Best places to eat, see and visit in Geelong

In case you missed it, Geelong is thriving. And that means there’s no shortage of top-notch places to eat or visit in Victoria’s second city.

Rone's work at Provenance. Picture: Shannyn Higgins. Picture: Supplied (Provenance)

Geelong has well and truly transformed into Victoria’s vibrant second city.

It now boasts some of the state’s — if not the nation’s — hottest eateries, catering for all tastes and budgets.

And with a lively waterfront area and plenty of family-friendly attractions, visitors will never be stuck for something to do.

Here are 16 of the best places to eat and visit in Geelong:

GREAT PLACES TO EAT IN GEELONG

The bustling Little Malop Street precinct is the heart of central Geelong’s entertainment and dining scene.

For a lively night out, visit Mavs Greek Restaurant (73B Little Malop St).

Owner Miltiadis Mavromoustakos (the surname means “black moustache”) holds special theme nights with comedians including George Kapiniaris, live music and dancing.

The impressive The Arborist (75 Little Malop St) is built around an old moss-covered tree. The venue has a stylish interior and serves modern Australian-inspired cuisine with subtle Middle Eastern twists.

Michael Bong’s Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar is inspired by Tokyo’s corner bars. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Find the entry then brave the stairs to the 18th Amendment Bar (82A Little Malop St), which is based on a 1920s-style speakeasy and has a branch in Ballarat.

Try something from the extensive drinks list, or get the bartender to create a bespoke cocktail.

For ramen, dumplings, sake and natural wines, try Sober Ramen (85 Little Malop St).

The spicy ramen has three levels of heat and, if you’re lucky, southern rock lobster will be on the menu.

Inspired by Tokyo’s corner bars, Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar (85a Little Malop St)

specialises in Japanese izakaya dining, which is similar to an informal gastropub.

Little Malop St is a vibrant precinct. Picture: Visit Geelong and Bellarine.

Get more Victorian travel inspo in Space magazine in the Sunday Herald Sun.

Expect succulent meats including pork belly, beef and chicken, and fresh seafood. 

For a taste of the Deep South — that’s gumbo, jambalaya, soft shell crab or catfish po’boys and Southern fried chicken — and great live music, check out Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues (93 Little Malop St).

Relaxed yet stylish venue Tulip (Shop 9, 111 Pakington St) offers elegant cuisine and share plates using the best local ingredients from sustainable farms and suppliers. Try the “4 waves” chef’s selection.

Alma in Ryrie Street uses locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.

At Alma (93-95 Ryrie St), enjoy contemporary Australian dining with the flavours of South America. The ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, from market gardens and nearby farms.

Not-for-profit social enterprise Common Ground Project (675 Anglesea Rd, Freshwater Creek) has opened a farmhouse eatery with an Italian twist. Led by chef Glenn Laurie, the menu showcases the best produce sourced daily.

For great coffee, a hearty breakfast or lunch, try award-winning industrial-style dining hall King of the Castle Cafe (24 Pakington St), which uses local suppliers including Born and Bread, La Madre Bakery and Padre Coffee.

Popular Geelong institution Lipari (10 Union St) has been serving authentic Italian fare and specialty pasta for more than 20 years. Generous portions and a vibrant atmosphere make for an enjoyable night out.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN GEELONG

EXPLORE THE WATERFRONT

Head to Eastern Beach Rd for public art, landscaped gardens and attractions — all with panoramic views of Corio Bay.

Ride on the trackless train, walk or cycle the Bollard Trail, expend some energy at one of the many playgrounds or simply relax and watch the passing parade.

CHECK OUT RONE

Geelong-born artist Rone (Tyrone Wright) has built a reputation for impressive large-scale wall paintings and immersive installations that explore concepts of beauty and decay.

He has created a 25 sq m permanent mural at Provenance Wines’ cellar door, located in a heritage-listed building in the Fyansford Paper Mills precinct (100 Lower Paper Mills Rd). The area on the edge of the Barwon River is emerging as a destination for arts and culture, food and wine, and as a unique place to relax and unwind.

Rone’s The Green Room at Geelong Gallery.

And make sure to visit the Rone exhibition at Geelong Gallery, until May 16.

Rone’s latest site-specific installation will transform the gallery’s rooms in response to the building’s architecture and history.

The exhibition charts his artistic endeavours from early stencil works and street art to photographs documenting major installations that have transformed abandoned spaces.

Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Picture: Josh Williamson.

HIT THE LIBRARY

Along with an entire floor dedicated to children and young people, the innovative Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (the Dome) includes a diverse collection of print, multimedia and heritage items, reading room, exhibition space and stunning views of the city from the Level 5 balcony.

grlc.vic.gov.au

PLAY AND CREATE AT MOPA

Bring Monet to life on the interactive wall of art, race flags up the Wind Wall, or head to the perfect low-sensory space that is the Quiet Room at MoPA: Museum of Play and Art.

Its huge range of immersive exhibits and experiences will keep young and old entertained all day long.

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Rowan and Debbie Kent have created luxurious and private accommodation perched high on the hill at 94 Gheringhap St.

Nomads Nest studios and apartments are close to the heart of the city. There are restaurants and bars within walking distance, with an abundance of wineries only a short drive away.

nomadsnest.com.au

For more Victorian travel inspo and ideas, get your copy of Space magazine in the Sunday Herald Sun on March 21. Discover more to see and do in Geelong and surrounds: visitvictoria.com/geelongbellarine