With the labour day public holiday fast approaching on March 8, it’s time to start planning how you will spend the long weekend. With so much to do in Central Geelong, why not make it a ‘GeeLONG Weekend’!
Explore the walkable Waterfront city and spoil yourself to a girl’s weekend or perhaps treat the kids to some fun. Here are a few ideas from Central Geelong Marketing to make the most of it.
Girls Weekend
Grab the girls and spoil yourself on a girl’s weekend. Start off by getting pampered and book your gal pals in a for a treatment to freshen up. Lauren Rose Hair Design on Eastern Beach Road offers extra treats to your hair appointment. Relax with a glass of bubbles and hand massage during your processing time and an extended head massage with treatment at the basin.
You’re Gorgeous Hair & Beauty in Moorabool Street offers a range of services the girls will love. Settle in for a facial, massage, waxing, manicures and more. To see a full list of Beauty Services in Central Geelong visit centralgeelong.com.au/find
Follow up the pamper treatment with a spot of shopping at one of Central Geelong’s large shopping centres featuring big brand retailers or discover on-street boutique stores. Both Westfield Geelong and Market Square Shopping Centre are located in the heart of town. You can easily cross between the two centres to explore hundreds of stores. On the streets, find a number of retailers to suit your needs. Visit Ena Pelly on Moorabool Street or Unique On Yarra for the latest fashion, shop homewares at Townhouse Living on Yarra Street and find unique gifts from Our Satellite Hearts on James Street or Cecil and Gunn on Star Street. To see a full list of retailers, visit centralgeelong.com.au/shop
It wouldn’t be a weekend away without dinner and drinks. Make a booking at one of Central Geelong’s many restaurants or bars and indulge in gourmet food and wine. ALMA Restaurant on Ryrie Street is ideal to share laughter, stories and great food and drink. The South American-inspired menu is designed to share with your friends for a true gourmet experience. If the girls love gin, then Black Sheep on Moorabool Street is for you.
For more places to eat visit centralgeelong.com.au/eat
Gourmet Weekend
Find your inner foodie and indulge in a gourmet weekend. Start off with the incredible local cafes for all your coffee, breakfast and lunch needs. Sip on the best of the best barista-made coffee and watch the world pass by. The Beach House Geelong offers stunning views of the Waterfront while, A Spot for Joe in Little Ryrie Street oozes quirky laneway vibes.
Dine alfresco or settle in for a dinner with a difference at one of Central Geelong’s unique restaurants.
Indulge in a completely gluten free menu at Recess Bar & Eats in Moorabool Street, followed by an 8pm Drag Queen show on Saturday nights. Or for your piano man vibes, head to Piano Bar on Malop Street and enjoy live piano singalong’s while you dine.
If you like dining alfresco then head to Sailors’ Rest on Eastern Beach Road. This restaurant and bar features multiple alfresco areas including a roof top bar. Or delve into authentic Greek cuisine while enjoying the open air at Mavs Greek Restaurant in Little Malop Street. Its large outdoor dining space includes a marquee to protect you from those unexpected cold nights.
For a full list of cafes, restaurants and bars visit centralgeelong.com.au/eat
Fun Weekend
Central Geelong is home to a number of open spaces for the kids to play. Make your way to the Waterfront for playgrounds, barbecue areas, open green spaces and an enclosed children’s swimming pool. Johnstone Park also offers lush green lawns for a family picnic and space to play.
Keep the kids entertained with the extensive variety of attractions found only in Central Geelong. Take a ride on The Carousel or the Giant Sky Wheel, catch a movie at Village Cinemas Geelong, visit Timezone for arcade games or take the kids to Geelong’s only children’s museum – MoPA: Museum of Play and Art.
Finish off your long weekend with sweet treats all round. Get your ice cream fix from Augustus Gelatery, Bliss Ice Cream, Miss Gina Gelato or Swirls & Curls Rolled Ice Cream. If you are feeling more like dessert try Twisted Dessert Bar, Uncle Donut or Baked by Us.
Romantic Weekend
Surprise your loved one with a romantic weekend. Take a stroll at sunset with that special someone, enjoy the views of the Waterfront then enjoy some local wine and cheese.
Geelong Cellar Door in Lt Malop Street and Union Street Wine Bar in Union Street both offer an extensive selection of local wines and delicious grazing boards. If wine isn’t your thing, then step back in time to Chicago speakeasy-styled bar, 18th Amendment Bar for a tasty cocktail.
A romantic weekend wouldn’t be complete without a dinner date in the mix. Make a booking and dine with set or shared menus. Bistrot St Jean, Emerge, Ebony & Ivory, Empire Grill and Osteria Fiorzena are just a few of the many restaurants perfect for your date night. See a full list of restaurants at centralgeelong.com.au/eat
Explore our walkable waterfront city
Whether you’re with friends, family or flying solo, you can take the time to explore Central Geelong on foot.
Discover the exciting Arts & Culture scene with an abundance of institutions. Stop in for a performance at the Geelong Arts Centre, view the local artist gallery at Platform Arts, explore the latest exhibition at the Geelong Gallery and learn about the rich history of the wool industry at the National Wool Museum. Plus, immerse yourself in the ever-growing street art scene.
After all that walking you will need to sit down and recharge. What better way to do that than by dining in Central Geelong’s laneways? Little Malop Street is home to a worldly variety of eateries and bars. Take your pick from Mexican, Southern, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Indian and modern Australian. Don’t forget to make a reservation or you might just miss out.
Where to stay?
It wouldn’t be a long weekend without a place to stay. There are plenty of hotels and self-contained apartments throughout Central Geelong to suit any needs. The newly constructed Ritz Hotel is now open for guests. Featuring Waterfront and city views, this hotel services 128 guest rooms and is pet-friendly.
Stylish and affordable accommodation can be booked at the Rydges Geelong, located on the corner of Myers and Gheringhap streets. This hotel is the perfect blend of inner-city convenience and that scenic holiday feel.
But there are many more hotels and self-contained apartments located in Central Geelong. Discover them for yourself at centralgeelong.com.au/explore
So, start planning your GeeLONG Weekend with your favourite people and get some R&R in Central Geelong.
Visit centralgeelong.com.au/geelong-weekend to find out more or download the Central Geelong app to find a full list of businesses who can help make your long weekend memorable.
