Sample Sensational Flavours At The Best Geelong Restaurants

From waterfront winners to elegant fine diners, the best Bellarine and Geelong restaurants encourage serious culinary indulgence.

I’m more than an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s famed restaurant-dotted laneways, but Victoria’s dining scene continues to glitter in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Blending breezy beachfront cafes, Instagram-perfect neighbourhood bistros, achingly cool laneway stars and several special occasion spots, this region is very underrated in my book, especially along Little Malop St (which in itself is one of the best things to do in Geelong). Let’s take a squiz at the standouts for flat-out fabulous meals.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Jeffie’s
Family-friendly spot: Little Creatures Canteen
Best design: The Arborist
Best views: Tarra

1. Tulip

share plates at Tulip restaurant, Geelong — The share-plate menu changes frequently at Geelong’s award-winning restaurant, Tulip. (Image: Supplied)

Little Malop is buzzing but Pakington St remains Geelong’s chic culinary headliner for hot spots like its long-serving titan: Tulip . The hatted Geelong restaurant has been a hit since 2013, but with head chef Johnny Chiang spinning seasonally led magic these days, I feel like there’s never been a better time to experience its joyous, intimate dining room which spills out over brick pavement to a pretty water fountain. The focus is produce-driven dishes that celebrate local and sustainable  – share plates on the winter 2025 menu spanned a prawn sandwich with hot sauce, a honey glazed lamb belly and a Wagyu 7 score Porterhouse with pepper leaf jus. My advice? Wash it all down with a drop from the highly researched wine list which also shifts with the seasons.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 9/111 Pakington St, Geelong West

2. Woolstore Restaurant & Bar

I love how so many Geelong restaurants look as trendy as those dotted throughout Melbourne’s CBD yet welcome children in so enthusiastically. Woolstore Restaurant & Bar is among the marvels, fit out all industrial-cool with a magnificent mosaic green bar I’d like installed in my home, but run by an entirely kid-loving team. My little ones loved the ‘Happy Meal’ with its pumpkin bun, beef patty cheeseburger, chicken skewers and fries, while I was impressed by comfort food splashed with local influence like the tomato and nduja arancini, the oyster mushroom Karaage and the Humpty Doo barramundi with caviar beurre blanc. Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is led by the Golden Plate-winning 2024 Regional Chef of the Year, Eli Grubb, but widely, the ethos here is to champion local where possible – that includes the cocktail menu which teams with fellow Geelong businesses to create the standout, fragrance-led, multi-sensory experience amid other delicious concoctions.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Slick

Location: T13, 400 Pakington St, Newtown

3. Felix

the dining interior of Felix restaurant, Geelong — The French-style Felix restaurant brings a menu of classics into its contemporary dining space. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another spectacular fit out, paying homage to traditional French brasserie dining while keeping things contemporary and warm-timber coastal, Felix is a beautiful spot for a meal. Built inside a former mechanic’s shed, the Geelong restaurant is tucked down an alley off Little Malop – look for the burgundy painted feature wall and arched windows. Once you’re inside, a menu of classics is nailed with modern perfection, like the chicken liver parfait, piped liked icing on a cake then dotted with quince and sliced baby pickles. Go for the lamb backstrap if it’s on the menu, too – it melts in your mouth while fresh broad beans and sliced carrots dial up the colour.

Cuisine: French

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Cosy

Location: 9 Downes Ln, Geelong

4. The Arborist

a woman sipping cocktail at The Arborist, Geelong — Settle in at The Arborist. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You won’t miss The Arborist on Little Malop, a striking architectural wonder right in the thick of the buzz. Look for the black framework and caramel timber. True to its name, the Geelong restaurant’s interior takes its cues from an ash tree at the build’s centre and several that frame the place, and the result is sustainable and beautiful, all rendered in natural tones of green, cream and timber. I highly advise tucking into more than a few of its small, medium or large share plates with Middle Eastern (but also very international) hints to team the sights with equally dazzling indulgence: think cod roe with salmon caviar and charred bread, haloumi done with hazelnuts, apricot and saffron, and ricotta dumplings with Jerusalem artichoke, mushrooms, truffle and pine nuts.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Enthralling

Location: 75 Little Malop St, Geelong

5. Jeffie’s

While we’re sending our taste buds around the globe, consider revisiting France through another Geelong restaurant nailing European cuisine. Sitting less than 20 minutes’ drive inland from the coast, Jeffie’s is a love letter to French cooking, staged inside a quiet corner block that lures comfort food-adoring locals with extreme gusto. The unassuming fine diner only opened its doors in August 2025, but dishes like a beef tartare with bone marrow, a cheese fondue with delicious dunkable accompaniments, and a Ratatouille Niçoise with goats cheese, have already impressed.

Cuisine: French

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Chic

Location: Shop 14, 65-71 Barrabool Rd, Highton

6. Little Creatures Canteen

a look inside Little Creatures Canteen, Geelong — Step into Little Creatures for a unique brewery experience.

I love popping heels on as much as the next diner, but I equally adore a solid pub session with quality pub grub. Little Creatures Canteen is a Geelong staple, housed in one of the region’s best breweries, and serving as its own standout eatery. The brand’s east coast home (it hails from WA’s Fremantle) is in fact a converted flour mill, so it feels more beer factory than fancy, effortlessly cranking up the fun factor from the moment you step inside. Alternatively, you can remain outside in the courtyard as wood-fired pizzas, a Pale Ale battered flake and chips, sticky pork ribs with chipotle maple glaze and a stack of small plates reliably delight. If the kids are eating too, there’s a children’s menu to pluck from, plus a playground to temporarily tucker them out.

