Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest metropolis and it’s really easy to get to from Melbourne, being solely about 1 hour by freeway or Vline prepare. Town has tons to supply households and it makes for a implausible half-day, full-day or brief break vacation spot for households.
Listed below are my ideas for the most effective locations to go and issues to do with youngsters in Geelong. Come and discover the entire youngsters actions Geelong has to supply!
For lodging choices in Geelong, I like to recommend testing what’s obtainable on Airbnb.
Issues to do Geelong with youngsters
The waterfront in Geelong is the place a variety of the Geelong youngsters actions and must-do motion is positioned. On a sunny day, the glistening waters of Corio Bay make it a extremely interesting spot to whereas away a day.
The realm hosts many group festivals, together with the annual Competition of Sails.
1. Japanese Seaside
Japanese Seaside is the jewel of the waterfront and the setting jogs my memory of the Italian Riviera!
It is stuffed with issues to see in Geelong that aren’t to be missed; there’s an incredible fenced out of doors public pool, a big playground, a ferris wheel for views of the bay, picnic and barbecue areas and naturally a seashore (which really might be the least fascinating a part of Japanese Seaside, being slightly small). Japanese Seaside assessment.
Japanese Seaside, 95 Japanese Seaside Rd, Geelong
Associated: Finest Seashores in Melbourne for Youngsters
2. Poppy Kettle Playground
On the opposite aspect of the waterfront space is Western Seaside. Geelong youngsters will love the lovable and vibrant Poppy Kettle playground!
We all the time cease off at this playground after we go to the Geelong waterfront space – that rainbow slide is so enjoyable! There may be an interactive Poppy Kettle water characteristic too which sadly is not typically turned on after we go to.
Poppy Kettle Playground, The Esplanade, Geelong
3. Museum of Play and Artwork
Museum of Play and Artwork is Geelong’s first Youngsters’s Museum and an area for households to study and play. It is one of many nice issues to do in Geelong for households, notably when the climate’s chilly, moist or too sizzling, however the vibrant light-filled area and indoor/out of doors areas means it is good for any time of yr!
It is primarily based on the favored youngsters’s museums discovered all around the USA and is an incredible, inspiring area! Museum of Play and Artwork Assessment.
MoPA: Museum of Play and Artwork, 51 McKillop St, Geelong 1800 00 66 72
Associated: Finest Museums in Melbourne for Households
4. Geelong Playspace
The award-winning playspace is totally fenced from Geelong Botanic Gardens and incorporates a pirate ship, nature play and shaded areas in Geelong for youths. Geelong Playspace assessment.
Geelong Playspace, Japanese Park Circuit, Geelong
5. Geelong Carousel
In line with Woman AB, any time we’re having fun with actions in Geelong, we should embody a visit across the heritage carousel, a Geelong landmark.
The glass floor-to-ceiling pavilion wherein it’s housed is architecturally spectacular in itself and you may go to simply the pavilion free of charge.
Geelong Carousel, 1 Japanese Seaside Rd, Geelong Waterfront
6. Waterfront Geelong prepare excursions
There’s a miniature prepare that takes you from Geelong Carousel to Japanese Seaside and again once more in 20 minutes for $6 per individual.
It’s a pleasant approach to see points of interest in Geelong when you’re not inclined to stroll or when you’ve got youngsters who like trains!
7. Geelong Bollards
In the event you’re on the waterfront you’ll be able to’t miss Geelong’s Baywalk Bollards. From Rippleside Park, by Waterfront Geelong to the Botanic Gardens, you’ll discover 104 large painted icons of Geelong’s previous. It is one of many free issues to do in Geelong the place you will see a lot of points of interest by the town!
There’s a self-guided Geelong Bollard Path Stroll if you wish to see all of them (and go to a number of Geelong points of interest) however I like to recommend specializing in six of the bollard websites as they’ve been activated by way of augmented actuality! Simply obtain the free Lively Geelong app within the App Retailer or Google Play in your smartphone then go to the activated bollards located between Japanese Seaside and Cunningham’s Pier. Geelong Bollards Augmented Actuality assessment
8. Geelong Gallery
Geelong Gallery is one in every of Australia’s oldest regional galleries and entry is free.
They’ve everlasting and non permanent exhibitions frequently.
Geelong Gallery, Little Malop Avenue, Geelong +61 3 5229 3645
9. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
The library is magnificent from the inside and outside there’s an entire flooring devoted to youngsters, with youngsters’s books, puppets, toys and dress-ups – youngsters stuff Geelong locals and guests can get pleasure from. Geelong Library assessment
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong
Associated: Finest Libraries in Melbourne
10. Geelong Arts Centre
In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do with youngsters Geelong Arts Centre usually hosts youngsters’s programming and faculty vacation actions, together with exhibits that will usually be touring Arts Centre Melbourne (at a less expensive worth!).
