Explore Geelong

Just 74 kilometres from Melbourne, beautiful Geelong is Victoria's second largest city and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.

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About Geelong

Geelong has a rich history and a vibrant tourism industry

Situated just 74 kilometres from Melbourne, Geelong has the look, feel and benefits of a big city without the congestion. The city sits on the stunning Corio Bay, an entry point to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria’s surf coast, and the resort towns of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Geelong’s rich history is a source of pride for its residents. The city continues to grow, with a continually steady increase in both its population and its popularity with tourists. 

Some of Geelong’s top attractions include:

  • Geelong Gallery

  • Eastern Beach

  • Geelong Waterfront public art

  • Kardinia Park stadium for a football game

  • Adventure Park waterslides

  • Geelong Botanic Gardens

  • National Wool Museum

Getting around Geelong

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) will get you where you need to go

Accessible public transport will allow you to easily get to and from Deakin’s two Geelong campuses, and to explore the city and its surroundings. An extensive network of trains, trams and buses covers the city, as well as regional trains and buses which run to Melbourne and other Victorian regional centres.

To get started, you’ll need to purchase a Myki - a reusable, prepaid card that is accepted on all forms of public transport. You can buy a Myki card online or at most train stations.

Eating & drinking

Geelong has a growing reputation as a foodie destination

Geelong eateries are growing in popularity, with many great local providers and wineries in the region. There are many restaurants and cafes in the CBD, along with local farmers markets and farm-gates to explore around the Bellarine Peninsula for beautiful fresh produce.

Vuochsing Ly

"While studying at Deakin College I made many international friends from all across the world."

 

Foundation Program

Cambodian student

Sports & recreation

There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors

Geelong is a city begging to be explored with its beautiful open spaces and waterways. Opt for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront or step it up with a more challenging bike ride along some of the city’s bike tracks.

Geelong is home to the famous AFL Cats, the second oldest football club in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. While you’re here, enjoying a footy game on local soil at Kardinia Park is not to be missed.

Arts & culture

Geelong is a city alive with culture

The dazzling local arts scene comprises a variety of street art and Indigenous art, as well as art that showcases the area’s rich history.

The jewel in the crown of Geelong’s arts scene is the Geelong Gallery. It houses more than 6,000 works of art, including those by some of Australia’s most famous artists.

For something a little more edgy, the Powerhouse Museum building is an abandoned power station. It houses an unbelievable collection of graffiti, murals and street art.

Travelling & climate

Against the backdrop of the Great Ocean Road

Geelong is idyllically situated at the foot of the Great Ocean Road and just an hour’s drive from the Goldfields, which makes it the perfect jumping off spot to explore all that Victoria has to offer.

Take a drive down the Victorian surf coast where you can visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the country – and the world. Catch the ferry from Queenscliff across to Sorrento and explore the picturesque wineries of the Mornington Peninsula.

Geelong’s climate is very similar to Melbourne’s, which means there are four distinct seasons in a year and fairly high levels of rainfall.

In summer, get your sunscreen ready – temperatures will reach around 30-35°C. But don’t throw out your winter wardrobe just yet; you’ll want your scarf and coat when they drop to 5-10 degrees.