Recently, my friend and I had a lively discussion about nearby tourist destinations while we were having coffee on the streets of Melbourne. The name Geelong kept coming up, and it piqued my curiosity. So I started digging deeper, and I can’t wait to share what I found!
Geelong: a charming city
Geelong’s waterfront is a paradise for children. There are children’s pools for kids to splash around in, diving boards for thrill-seekers to take a leap into the waves, and saltwater pools for swimming enthusiasts to enjoy the cool sea water.
There’s also a playground full of laughter and fun. One blogger shared their experience of a wonderful day at the beach – the kids had a great time in the children’s pool, while they took a dip in the saltwater pool and were captivated by the beautiful scenery around them.
Geelong is famous for its colourful events and festivals. Sports fans can enjoy exciting competitions, while music lovers can experience lively festivals with talented bands and singers that bring the atmosphere to a climax. Car enthusiasts have their own gatherings, food festivals showcase mouth-watering delicacies, art exhibitions display amazing works, and bustling markets are full of unique goods.
One of my friends who loves music went to Geelong for the music festival last year. He raved about the unforgettable experience – the great music and the delicious local food.
About 77.6% of the residents were born in Australia, while the United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Italy and China are the most common places of birth overseas.
Apart from English, the most common home languages are Punjabi, Italian and Croatian. Walking through the streets of Geelong, you can hear different languages and feel the cultural fusion. Once, I was dining in a local restaurant and an Indian waiter fluently switched between English and Punjabi.
Geelong’s relationship with Melbourne
Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria, while Melbourne is the largest. The rivalry between the two is obvious.
Geelong is part of the Greater Geelong region, which stretches from the river (which borders Werribee, 45 km southwest of Melbourne) to Corio Bay and the entire Bellarine Peninsula.
A local friend told me that sporting competitions between Melbourne and Geelong teams are particularly fierce, with passionate fans cheering for their teams.
Transport from Melbourne to Geelong
Train
- Operator and timetable: V/Line offers frequent train services between Melbourne and Geelong, departing from Southern Cross Station every 30 minutes.
- Fares and journey times: Fares range from A$7 to A$10, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. A colleague recently took the V/Line train to Geelong, and the time flew by as they enjoyed the scenery and chatted with their companion
Take Uber
- Pricing: The average Uber fare from Melbourne to Geelong is AUD 120, but prices fluctuate depending on the time of day, demand and other factors.
- How to use: Simply open the Uber app, enter ‘Geelong’ as your destination and scroll to see the estimated fare for different ride options. On one occasion, during peak hour, I noticed that Uber’s surge pricing was more expensive than usual – so timing is important!
By ferry
- Operator and route: Port Phillip Ferries operates passenger ferries between Geelong and Melbourne, as well as routes to Portarlington.
- Unique experience: A friend who loves photography takes the ferry to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. According to him, the ferry offers great views of both cities, and the sea breeze and lapping waves are perfect for taking photos.
Compare public transport costs
Here’s a little secret: buses are usually cheaper than trains! Not only are they affordable, but many are also environmentally friendly.
One of my neighbours really enjoys exploring the city by bus, as it allows him to save money for local food, enjoy the scenery and chat with the locals.
Other travel tips
Melbourne’s Uber and taxis
Uber is usually cheaper than taxis, especially during off-peak hours. Uber is also a great option for an affordable airport transfer. I once chose Uber over a taxi at Melbourne Airport and found it was not only cheaper, but also faster.
Using Uber in Geelong
Don’t worry – Uber is very practical in Geelong and available around the clock. A friend took an Uber late at night to see the city’s light show, which was very convenient.
Getting to the French islands
- Ferry departures: You can take the Western Port Ferry from Point Lonsdale (80 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD) or Cowes.
- The journey: The ferry from Cape Schanck stops at the Tancerton Jetty and takes 10–12 minutes. A friend who loves the outdoors camps there and is fascinated by the seagulls and the starry sky.
Ferry prices and times
- Cheapest days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheapest, but be sure to double-check. A savvy traveller saves money by taking the midweek ferry and grabbing a snack on board.
- To Phillip Island: The ferry from Cape Schanck to Phillip Island takes about 30 minutes. At the end of the ferry trip, a relative’s child really enjoyed watching the penguins!
Booking train tickets online in advance is usually cheaper than buying them on the day. I’ve spent more money buying tickets at the last minute, so now I always book in advance – for better seats and to save money!
Summary
For budget travellers, buses are often the least expensive option – usually much cheaper than trains or planes, especially for group travel. Last year, my friends and I chose to take the bus on a long trip, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way and saving a significant amount of money.
After some research, I gained a deeper understanding of Melbourne, Geelong and the best way to explore these cities. I can’t wait to set off on my journey and experience these amazing places for myself!