Geelong is a city on the move. Signs of change are everywhere on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people, from the stunning waterfront and urban precinct to the craft breweries and hole-in-the-wall cafes that have reclaimed and reshaped the city’s old industrial landscape.
Make the most of your time off the bike at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and book into some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, wine bars and breweries.
Top Cafes & Eateries
A boutique roaster and a favourite amongst cyclists heading through Newtown, Constant Coffee Roaster’s Brew Bar is for true coffee aficionados. With a knowledgeable staff and a great selection of unique and carefully sourced beans, the locally-owned roasters are the source of great tasting and balanced coffee throughout many Geelong cafes and restaurants.
Not a cafe, restaurant or bar, Tomodachi 2.0 traverses the time of day with Japanese-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner options right on Geelong’s waterfront. Inspired by Tokyo’s corner bars, Tomodachi 2.0 is the second shopfront opened after the Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar on Little Malop St. Umami-laden dishes feature throughout their menus with Karaage Chicken, Katsu Chicken, Wagyu Beef, Ramen and Sashimi transporting diners from Geelong to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Cafe GO
Curl up and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat in the warmth of Cafe GO’s fireplace or head out back to the hidden leafy green garden space of this quirky converted weatherboard house that will make you feel right at home.
Top Restaurants
Fishermen’s Pier
A Geelong institution for more than 40 years, Fishermen’s Pier serves up award-winning seafood in a boat-style restaurant offering marina and bay views. Choose from locally sourced lobster, oysters and sashimi to seafood chowders and shared grazing plates.
Wah Wah Gee
Funky, fun and fresh. Swing by Cunningham Pier with your friends and take a journey through Wah Wah Gee’s collection of Asian inspired sharing dishes ranging from dumplings in zesty broths to spicy steamed buns and hearty curries.
ALMA Restaurant
Head to ALMA Restaurant for modern Australian food with a South American spin. Choose a traditional or vegan chef’s selection and match it with a liquid dessert from local and international producers.
Felix
Discover modern French laneway dining off Little Malop Street. Felix artfully creates lunch and dinner menus of local produce in a warm and convivial space. Dine à la carte or order one of the set menus – vegans rejoice at the two- and three-course plant-free iterations.
Top Bars
Blackman’s Brewery
Stop in at Blackman’s Brewery to taste some of the 16 taps on offer pouring super fresh beer straight from the source among the shiniest of tanks. You can’t get much fresher than that.
Geelong Cellar Door
Located in the heart of Geelong’s inner CBD, Geelong Cellar Door proudly showcases the premium cool-climate wines produced within the Geelong wine region alongside a carefully selected offering of local craft beers and ciders, quality cheeses and charcuterie platters.
The 18th Amendment Bar
Sip cocktails in the prohibition chic saloons of The 18th Amendment Bar and enjoy the speakeasy elegance interlaced with modern innovation. Grab some ‘giggle water’, ‘make some whoopee’ and try not to get too ‘zozzled’.
