romantic place to come out for a date or hang out as a family."
Shazia Choudhry
"Good place to relax if the crowd is less. Beware of seagulls, do not feed them. Keep your eatables covered else the swoop down and snatch it away."
Mudit Misra
"🌳 Fantastic Family Park & Coastal Pool Opening Soon!
Visited this lovely park in Geelong today during our holiday, and it was a great time despite the chill. The well‑equipped play area kept the kids entertained, with plenty of open grass, picnic and BBQ facilities, and clean amenities. The views of Corio Bay were simply stunning—perfect backdrop for family photos and sandy play.
We were delighted to learn that the children’s sea pool at Eastern Beach—just by the park—is set to reopen from 1 November through to April. The shallow wading area, with its diving tower, springboards and fountains, is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season . That gives us another seaside treat later this year!
Highlights:
Great for kids: Playground zones + space for running games
Amenities: BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, showers
Scenic spot: Art-deco boardwalk, sea baths, diving platforms
Seasonal bonus: Children’s pool opens 1 Nov–21 Apr, with lifeguards on duty
Despite a crisp spring breeze, our crew had a blast. Can’t wait to visit again in November when the sea pool reopens—another fun swim to add to our Geelong holiday plans!"
Rebeca Corripio Bort
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eastern Beach Reserve is conveniently located in Geelong, just about an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD. You can also take a V/Line train from Melbourne to Geelong station, and then it's a short taxi or bus ride to the reserve.
Yes, plenty of parking is usually available around the reserve, especially outside of peak summer weekends.
Absolutely! Geelong has a lovely waterfront path that is great for cycling. You can cycle along the bay to reach Eastern Beach Reserve.
Yes, local buses in Geelong service the area around Eastern Beach Reserve, making it accessible from the Geelong train station and other parts of the city.
Walking or cycling along the Geelong Waterfront is highly recommended to fully appreciate the area, including Eastern Beach Reserve.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Eastern Beach Reserve itself, including the promenade and park areas, is free to enter. Access to the main ocean pool is also generally free. 
The children's sea pool typically opens from November 1st through to April, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
The diving boards and platforms are part of the enclosed pool area, which is generally free to access, so there are no additional costs to use them.
No, booking tickets is not required for general access to Eastern Beach Reserve or its swimming areas.
While the reserve is free, specific organized events like yoga classes or workshops might have their own booking and fee structures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the playgrounds, open grassy areas for games, picnics, BBQs, and the shallow children's pool. The art deco promenade is also great for a leisurely stroll.
Yes, you can swim in the enclosed seawater pool, which is patrolled during the summer season. There's also a separate children's pool.
The reserve offers clean amenities, including toilets, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities.
Many visitors find Eastern Beach Reserve to be a picturesque and romantic spot, especially during sunset.
The vibe is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with beautiful bay views and a charming art deco atmosphere. It can get busy during peak times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options. The Pavilion Cafe is located upstairs above The Pavilion on Eastern Beach, offering stunning views. Eastern Spice offers Indian cuisine nearby. +2
Absolutely! There are picnic tables and BBQ facilities available, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
The Pavilion Cafe offers delicious lunches and is known for being a pretty spot for a glass of bubbles with a view. It's also dog-friendly.
Yes, Caledonia Shores, located upstairs above The Pavilion, offers stunning waterfront views and is a great spot for summer dining.
While specific details vary, the general area offers a range of dining, from cafes to restaurants, catering to different budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The art deco promenade, the enclosed ocean pool with its diving towers, and the scenic Corio Bay views are all fantastic for photography.
Yes, sunset at Eastern Beach Reserve is considered magical, with beautiful hues blending across the bay, making it a prime time for photos.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the Geelong council or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.
Landscape, architectural (art deco), and lifestyle photography are popular due to the scenic beauty and historic elements.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make a day of it by utilizing the BBQ and picnic facilities for a relaxed family meal with a view. The art deco promenade is also great for a gentle stroll, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming for families. Remember to keep an eye on your food to deter opportunistic seagulls!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale of the ocean pool, the geometric patterns of the art deco design, and the interplay of light on the water. The reserve provides a versatile setting for landscape, architectural, and lifestyle photography, making it a rewarding location for any camera enthusiast.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider a leisurely lunch or coffee at one of the waterfront cafes, like The Pavilion Cafe, for a relaxed and scenic dining experience. The peaceful atmosphere, especially outside of peak times, makes it an ideal spot for quality time together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Art Deco Gem
The reserve was designed to be a comprehensive leisure area, offering a safe haven for swimming with its protected waters. The inclusion of a children's pool, diving platforms, and ample space for recreation underscored its importance as a community hub. Even today, the reserve retains this spirit, offering a blend of historical appreciation and modern-day enjoyment. It's a place where you can imagine past generations enjoying the same bay views and refreshing waters.
Visitors often remark on the picturesque and serene atmosphere of the reserve, attributing it in part to its well-preserved historical features. The art deco elements provide a unique backdrop for photos and a sense of stepping back in time. Whether you're swimming in the pool, strolling along the promenade, or simply relaxing on the grass, the historical context adds an extra layer to the experience.
Family Fun and Aquatic Adventures
The star attraction for younger visitors is the children's sea pool, which typically opens from November to April. This shallow, enclosed area features fun elements like diving towers, springboards, and fountains, all under the watchful eye of lifeguards during the summer season. It's a safe and delightful place for kids to splash and play in the water.
Beyond the dedicated play areas, the entire reserve offers a family-friendly environment. The picnic and BBQ facilities make it easy to spend a whole day here, enjoying meals with a beautiful bay view. The promenade is also ideal for a leisurely family walk, allowing everyone to soak in the coastal atmosphere.
Culinary Delights with a View
For those craving international flavors, Eastern Spice offers authentic Indian cuisine with bold, fiery tastes. Located conveniently on the waterfront, it provides a cozy dining experience with the added bonus of bay views.
Beyond the cafes and restaurants, the reserve is perfectly set up for picnics and BBQs. With ample facilities available, visitors can pack their own food and enjoy a casual meal amidst the scenic surroundings. This option is particularly popular for families and groups looking for a budget-friendly and relaxed dining experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit