A short drive into central Geelong and we start our morning at Cafe Go, a cherished local treasure. Housed in a charming weatherboard building, it greets you with a leafy courtyard, a crackling fireplace in cooler seasons, and a warm, creative vibe. Think corn and zucchini fritters with green goddess sauce, or a French toast brioche, all paired with great coffee.

For a strong espresso or cold brew, SouthAmerica Coffee Co (just down the road from Cafe Go) is another great choice to grab a takeaway coffee

For a light lunch down at the waterfront, Pavilion Geelong is a light-filled venue with a mean chicken schnitzel burger on offer. It’s a great place to stop after a stroll along the foreshore. There’s a large children’s playground out the front which is a bonus for those juggling little ones.

Back at the Park, The pizza oven and fully equipped kitchen are perfect for quiet evenings in. Dine in your own space under the stars by the beautiful Barwon River. 

If you’re in the mood to venture into town, our favourite vibe is Pholkore on Pakington Street. Serving up fresh Vietnamese, the pho is spectacular and the cocktails are great value-for-money.

Also on Pakington Street, but with a completely different vibe is Tulip Restaurant. It’s high-end modern Australian with a carefully curated menu and minimalist decor. An ideal place to mark a special occasion after a day out exploring the peninsula.

There’s plenty to do in and around the Park, we enjoyed a pleasant morning walk along the Barwon River. Within the Park’s walls kids will keep busy with a swimming pool, jumping pillow, pedal karts, and playgrounds. There’s extra activities that run during school holidays. 

Geelong Beach and the iconic Eastern Beach Promenade are a nice, safe spot for a swim if it's warm. 

Art and culture lovers will want to stop in at the Geelong Gallery, one of the oldest regional galleries in Australia, or explore the independent boutiques and bars along Little Malop Street. If you’re here on the first Sunday of the month, the Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market is a brilliant spot for local produce, crafts, and street food.

For a change of scenery, the broader Bellarine Peninsula is worth exploring. Wineries such as Jack Rabbit and Scotchmans Hill offer tastings with bay views, and there are relaxed coastal towns like Queenscliff and Barwon Heads that make for perfect day trips.

For something more active, head down to Torquay which is home to world-class surf breaks as well as the Australian National Surfing Museum. It’s very much worth the drive to see Bells Beach and the dramatic surrounding coastline. 

The park’s riverside setting feels peaceful, yet you’re only a few minutes from the stadium if you’re here for a footy game or an event.