ABOUT

A local guide to Geelong and the Bellarine.

Explore Geelong is an honest guide to eating, staying and exploring around Geelong, written by someone who lives in the area.

Browse placesRead the guides
LocalWritten from the Geelong area, not rewritten from elsewhere
CheckedPlaces show when they were last checked
ReviewedEvery submission is read before it goes live
TransparentAffiliate links are always disclosed

Who is behind this site

Explore Geelong is run by Steven Cahill, who lives in the Geelong area. The aim is simple: useful, honest local picks for eating, staying and exploring Geelong and the Bellarine, without the noise.

Each place has a short verdict explaining what it is best for, so you can decide quickly. The guides and Field Notes go further, with first-hand notes from days out around the region.

You can find more of my work at stevencahill.net.

Get in touch

Spotted something out of date, or know a place that deserves a mention?

Contact us or share a hidden gem.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

What you will find here

PlacesCafés, restaurants, bars, attractions and places to stay, each with a verdict and a last-checked date.Browse places →GuidesShort, opinionated guides for waterfront walks, family days out, food and wine and wet-weather plans.Read the guides →Field NotesFirst-hand notes from visits around Geelong and the Bellarine.Read Field Notes →Getting to GeelongHow to arrive by train, car, air or ferry, and how long each takes.See the options →ToursBookable tours and experiences around Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.Browse tours →Share a hidden gemKnow a local favourite that is missing? Tell us about it and we will take a look.Share a place →

How places are chosen and checked

  • We do not list everything. The aim is a useful shortlist, not a full directory.
  • Verdicts are our own opinion of what each place is best for.
  • Places show a last-checked date, because opening hours and menus change.
  • Submissions from readers are reviewed before they appear on the site.
  • If something is wrong, let us know and we will check it.

How the site is funded

Some links on this site are affiliate links. For example, tours are booked through Viator, and if you book through one of our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend. You can read more in our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Planning a trip to Geelong?

Start with how to get here, then browse our local picks for eating, drinking and exploring.

Getting to GeelongBrowse places