From waterfront hotels to idyllic luxury pods, the best Geelong accommodation is your ticket to a blissful coastal escape.
No longer just a gateway to Victoria’s scenic country and coastal locales, Geelong has morphed into one of my favourite weekend escapes. I’m always in awe of the port city’s vivid sense of history and creative spirit, which runs along its waterfront, through its laneways, and into the countryside. Also impressive is the wide range of overnight stays in proximity to the good life, quirky boutique hotels, historic estates and large-scale holiday homes. Here are my top Geelong accommodation choices for every getaway style.
In short
If you only stay at one of the best Geelong accommodation picks, make it Lon Retreat. You’ll drop more coin than you would at a holiday park (and you’ll need to leave the kids at home) but the spa is gorgeous, and you’ll leave totally renewed.
Hotels
1. Novotel Geelong
Stay smack-bang on the waterfront at Novotel Geelong, home to 109 rooms with balconies and, for many, glittering bay views. It’s one of the few proper hotel chains in the region but don’t go thinking it’s all cookie-cutter boxes as the rooms and common areas are imbued with that signature Geelong’s creative spirit. There’s also Tempo Kitchen & Bar, which knocks breakfast, lunch and dinner out of the park, so you don’t need to leave if you don’t want to. There’s also room service so nights in your bathrobe are sorted. Expect an indoor heated pool, steam room, fitness centre, valet parking, free wi-fi and laundry services.
Address: 10-14 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
2. Quest Geelong
Keen on securing something on the water? Quest Geelong is another top pick, particularly from a location stance as it’s within easy reach to the iconic Cunningham Pier and a stroll away from one of Geelong’s best beaches, Eastern Beach. This Geelong accommodation (and there are two Quests in Geelong so check the address before booking to ensure it’s what you’re after) comes in the way of serviced studios as well as one, two and three-bedroom configurations. Facilities include laundry services, a gym, secure off-street parking and dry cleaning.
Address: 16-18 The Esplanade, South Geelong
3. The Nest
Never knew you needed a five-star bed-and-breakfast pod overlooking untouched countryside and the coastline? Now you do. The Nest is located half an hour from Geelong on a hilltop above Point Lonsdale, near the seaside town of Queenscliff. There, five couples-only builds are found, each fitted with king-size beds and a private deck and spa. A sustainable accommodation pick, this Geelong accommodation is solar powered during the day, utilising 100 per cent filtered rainwater, so it’s going to sit comfortably on your conscience, too. While your stay offers the illusion of complete solitude – it’s a 16-hectare private sanctuary, after all – you’re only a few minutes’ drive from the region’s best wineries. Alternatively, the team built an on-site wine cellar so you can get your jollies without ever leaving.
Address: 2140 Bellarine Hwy, Point Lonsdale
4. Lon Retreat
Also located in beautiful Point Lonsdale in the Bellarine is my personal favourite, Lon Retreat, nestled amid 250 acres right by the ocean. Home to seven impeccable sandstone suites, the vibe is what instantly won me over — all earthy tones and tactile style choices with a generous dose of contemporary touches. Plus, there’s an award-winning on-site spa with its own mineral water tubs, steam rooms, three treatment rooms and sparkling views. Treat yourself to serious you-time as the ocean, a lighthouse and coastal landscape flood your sight. In the evening, enjoy a home-style meal in the comfort of your suite, crafted with produce sourced from nearby farms. A seriously magical Geelong stay.
Address: 25 Gill Rd, Point Lonsdale
5. Mount Duneed Estate
One city, two pod hotels? Nope, not Japan, just Geelong. Mount Duneed Estate joins The Nest as another luxury pod stay – this one, however, located on a winery rather than countryside. Eight individual pods are dotted at the foot of vines and an olive grove, each fitted with king beds, a kitchenette, a small lounge, a bathtub, a coffee machine, a continental breakfast hamper and a bottle of the team’s own sparkling wine to toast your escape. Keen to keep the good times rolling? A cellar door organises grazing platters, and tastings, while the seasonally charged Barrell Hall Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday.
Address: 65 Pettavel Rd, Waurn Ponds
6. Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong
One of the port city’s newer hotels, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is more than the global brand’s average business traveller stay. Built with a very trendy on-site steakhouse, Maestro, the Geelong accommodation feels more R&R destination than work-from-anywhere (though they cater for that, too, via a 24-hour business centre). Over 10 floors, plush, spacious rooms are made for lazy unwinding before taking advantage of the fitness centre (there’s even a rowing machine in there) and indoor heated pool with lounges. Additionally, your wheels are safe from the moment you check in thanks to controlled access for guests only.
