| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria |
| Cost | See Camps App |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Caravan parks and Geelong Showgrounds available |
| Vehicle Access | Suitable for caravans; parking tight at Bell’s Beach in peak season |
| In Camps App | Yes – find campsite details in the Camps App |
Most travellers know Geelong as the place you rush through to catch the Spirit of Tasmania or start the famed Great Ocean Road. After spending a few days exploring, we realised that’s a mistake. The city and the nearby Bellarine Peninsula easily deserve a proper stop on your Victorian itinerary.
Between beaches, coastal towns, gardens and relaxed seaside walks, it’s the kind of region that suits a slow few days rather than a quick overnight.
Around Geelong – Waterfront Walks, Gardens and History
Start at the Geelong Waterfront Visitor Centre right on the bay. It’s worth visiting even before you pick up a brochure because inside is the beautifully restored carousel and outside are the famous painted bollards scattered along the foreshore.
From here you can walk along the waterfront to Eastern Beach and the sea baths, one of the prettiest swimming areas in Victoria. There’s a huge grassy park behind it, shaded spots everywhere and a boardwalk stretching along the water. Don’t expect waves; you are on the bay, but there is sand.
Just behind Eastern Beach sits one of our highlights, the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Eastern Park. We were seriously impressed. The roses were fragrant, the vegetable garden was thriving and the collection of trees and plants felt far more extensive than expected. The bottle trees at the entrance alone are worth the visit, so pack a picnic because this is a place you’ll want to linger.
If you like a bit of history, the National Wool Museum explains why Geelong was once known as the wool centre of the world for over a century. We both loved that the huge basalt bluestone woolstore also houses a very cool pub!
Whilst we were in that said pub, our neighbour told us where he’d had his very first beer as a young bloke, pointing to the bar where his father brought him along to a sheep sale. The basalt bluestone building is worth checking out all on its own. Built in 1872, the CJ Dennys & Co Woolstore was innovative for its time, designed to combine the storage, inspection and sale of wool within one large operation, and soon became a model others followed.
Of course, you’re in a city, so shopping is plentiful. Belmont was recommended to me for op shops, and there were four within metres of each other!
Eateries-wise, Geelong has ample for you to try. We sipped at both the recommended places, Sailor’s Rest and Edge Geelong and the meals coming out looked sooo good. Our son took us to Little Malop St and there are so many cool bars and restaurants in this strip. Even a cake “bar” – Cake Cult is another world! We came back again for the foodie markets on a Saturday morning.
Bell’s Beach & Torquay – Surf Coast Scenery
Head toward the Great Ocean Road and you’ll reach Bell’s Beach, one of Australia’s most famous surf locations. The views from the headland are outstanding and the wind shaped coastal trees are fascinating to see up close after years of sea breeze.
Parking can be tight in peak season, especially if towing, but in quieter periods it’s manageable. Walk the lookouts and take your time as the changing angles of coastline make the stop worthwhile.
Nearby Torquay and Jan Juc offer relaxed beaches and foreshore areas along with caravan parks close to the water and easy access to Point Danger and coastal reserves.
I watched our youngest have a swim, and it was freezing, even though it was February. Chatting to some locals, they love February because all the tourists head home. They must be die-hards because they swim daily, year round.
Barwon Heads & Ocean Grove – Classic Seaside Towns
Barwon Heads quickly became a favourite. Many Australians recognise it as the filming location for the TV series SeaChange, a much-loved TV series with Sigrid Thornton from The Man From Snowy River.
The river, bridge and foreshore are beautiful places to wander. The caravan park sits right on the water and would make a perfect base for a few days. It’s also the scene for Laura’s cottage. There are plenty of eateries around town, outlets and boutique shops. I found out later the bakery is a must-stop. We’ll come back!
We visited the old Diver Dan’s shed, now a restaurant called At The Heads, but a wedding had taken over the day so we headed to across the bridge to The Dunes at Ocean Grove instead, excellent food and views if you are wanting to special treat.
The Esplanade in Ocean Grove has great views toward Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and is a lovely relaxed stop.
Queenscliff Ferry & Day Trips
One of the more memorable experiences here is the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry which links the Bellarine Peninsula to the Mornington Peninsula. It’s a fun way to turn a day into a mini adventure and opens up even more exploring without the long drive around the bay.
Where to Camp around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula
You’ll find plenty of caravan parks and the Geelong Showgrounds where you can camp. around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Caravan parks are listed in the Caravan Parks 7 guide and the CAMPS App, and the new CAMPSPendium 2 is out soon.
Why Stay a Few Days?
Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula work best when you slow down. Wander gardens one day, explore coastal towns the next and still have more to see.
It’s not just a departure point to Tasmania. It’s a destination in its own right, relaxed, scenic and easy to explore without rushing.
If you’re heading along Victoria’s coast, give yourself at least a couple of days here. You’ll likely end up planning a return trip like we did.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula?
Caravan parks are scattered throughout the region, and you can also stay at the Geelong Showgrounds. For specific locations and facilities, check the Camps App for current details.
Is the Eastern Beach sea bath suitable for swimming year-round?
Yes, Eastern Beach has a beautiful sea bath and swimming area with a grassy park and boardwalk. It’s on the bay so don’t expect waves, but locals swim year-round even though the water can be freezing, even in February.
How long should I spend exploring Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula?
Give yourself at least a couple of days to properly explore the region. There’s enough between the waterfront walks, Botanic Gardens, coastal towns like Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, and beaches to warrant slowing down rather than rushing through.
Can I take the ferry to the Mornington Peninsula from here?
Yes, the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry links the Bellarine Peninsula to the Mornington Peninsula. It’s a fun way to turn a day into a mini adventure without the long drive around the bay.
Is Bell’s Beach good for families or just surfers?
Bell’s Beach is famous for surfing, but the views from the headland are outstanding for everyone. The wind-shaped coastal trees are fascinating, and there are lookout walks worth taking your time over. Parking can be tight in peak season, especially if towing.
What are the must-see attractions in Geelong itself?
Start at the Geelong Waterfront with its restored carousel and famous painted bollards, walk to Eastern Beach, visit the impressive Geelong Botanic Gardens in Eastern Park, and check out the National Wool Museum in the historic 1872 woolstore building which also houses a pub.
Where was SeaChange filmed?
The classic Australian TV series SeaChange was filmed in Barwon Heads. You can see the river, bridge and foreshore featured in the show, including the location of Laura’s cottage. The caravan park sits right on the water.
Are there good places to eat around the Bellarine Peninsula?
Yes, plenty. In Geelong try Sailor’s Rest, Edge Geelong, or the restaurants along Little Malop St. In Barwon Heads the bakery is a must-stop. At Ocean Grove, The Dunes offers excellent food and views, and At The Heads in Barwon Heads is worth visiting.
