Geelong Waterfront
A vibrant coastal hub with stunning bay views, family fun at Eastern Beach, and a charming Bollard Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Geelong Waterfront
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant coastal hub with stunning bay views, family fun at Eastern Beach, and a charming Bollard Trail.
"OMG. The Geelong waterfront beats every waterfront in Melbourne. The vibe is so fresh, lively and serene."
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🧺
Plenty of picnic spots available. Enjoy the views with your own food and drinks!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eastern Beach Reserve
Eastern Beach
Iconic swimming pool and shark-proof enclosure, perfect for family fun and a refreshing dip.
Geelong Bollard Trail
Waterfront Promenade
Discover unique, hand-painted sculptures depicting local history and characters along the waterfront.
Cunningham Pier
Waterfront
A historic pier offering stunning bay views, dining options, and a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Carousel & Ferris Wheel
Waterfront
Classic amusement rides providing fun for all ages and fantastic panoramic views of Corio Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🧺
Plenty of picnic spots available. Enjoy the views with your own food and drinks!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Bollards
Don't miss the unique Bollard Trail sculptures for fun photos. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be tricky on weekends. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🧺
Plenty of picnic spots available. Enjoy the views with your own food and drinks!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Bollards
Don't miss the unique Bollard Trail sculptures for fun photos. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be tricky on weekends. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
🏊♀️ Swim at Eastern Beach
The historic pool and enclosure are a highlight for families. :swimmer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Geelong Waterfront, calling it a must-visit destination with a fresh, lively, and serene vibe that beats many other waterfronts. It's praised for its stunning views, family-friendly attractions like Eastern Beach, and diverse dining options, making it a perfect spot for quality time and rejuvenation.
"OMG. The Geelong waterfront beats every waterfront in Melbourne. The vibe is so fresh, lively and serene. Loved the jetty and esp the kids pool, leading into adults lap swimming n then straight into ocean. The views from atop and the star are breathtaking. Its a must place to visit and spend a quality family day or a romantic date at. Refreshed my mood and reenergised me. Ahhh! We're returning here again soon. :)"
Shazia Choudhry
"A Must-Visit Destination👌🏼🤩
I recently visited the Geelong Waterfront with my family, and we had an absolute blast! The waterfront is beautifully maintained, with stunning views of Corio Bay and the surrounding landscape. Here's a rundown of our experience:
The Good Stuff:😊
Scenic Views🤩: The waterfront offers breathtaking views of the bay, perfect for photography or simply taking in the sights.
Eastern Beach Reserve: The historic swimming pool and shark-proof enclosure are a must-visit for families. The pool is well-maintained, and the diving towers are a great spot for kids to splash around👌🏼.
Playgrounds🛝 and Picnic Spots🧺: There are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the waterfront, making it an ideal spot for families or groups.
Dining🍗🍻 and Shopping💰: The waterfront has a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering something for everyone.
Walking and Cycling Paths😊: The waterfront has well-marked walking and cycling paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
The Practical Stuff:😊👇🏼
Parking🚘🚗🚘: There are several car parks throughout the waterfront area, including paid parking options and some free parking spots. We found parking to be relatively easy, even on a busy weekend.
Toilets and Amenities🚻: The waterfront has clean and well-maintained toilets and amenities, including showers and change rooms near the swimming pool.
Accessibility😊: The waterfront is generally accessible, with ramps and pathways suitable for people with mobility issues.
Tips and Recommendations:👇🏼
Arrive Early👍: If you're planning to visit on a weekend or during peak season, arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Pack a Picnic🧺: There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the waterfront, so consider packing a lunch or snacks to enjoy while taking in the views.
Take a Stroll: The waterfront is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Overall:👌🏼
The Geelong Waterfront is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. With its stunning views, family-friendly attractions, and practical amenities, it's the perfect spot to spend a day or evening. We can't wait to come back and explore more of what the waterfront has to offer!😊"
Bibin Thomas
"5 Stars - A perfect family day out!
Geelong Waterfront is absolutely fantastic, especially for families with kids! There's something for everyone—from the fun water play area and the scenic train ride to the exciting Ferris wheel. We loved grabbing ice cream from the truck and relaxing at one of the many picnic huts.
The beach area is clean and secluded, perfect for a peaceful dip or just lounging. Kids had a blast in the water pool while we enjoyed coffee from the nearby café. The views are simply stunning, and if you're feeling adventurous, there’s kayaking, boat hire, and even a helicopter ride!
