Hitting up Geelong for Spilt this December? Why not make a weekend out of it and check out these local gems? Read on for our favourite places to eat, drink, dance, get coffee and more.
BEST EATS
PAKINGTON PANTRY
Start your hangover recovery with a hearty breakfast and great coffee at one of Geelong’s favourite brunch spots, Pakington Pantry.
BOX OFFICE CAFE
If you feel like eating naughty or nice, Box Office Cafe has options and it’s set-up in a shipping container (wtf how cool) so you’ve gotta check it out.
PHOLKLORE
If you have a craving for some fresh Vietnamese favourites, like steaming bowls of pho or delicious bánh mì and rice bowls then Pholklore will be your go-to, and as a bonus they have cocktails too.
THE PIER GEELONG
It doesn’t get any better than dinner with a view, so settle in at The Pier Geelong for some seafood, burgers or a classic pub meal with waterfront views.
CARUGGI
If you weren’t on a European hot girl summer this year (if you were we’re jealous) then at least experience a taste of Italy at Caruggi, from handmade pasta and authentic Italian dishes to limoncello and Italian wine collections it’s the perfect place.
DAMN GOOD COFFEE
COFFEE CARTEL
If you want a seasonal blend or an exotic coffee, Coffee Cartel will give you the caffeine fix you need and, if you want an extra fun activity, they can give you some barista training too.
THE LOCAL GEELONG
Grab a coffee and a delicious house-made pastry, snack or sangas from The Local Geelong, you’ll want your phone to eat first with these goodies.
THE KING OF THE CASTLE CAFE
King of the Castle has freshly brewed coffee and, if you’re not a caffeine addict, they have a sticky chai latte that’s to die for and some delicious food packed with flavour.
BEST BARS AND BREWERIES
LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY
What’s better than one beer? A whole flight of them, so grab a tasting paddle with your besties at the huge waterfront Little Creatures Brewery and some pizza to share. You can also take a guided tour if you wanna learn more.
PIANO BAR GEELONG
You can pick your own lineup at Piano Bar with song requests and live piano performances ‘til late. You’ll be walking out of Piano Bar Geelong with no voice by the end of the night.
DAISY BAR
Daisy is a cozy basement cocktail bar that’s mastered the formula to a simple and balanced cocktail and the perfect side dish pairings to munch on while you yap to your besties.
THINGS TO DO
GEELONG BOLLARDS
Take a stroll along the waterfront, and soak up some sun whilst looking at the famous Geelong Bollards, carved from timbers of demolished piers. The painted wooden icons depict local historical figures from bathing beauties and explorers to lifesavers.
GIANT SKY WHEEL
Jump on the Giant Sky Wheel and soak up the unreal panoramic views of Geelong, Corio Bay and the stunning coastline. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo dump, a golden hour snap or just vibing above it all, this ride is a must for the camera roll.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
If you end up roadtripping to Geelong then head to the starting point of the Great Ocean Road scenic drive in Torquay which is about a 25-minute drive from Spilt Milk down the Surf Coast Highway. It’s a 243km beautiful coastal drive that is definitely worth the trip (but don’t worry you don’t have to drive the whole thing).
SHOPPING
WESTFIELD GEELONG
Fancy some shopping? Westfield Geelong is your one-stop destination for everything from beauty for Spilt Milk makeup and recovery to last-minute outfit inspo or a grocery run.
PAKINGTON STREET
Pakington Street is a 3km thoroughfare that has a variety of stores from high street-style shopping and cafes through to upmarket boutiques.