Get extra information on Geelong Artwork Centre’s youngsters and household programming.
Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Malop St, Geelong 1300 251 200
11. We Rock the Spectrum Geelong
We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor play centre and sensory gymnasium that is geared in direction of youngsters with particular wants – although it welcomes everybody!
It gives Bellarine youngsters with a enjoyable and motivational atmosphere to assist them with power, motion, sensory processing, communication, constructive behaviour modification, social interactions, and self-care expertise.
We Rock the Spectrum, 170 Marshalltown Highway, Geelong 1300 268 045
12. Nationwide Wool Museum
It’s acquired a fame for being a considerably daggy institution however actually, the revamp of the previous employees’ cottages signifies that youngsters have the chance to work together with the artefacts and faux play. In addition they have rotating exhibitions within the upstairs gallery.
Try what’s on on the Nationwide Wool Museum’s Occasions part for enjoyable issues to do in Geelong for youths, particularly throughout faculty holidays.
Nationwide Wool Museum 26 Moorabool Avenue, Geelong, 03 5272 4701
13. Serendip Sanctuary
Serendip Sanctuary is without doubt one of the issues to do round Geelong if you wish to get out in nature. It is a Parks Victoria-run nature reserve the place you’ll be able to go bird-watching and spot native wildlife, all free of charge. It is a quiet spot for a picnic and barbecue too.
Throughout faculty holidays Serendip Sanctuary usually hosts particular free faculty vacation packages as a part of Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangers program of nature-based play.
Serendip Sanctuary, 100 Windermere Rd, Lara
14. Lara Pool
When the temperature is HOT and also you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Geelong area, then head to the superior Lara Pool.
It is greater than your common public pool – benefit from the pirate-themed water slide playground, shaded toddler pool and totally fenced youngsters space with shady spots to sit down. Lara Pool assessment
Lara Pool, 2 Financial institution St, Lara, 03 5282 1563
15. Journey Park Geelong
Simply quarter-hour exterior Geelong is Victoria’s largest theme Park; Journey Park Geelong. It is a common Geelong attraction for households: residence to water slides and dry rides, and there are splash pads and water playgrounds. You may e book a (shaded) sunbed or cabana for the day at a further value. Learn my full assessment.
Journey Park Geelong, 1249 Bellarine Freeway, Wallington, 03 5250 7200
16. Armstrong District Park
Armstrong is a residential property at Waurn Ponds and its centrepiece and group hub is the superb Armstrong District Park.
It is one of many locations to go to in Geelong with all the suitable services for a day trip; particularly as there’s a lot room for youths of all ages.
The children will love all of the alternatives to climb (together with an enormous tree), the flying fox, in-ground trampolines and swings. Youthful youngsters will benefit from the sandpit space and the smaller tools surrounding the sandpit.
Services embody water faucets, public bathrooms, barbecues and picnic desk shelters and an expansive cafe.
Armstrong District Park, Sovereign Drive, Mt Duneed
17. Fairy Park
A bit additional out from Geelong is Fairy Park in Anakie, the oldest theme park in Victoria.
One of many pleasant locations to go to close to Geelong that evokes loads of imaginative play; Fairy Park is an old school fairytale theme park with retro puppet tableaus, mannequin trains and a enjoyable fairytale playground. Fairy Park assessment
Fairy Park, 2388 Geelong-Ballan Rd, Anakie, 03 5284 1262
18. Geelong Gaol Museum
In search of issues to do in Geelong this weekend? Go to essentially the most intact nineteenth Century jail in Victoria, that closed in 1991 within the situations seen at The Geelong Gaol Museum at present.
Open weekends, faculty holidays and public holidays, you will see shows telling the historical past of the jail and its prisoners, exhibitions on Colonial Prisons, the Hulks, Rogues and Vagabonds and Saga Behind the Armour.
Geelong Gaol Museum, 202 Myers St, Geelong, 1300 865 800
19. Barrabool Maze Property
Set on a 1.6 hectare property with gardens, maze and cafe close to Ceres, West of Geelong, new house owners took over this property in 2015 and have lovingly and painstakingly introduced the hedge maze again to life after it had been all however deserted for a couple of years.
The realm is without doubt one of the driest elements of Victoria because it sits in a rainshadow of the Otway Ranges so it has a novel backyard stuffed with succulents, cacti, sturdy Australian natives and hardy exotics. The crops are thoughtfully organized to benefit from foliage, flower and type. There are additionally stunning roses and seasonal perennials so as to add curiosity.
The maze has two lookouts so you may get a chook’s eye view of the maze, gardens and environment.
Barrabool Maze Property, 35 Walter Rd, Barrabool, 1300 356 217, information@barraboolmaze.com.au
20. Anakie Gorge
Anakie Gorge is a good place to move when you’re eager on a simple household bushwalk. A part of the Brisbane Ranges, it’s a nice stroll for little ones who haven’t executed a variety of bushwalking. You may wander alongside Stony Creek and spot wallabies and koalas by a novel dry gorge on this household pleasant stroll. Hold an eye fixed out for the enduring duck orchid and different native wildflowers or watch an abundance of birdlife amongst the eucalypts.