Address: 40 Ryrie St, Geelong
7. Quest Geelong Central
The second Quest in town, Quest Geelong Central is just as schmick as its Esplanade counterpart, offering studio, one, two and three-bedroom stays within a short walk from the waterfront. You’ll be treated to the same signature Quest amenities including a state-of-the-art rooftop gym and business services. Undercover parking is also included.
Address: 71-77 Gheringham St, Geelong
8. Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
Once an 18th-century mansion, the grand Lancemore Mansion Hotel in Werribee Park now offers stunning five-star accommodation, just 30 minutes from Melbourne. Each of the 91 guest rooms is beautifully appointed with modern amenities, to boot. Choose from a cosy Heritage Room, a contemporary Superior Room with garden views, a spacious Junior Suite with a spa bath and balcony, or a 2-Bedroom Family Suite. Facility-wise, make sure you book a treatment at the on-site L.M. Spa, as well as a meal at the on-site European-inspired restaurant. Find time to lap up the heated indoor pool, cue up a win inside the snooker room and lose yourself in a library, too.
Address: Escarpment Rd, Werribee South
Camping and caravan parks
9. Barwon River Holiday Park
Located among the gum trees on the banks of the Barwon River, a 10-minute cruise from central Geelong, Barwon River Holiday Park offers various stays for budget-conscious travellers. Roll in your caravan to seize a powered camp site or treat the clan to a multi-bedroom cabin complete with a spacious patio. When you’re not soaking up the serenity, there’s two swimming pools, an undercover barbecue area, a basketball half-court, a camp kitchen, a laundry, multiple amenity blocks, a kiosk, a giant jumping pillow, two playgrounds, hireable pedal go-karts and even a small dinosaur garden to take advantage of.
Address: 153 Barrabool Rd, Belmont, Geelong
10. Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong
A little way down from Barwon River’s holiday park, Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong is another ample-activity Geelong accommodation choice. You’re still perched on that tranquil river as the likes of a giant jumping pillow, amenities blocks, two swimming pools, playground, camp kitchen and barbecues sort out every other group getaway need. Additionally, several stays are pet-friendly (check the website for a comprehensive round-up of what’s what), and free wi-fi flows throughout.
Address: 75 Barrabool Rd, Belmont
Holiday homes, apartments and Airbnbs
11. Timber Door
Apartment living is perfected at Timber Door, a Geelong accommodation filled with studios that ooze serious urban flair. It’s that very Melbourne mix of earthy materials and lush greenery, creating soothing open-plan sanctuaries in the thick of the action. It’s also close to Kardinia Park so if you’re in town to catch the mighty Cats face off against your favourite AFL club, you’re right nearby. Don’t miss the on-site Timber Door Cellars, a wine and whisky bar that dishes up charcuterie platters.
Address: 94 Gheringhap St, Geelong
12. Anchor Geelong
A little bit Hamptons, a little bit boho chic, Anchor Geelong offers light-filled accommodation just a couple of blocks away from Malop Street and a short stroll to the waterfront. Home to eight studios, each is styled entirely uniquely while nodding to various coastal locales through their titles. From the deluxe king studio of Queenscliff to the two-bedroom studio of Torquay, you’ll find sweet decor throughout, Moroccan tiles in the bathrooms, and, in some, private courtyards. Facilities include a communal laundry (for no additional fee), a flower garden to wander, and off-street parking.
Address: 39 Swanston St, Geelong
13. Campbell Point House
Live like royalty at Campbell Point House, located 20 minutes from Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula. The spectacular stay is undoubtedly one of the most unique private propositions in the area: a luxurious waterfront mansion to help you live out your ultimate group escape dream (and no children are allowed). Set on 37 manicured acres, the estate is the type of place you’d hire out for a wedding. Set up shop in the Lake, Cottage, or one of the four Mansion suites to experience total decadence but no matter where you unpack, there are private ensuites with walk-in showers, mini fridges, coffee makers, wardrobes, lounges and more. Meals are served (there’s no self-catering allowed) in an on-site restaurant and there’s an infinity pool with your name on it.
Address: 199 Matthews Rd, Leopold
14. Moranghurk Shearer’s Quarters
Snooze on 459 hectares of bushland at one of Victoria’s oldest pastoral properties. Moranghurk Shearer’s Quarters is located 30 minutes north-west of Geelong and overlooks the Moorabool River for some of the most enchanting surroundings in town. Your digs, which cater to up to 30 guests, are a series of eight 1920s bluestone bedrooms that converge on a large country kitchen with an original brick bread oven. Cook up a storm and wash it all down with local wine including pinot noir from this Geelong accommodation’s very own vineyard. Guests should note that it’s single beds all the way here and you’ll need to BYO linens, towels and food. Firewood, however, is supplied.
Address: 210 Sharp Rd, Lethbridge
