Best Waterfront Spots in Geelong

Salty air, art-deco baths and bayside walks

From the iconic art-deco sea baths to lazy promenades and harbour-side dining, these are the can’t-miss spots along Geelong’s bay.

The Geelong waterfront runs along Corio Bay beside the city centre, so these four stops make an easy half-day on foot. Two are places to walk and swim, and two are historic buildings where you can stop for a meal or a drink. Each entry below adds the history and practical details from our checked place pages.

1. Eastern Beach Reserve

Heritage sea baths and the postcard shot of Geelong. Eastern Beach Reserve is a waterfront park with picnic areas, barbecues, a playground, toilets and a walking path. Its 1930s art-deco sea baths include a children’s pool, floating islands and a diving tower. Lifeguards patrol over the warmer months, and dogs must be on a leash. The bollards on the promenade are iconic, and it is at its best at sunrise.

2. Geelong Waterfront

Famous Baywalk bollards and the carousel. The waterfront runs along Corio Bay from Eastern Beach towards Rippleside. Highlights include the restored carousel, the painted bollards, the Eastern Beach promenade and swimming enclosure, public art, gardens, cafes and large playgrounds. Seasonal attractions have included bungee trampolines and a Ferris wheel.

3. The Wharf Shed

Best long lunch with a bay view. The Wharf Shed is at 15 Eastern Beach Road, and its story is tied to Geelong’s transformation. The original structure was a bond store on the Moorabool Street pier, built in the early 1900s, before the pier was decommissioned and demolished in the 1950s. The building was relocated to its current site and has since been a marine fuelling station and a Telstra network exchange. We rate it $$ and a good casual pick when you want to eat by the water.

4. Sailors’ Rest

Sunset drinks right on the water. Sailors’ Rest is at 3 Moorabool Street, in a building from 1913 designed by Geelong architect Percy Everett. It was originally run by a temperance organisation to keep visiting sailors away from the pubs and gambling dens of the port, and its nautical art nouveau detailing survives. We rate it $, with a rooftop for sunset over Corio Bay and a more relaxed dining room downstairs.

A walking order that works

Start at Eastern Beach Reserve early, when the light is best and it is quiet, then follow the promenade along the waterfront past the carousel and bollards. Stop for a long lunch at The Wharf Shed, and finish the day with drinks at Sailors’ Rest as the sun goes down.

Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer, and check the City of Greater Geelong website for swimming enclosure and lifeguard patrol dates before you plan a swim.