Cuisine: Pub food

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Chilled

Location: 221 Swanston St, Geelong

7. Pavilion Geelong

the Pavilion Geelong restaurant — Head to the Pavilion Geelong for a satisfying brunch by the beach. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Occupying a prime waterfront spot, Pavilion Geelong is a must-try for brunch. Light and breezy, the 120-seater cafe and kiosk offers water views alongside the likes of acai bowls, braised mushrooms on toast, Belgian waffles with ice cream, battered flathead and chips and burgers. Additionally, you’re dining inside a gorgeous slice of Art Deco history, just a few steps from one of Geelong’s best beaches.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Beachy

Location: 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong

8. Two Noble

Asian meals at Two Noble restaurant, Geelong — Savour authentic Asian flavours at Two Noble.

Ready for king-hit flavours? Two Noble is one of my favourite Geelong restaurants for an authentic Asian-inspired feast. The cooking is superb, crammed with seasonal ingredients and dressed in delicately balanced sauces, like the kingfish with burnt onion and soy plus the all-too-popular roasted duck with hoisin and Cointreau. Additionally, this spot is so warm and inviting, somewhat of a hidden gem you won’t spot from the street. Wander up the stairs from the Sawyers Arms Tavern to find Two Noble’s glass entry door and step inside where every made-to-share showstopper awaits.

Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: Level 2, 2 Noble St, Newtown

9. Tarra

drinks on the table with sea view at Tarra restaurant, Geelong — Wine and dine with dazzling ocean views. (Image: Tarra)

It’s impossible to avoid being swept up by Tarra in Queenscliff, located on the southern end of the Bellarine Peninsula. First, the construction itself is a work of art, located right off the sand and lifting above ground like the hero of a Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Inside, the ocean views dazzle no matter where you’re placed or which meal you’re there for, as breakfast and lunch are both on offer. If you’re there for lunch, like I was, pick a few items off the small plate menu (the baby beets with smoked yoghurt won me) before diving into something large, like the 500g ribeye on the bone for two, to share. You’ll need to save room for cocktail o’clock too – a total non-negotiable accompaniment when views like this drench the scene.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elevated

Location: 1 Wharf St East, Queenscliff

10. Baah Lah! Dining

a hand using chopsticks to get food on the table at Baah Lah! Dining, Geelong — Baah Lah! Dining serves up traditional Singaporean flavours with a twist. (Image: Jane Fitzgerald)

Yet another stellar Geelong restaurant for sensational global cuisine, Baah Lah! Dining zeroes in on traditional Singaporean flavours to jazz up the finest of local, super-fresh produce. You’ll devour ingredients foraged from the team’s family farm up north in Katandra (Head Chef Brian Anderson’s father still runs the show out there), whipped into small plate knock outs including the crispy leek and zucchini pancake, fried eggplant chips, and Singapore chilli crab doughnuts, before launching into the larger curry chicken in Malaysian sauce or Cantonese-style roast duck breast with boysenberry sauce. Seriously epic, whatever the seasonal menu holds.

Cuisine: Asian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Buzzing

Location: 1/100 Pakington St, Geelong West

11. Geelong Cellar Door

With its exposed brickwork, squishy leather sofa and rustic open fireplace, Geelong Cellar Door , a locally beloved wine bar and store, exudes old-world charm. It makes for the perfect place to showcase the cool-climate wine of the Greater Geelong region, in fact. Slurp down a glass or few of your preferred poison alongside cheese and charcuterie platters or dabble in the region’s local craft beers and ciders. And there’s plenty more to help line your belly – think beautifully crafted terrines, chicken liver pate and local sourdough.

Cuisine: Bar food

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 95-99 Little Malop St, Geelong

12. King of the Castle Cafe

pouring milk over coffee at King of the Castle Cafe — Sip on excellent brews at King of the Castle Cafe.

Looking for Melbourne’s signature understated cool? King of the Castle Cafe exudes warehouse-cool and friendly vibes. You’ll find excellent coffee and an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu covering off everything from Indian Spices Eggs with roti bread, a fried chicken burger with French fries, white chocolate and raspberry pancakes with ice cream and pulled pork tacos. Produce is sourced from local suppliers and there are also vegetarian and vegan dishes including tofu scramble on grilled roti.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 24 Pakington St, Geelong West

13. 63 Degrees

63 Degrees Geelong — Tuck into Portuguese baked eggs or a Mexican pulled chicken and super grains ‘clean bowl’.

While we’re talking cafes, consider 63 Degrees , too. Further down Pakington, this hot spot is endlessly bright, decked out with white paint and fresh colourful blooms. Like most of its Geelong neighbours, the emphasis here is on clean eating and sustainably sourced produce, so you’ll be choosing between a stack of seasonally led dishes including the ‘Unsmashed’ avocado plate with lemon myrtle hummus and tofu, a chilli scramble bagel and two dedicated all-day Vegan menus (breakfast and lunch).

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 140 Pakington St, Geelong West

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

Savour coastal produce at the 13 best Geelong restaurants

From waterfront winners to elegant fine diners, the best Bellarine and Geelong restaurants encourage serious culinary indulgence.

The shortlist

1. Tulip

2. Woolstore Restaurant & Bar

3. Felix

4. The Arborist

5. Jeffie’s

6. Little Creatures Canteen

7. Pavilion Geelong

8. Two Noble

9. Tarra

10. Baah Lah! Dining

11. Geelong Cellar Door

12. King of the Castle Cafe

13. 63 Degrees

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From coast to bush: these are Gippsland’s best hikes

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there