This place has it all—can't wait to go back. Love it!"
Abid Iqbal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Geelong Waterfront is about an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD. You can also take a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Geelong Station, which is a short walk to the waterfront.
Yes, there are several car parks available, including paid and some free options. Parking can be challenging on busy weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Geelong Station is conveniently located within walking distance of the Geelong Waterfront, making it an easy option for public transport users.
The waterfront is generally accessible with ramps and pathways suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Walking is a great way to see everything. You can also rent bikes or use the scenic train for a more relaxed exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Geelong Waterfront itself is free to access. Some attractions like the carousel or Ferris wheel may have separate ticket prices.
The waterfront is always open, but individual attractions and dining venues will have their own operating hours. It's best to check specific venues for their times.
The Eastern Beach Reserve pool is generally free to access, especially the main ocean pool and shark-proof enclosure.
Yes, exploring the waterfront promenade, the Bollard Trail, and swimming at Eastern Beach are all free activities.
Yes, tickets for the carousel and Ferris wheel are typically available for purchase at the attractions themselves.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Eastern Beach Reserve, the Bollard Trail, Cunningham Pier, and the carousel and Ferris wheel for iconic experiences.
Yes, there are several playgrounds scattered throughout the waterfront area, making it a great spot for families.
Occasionally, dolphins can be spotted in Corio Bay near the waterfront, adding a magical touch to your visit.
You'll find a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques, and cafes along the waterfront, offering a pleasant shopping experience.
Absolutely! The waterfront offers beautiful sunset views, charming dining options, and a serene atmosphere perfect for couples.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The waterfront boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and eateries, from casual bites to more upscale dining experiences.
Yes, Cunningham Pier features dining establishments offering great views and delicious food, including seafood.
Definitely! There are numerous picnic areas and spots with beautiful views, making it ideal for a picnic lunch.
Some venues along the waterfront are dog-friendly, offering outdoor seating where you can enjoy a meal with your pet.
Geelong has a growing food scene with diverse options, including fresh seafood and local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bollard Trail, Eastern Beach, Cunningham Pier, and the panoramic bay views at sunset offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
Golden hour, especially during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the waterfront's charm.
The quirky Bollard sculptures and the vibrant colours of the carousel offer unique and memorable photo subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive waterfront views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife like dolphins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is a great idea, as there are plenty of picnic spots with beautiful views. The Bollard Trail also adds an element of fun and discovery as kids can search for the different characters. Many reviewers highlight it as a perfect family day out.
couples
The serene atmosphere, especially during the quieter weekday mornings or evenings, makes it an ideal spot for quality time together. Consider a ride on the Ferris wheel for breathtaking panoramic views, or simply relax by the water with a coffee.
Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic is a fantastic way to save on food costs. You can enjoy a delicious meal with incredible views without spending a fortune. Even the carousel and Ferris wheel are relatively affordable for a bit of fun.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Eastern Beach Reserve
Beyond the pool, the reserve boasts extensive playgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful sandy beaches. It's an ideal location for a relaxed day out, whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the coastal atmosphere. The well-maintained amenities, including toilets and change rooms, add to the convenience for visitors.
Many visitors praise Eastern Beach for its family-friendly environment and the stunning views it offers across Corio Bay. It's a place where generations have made memories, and its enduring appeal makes it a must-visit on any Geelong itinerary.
The Quirky Charm of the Bollard Trail
Each bollard tells a story, from sailors and fishermen to notable figures and even local wildlife. It's a fantastic way to engage with the local culture and history while enjoying the scenic waterfront. Families, in particular, love hunting for their favourite bollards and learning about their significance.
Walking the Bollard Trail is a delightful and free activity that offers plenty of photo opportunities. It transforms a simple walk into an interactive treasure hunt, making the Geelong Waterfront a more memorable and engaging destination.
Dining and Entertainment Options
Beyond the pier, numerous cafes and restaurants line the promenade, serving everything from fresh seafood and local produce to international cuisine. Many venues offer outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the seaside atmosphere while you dine. For a unique experience, consider the Hygeia Party Boat, which offers scenic cruises with meals and drinks.
For those seeking a bit of fun, the carousel and Ferris wheel provide classic amusement rides, perfect for families and couples. These attractions not only offer entertainment but also spectacular views of the waterfront and the surrounding bay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit