Think Adventure!
There’s enough to explore in Geelong itself with its stunning Waterfront, whimsical bollards, landscaped botanic gardens, cafes and restaurants – not to mention its gallery and unique museum. You can take a dip in the art-deco style pool and kick back in the promenade complex and restored pavilion at Eastern Beach too. But as the gateway to The Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road, other gentle adventures are conveniently close.
Adventures of Geelong
Explore
Our region offers some great adventure (without having to get your feet wet!)
At Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre you can experience the world’s oldest living culture first hand with a free self-guided tour or book a group visitor experience toursdelivered by expert cultural interpreters. Meet their resident emus, wallabies & kangaroos up close and you can even learn to throw a boomerang!
Take a heritage train ride on a classic steam train at The Bellarine Railway between Queenscliff and Drysdale. If you’re really keen, you can have the chance to travel with the Driver and Fireman to witness steam train action first hand!
If you love your food, then The Bellarine Taste Trail is a must-do. Explore local cafes, restaurants, farm-gates and provedores that feature fresh, local produce. You will be amazed by the different choices available plus its a lot of fun and a great thing to do with friends.
If you don't have your own car then you can book a tour to visit the Bellarine with one of our tourism members.
Water Fun
Historic seaside villages and breathtaking natural beauty just a stone's throw from Geelong, on The Bellarine, means that there are plenty of water activities (and fun) to be had.
Patrolled beaches (during Summer-Easter) can be discovered at Breamlea, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Thirteenth Beach. Our beaches and bays provide ample opportunity to get outside your comfort zone and experience snorkelling/diving, learn to surf, have a go at kayaking… and did we mention swimming with dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay?
If your preference is not to get too-much sand between your toes, take a trip to Adventure Park, Victoria’s largest water-theme park. You can race your friends down the Aqua Racer waterslide, leisure lazily along the rapid river or ride the wave swinger. Whatever you choose to do… fun is virtually guaranteed.
Great Ocean Road Trip
Travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond for one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, and see the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and waterfalls.
Drive along the coast to seaside resort towns such as Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay which offer stunning beaches and water sports as well as some of Australia's best rainforest scenery in the nearby Great Otway National Park.
You can stand amongst the tallest trees in the Otways, with a visit to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Take a walk amongst these giants on the Treetop Walk or fly through them on the Zip Line Tour..
Stop off at one of the most visited stretches of the road at the 12 Apostles. See the rugged splendour of these huge rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean. You can even take a helicopter ride to get a bird's eye view of these famous natural wonders.
Discover the region's rich maritime past at historic towns such as Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland. Enjoy seafaring village life, with their fishing wharves, beautifully preserved colonial buildings and maritime museums recounting the stories of ships that have foundered off the rugged shipwreck coast.
To book a one day tour of the Great Ocean Road head to visitgeelongbellarine for a list of tour operators who will take you for a one or two day tour.
Take a Hike
If you like exploring by foot, the region offers myriad of short walks, day walks or the more challenging 7-day walk along the beautiful Great Ocean Walk (it’s a backstage pass to the Great Ocean Road).
Engage your mind, body and soul as you weave your way through the Great Otway, and Port Campbell National Parks on the iconic Great Ocean Walk. It’s a challenging walk that can be broken up into shorter sections, but a “bucket-list” item none-the-less.
The Surf Coast Walk allows you to discover traditional Wathaurung country, fascinating surf culture and abundant wildlife, connecting you with the coastal towns of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.
Whether you're a nature lover or a fun lover, whether you take an hour, a day or a week, the region’s walks puts a stunning and unique coastal environment within easy reach.
Local Parks and Trails
Within the city landscape there is a network of tracks that transports you into the natural environment where you can walk or cycle, jog, run or skate at a pace that lets your mind wander. Or simply to escape with your thoughts, read or study. There are many places to discover.
In the Geelong Botanic Gardens there is a plaque that says the Gardens are a place for: Plants and people, Discovery and learning, Ideas and innovation, Community engagement and pride, Conservation and the environment, Quiet contemplation. Checkout all our great places to do any of the above.
