Geelong tours

Things to do in Geelong

In Geelong, the coast’s laid-back charm mingles with an urban pulse. The waterfront is alive with the gentle dance of sailboats on Corio Bay, and the scent of roasted coffee drifts through the air. Exploring Geelong with a local guide uncovers layers of the city that most overlook. As you meander through the lanes on a walking tour, street art and tucked-away cafes reveal themselves. Your guide invites you to a culinary journey, sampling the region's top-notch produce and wines. The National Wool Museum offers a glimpse into the city's heritage, or you might bypass the queues to dive into the creative energy at local art galleries. With your guide, Geelong turns into a tapestry of experiences waiting to unfold. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Geelong. Explore Geelong your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Geelong tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Geelong for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Track wild koalas and wallabies in the You Yangs, then climb the Flinders Peak steps for big bay views. Your guide can add bird hides at Serendip Sanctuary to spot emus, herons, and kangaroos, or arrange a Queenscliff boat tour to see dolphins and Australian fur seals in Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Food and Drink tours: Sip cool‑climate wines at Scotchmans Hill and Jack Rabbit on the Bellarine, pairing tastings with local cheeses and bay views. In town, sample small‑batch ales at Little Creatures and White Rabbit, then try Portarlington mussels at a waterfront spot your guide favours. Layover tours: If you’re landing at Avalon or arriving by the Spirit of Tasmania, fit in a stroll along the Geelong Bollard Trail at Eastern Beach and a quick coffee on Little Malop Street before a timed return. With 3–4 hours, choose a short wildlife stop at Serendip or a compact winery hop on the Bellarine, planned around your schedule. The waterfront and city centre are easy to walk, and local buses plus V/Line trains cover key routes; for parks and peninsula wineries, private transportation is simplest, and you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include a vehicle. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Geelong inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour and explore the diverse neighborhoods of Geelong with a local guide. A local's insights can reveal the stories behind each street corner. - Waterfront Geelong: Perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy the sea breeze and public art installations. With its walkways, playgrounds, and dining options, it's a lively area for all ages. - Pakington Street: Known for its boutique shops and cafes, this neighborhood is a haven for those interested in fashion and culinary delights. It's a bustling strip that attracts locals and visitors alike. - Eastern Beach: Ideal for relaxation and family outings, this area features a beautiful promenade, swimming enclosures, and picnic spots. It's a classic seaside escape with a touch of nostalgia. - Belmont: A residential area that offers a glimpse into local life, with its parks, shopping centers, and community events. It's a welcoming neighborhood for those looking to engage with locals. Day trip ideas from Geelong From Geelong, add simple day trips to the coast, bush, and nearby cities so you mix beaches, nature, and culture in one base. Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road (Torquay to Lorne): Trace a classic shoreline with surf beaches, cliff lookouts, and short coastal walks, stopping for fish and chips in small towns; choose this if you want ocean views, beach time, and a scenic drive that still leaves daylight to spare. Bellarine Peninsula (Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale): Pair calm bay beaches with lighthouse views, historic streets, and local producers pouring cool-climate wine and serving fresh seafood; it works if your interests lean to easy walks, food and wine, and quiet coastal corners, and your tour can link cellar doors without rushing. You Yangs Regional Park: Hike granite ridges to big-lookout views over the bay, watch for wallabies, or ride well-marked mountain bike trails; this suits you if you want a half-day in nature with straightforward tracks and room to breathe. Ballarat and the Goldfields: Step into wide boulevards lined with gold‑rush architecture, check lakeside paths and gardens, and hear stories that shaped regional Victoria; go if you like history, galleries, and a classic country city that’s easy to explore. Melbourne: Hop across the bay for laneways filled with street art, markets, and riverside walks, then ride back to Geelong before late; this fits you if urban culture, coffee, and flexible city tours are on your list. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Geelong most travellers miss.