Anakie Gorge Stroll, Staughton Vale, VIC 3340
21. Kingston Park Playground
Not far out of Geelong you’ll discover the stunning little city of Ocean Grove. If in case you have time it’s nicely value a go to in addition to the attractive neighbouring city of Barwon Heads. There’s an important playground in Ocean Grove referred to as Kingston Park Playground, behind ‘The Mex’ restaurant, close to the commercial that’s plenty of enjoyable.
The playground is predicated round a ‘panorama as playground’ theme, has a six-metre excessive central tower and two slides and options each passive and energetic play areas, in addition to inclusive areas to be used by youngsters of all skills.
Kingston Park Playground, 8-52 Adco Grove, Ocean Grove
22. See All Dolphin Swims
You don’t have to truly swim to see the wildlife! See All Dolphin Swims supply sightseeing excursions and they’re a year-round, household favorite! You may see the great wildlife of Port Phillip Bay from the heat and luxury of the boat! The 1.5 hour excursions go away from Queenscliff Harbour which is just about half-hour out of Geelong.
See All Dolphin Swims, Store 3, Constructing 6, Queenscliff Boat Harbour, Queenscliff +61 3 5258 3889, crew@dolphinswims.com.au
Finest Locations to Eat in Geelong with Youngsters
23. Pavilion Geelong
Developed in 1927, The Pavilion is positioned on Japanese Seaside waterfront precinct throughout from the well-known swimming pool, playground and strolling observe so it makes an important assembly place for households and mates.
It has been refreshed and revitalised over latest years and serves coffees from 6:30 am each day for many who are up early and having fun with the strolling observe alongside the water.
There are a wide range of breakfast and lunch choices obtainable on the all-day menu together with some youngsters choices.
The Pavilion, Japanese Seaside, Geelong 03 4214 2000
24. Bear and Bean
Cute warehouse-style cafe tucked away in a carpark. The milkshakes are chilly, the meals is nice and there’s a chalkboard on the again that’s common with youngsters.
Bear and Bean, Little Ryrie Avenue Automobile Park between Moorabool st and Gheringhap St, Geelong, 03 5200 2727
25. La Madre Bakery
Artisan bakery positioned in a suburban buying strip. It’s a strictly takeaway affair however value a cease so you’ll be able to refill on their breads, pastries and well-known sizzling cross buns and mince pies when in season.
La Madre Bakery, 18 Milton Avenue, Bell Park
26. The Pickers Union
Cute decor, Instagram-worthy meals and specialty espresso in North Geelong. Full assessment.
The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St Geelong 0447 531 844
27. Edge
Edge is an enormous brassy pub and bistro on the waterfront with the added bonus of a youngsters’s space with toys and books.
The meals is fairly good too, strive their bouillabaisse. We visited as a part of the Geelong Christmas Path.
Edge, 6-8 Japanese Seaside Rd, Geelong, 03 5222 2666
28. Little Creatures
Little Creatures is initially a Western Australian beer firm and their arrange in Geelong allows them to serve the east coast of Australia with the freshest beer.
The large website in Geelong is a ‘brewery village expertise’, with a bustling Canteen, White Rabbit Barrel Corridor and the colorful Thriller Lane. The meals is implausible, with plenty of sharing plates and naturally beers on faucet and you may select to sit down inside or exterior. For youths leisure there is a sandpit exterior or ask to borrow some board video games behind the bar (be aware that these services might not be obtainable, name to test).
In the course of the yr they’re well-known for internet hosting occasions such because the Furphy Cinemas and Hops n Beats within the laneway throughout Summer season, a Winter Wonderland pageant in July, in addition to beer launches and markets all year long.
Little Creatures, 221 Swanston St, Geelong, 03 5202 4009
29. Wah Wah Gee
The views do not get any higher than at Wah Wah Gee, positioned on the finish of Cunningham’s Pier by the Geelong waterfront.
The restaurant does not relaxation on its laurels although – it isn’t a vacationer lure. The on-trend Asian meals and fancy drinks listing signifies that it is a hotspot for locals on the lookout for a very good time and a very good feed.
Eat early earlier than the crowds flip it right into a enjoyable and loud celebration venue!
Wah Wah Gee, Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Seaside Foreshore Highway, Geelong, 03 5222 6377
30. King of the Fortress
This expansive eating corridor has cubicles for households, excessive chairs, a great deal of pram room, a youngsters menu and a small space out the again. It gives espresso, bakery treats, connoisseur burgers and an progressive menu.
King of the Fortress, 24 Pakington St, Geelong West, 0418 227 366
For lodging choices in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, I like to recommend testing what’s obtainable on Airbnb.
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