8 Best Day Trips from Geelong

Hop aboard the Searoad Ferries ship from Queenscliff and set sail to Mornington Peninsula’s historic village, Sorrento. Known for its seaside charm and imposing limestone buildings, Sorrento makes for a great Geelong day trip destination across the bay. Just a 4-minute drive from the ferry terminal, you’ll be greeted by the scenic Sorrento Ocean Beach. Spend your morning sunbathing along its sandy shores or taking a dip in its myriad of rock pools. Then, go café hopping and try out the best coffee and pastries Sorrento has to offer—from the iconic vanilla slice of Baked in Sorrento to the infamous coffee and chicken burger of St. Pauls General Store.

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to take in the panoramic views of Sorrento on foot, you can take the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail. As you walk through this 1.5-kilometre trail, you’ll discover 14 replicas of paintings inspired by the landscapes of the Peninsula. When you’re ready to wrap up the day, indulge in a rejuvenating massage experience at Marlo Spa and let the calming ambience wash over you as expert therapists melt away the stresses of the day.

A seaside town 37 minutes away from Geelong known for its Victorian-era heritage, Queenscliff is often overlooked as a day trip destination. But aside from its ferry terminal, which docks ferries connecting Queenscliff to Sorrento, the town has much more to offer to those who take the time to explore. Queenscliff Harbour provides the perfect spot to relax and soak in the maritime atmosphere with its bustling marina filled with boats, restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops. One of the must-try cafés in Queenscliff is the Wharf Street Pantry, where you revel in the harbour views with good coffee and pastry in hand. If a heavy meal is what you seek, TARRA Queenscliff offers nothing less than an unparalleled culinary finesse with Australian cuisine. Considered one of the best restaurants in Queenscliff, their breakfast and lunch menu features a diversity of flavours, from classic toasts to their signature chicken schnitzel, house-made potato gnocchi, and Tasmanian salmon fillet.

Near the harbour, you’ll see the two historical lighthouses that guide ships through the notoriously dangerous mouth of Port Phillip Bay: the Queenscliff High Light (Black Lighthouse) and Queenscliff Low Light (White Lighthouse). Between these two lighthouses stands Fort Queenscliff, a restored 19th-century fort that now houses military artefacts dating from the 1860s. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful coastal town, Queenscliff is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and discovery.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie who can’t get enough of water fun, there’s no need to travel far because Adventure Park Geelong is just right around the corner. Located just a 22-minute drive from Geelong and 20 minutes from Queenscliff Searoad Terminal, this waterpark is packed with thrilling rides that will have your heart racing. Make a big splash on the adrenaline-pumping Tsunami, Tornado, and Six-Lane Aqua Racer waterslides or take the plunge on a two-seater raft on The Gold Rush Rapids and Wild West Canyon.

However, Adventure Park isn’t just for thrill-seekers—it’s also a fantastic place for families and little ones. Kids (and kids at heart) can play and splash around at the Tiny Tots Splashzone or take a relaxing cruise on the Lazy River. Families can also take a break and recharge at the picnic spots around the waterpark, where they can bring their own packed lunches or just grab a bite from the park’s on-site dining outlines. This waterpark has plenty of attractions for everyone of all ages to explore that your Geelong day trip will surely be filled with non-stop fun.

The Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula produces some of the most distinctive cool-climate wines in Victoria, thanks to its maritime climate and strategic location sheltered by Port Phillip Bay. Just a short 21-minute drive from Geelong, boutique wineries and large estates are peppered around the region, making it an ideal destination for day trips.

Start your winery journey at the Bellarine Estate, where you can spend lunch or an afternoon looking over the sprawling vineyards next to the cellar door. Their curated selection of wines ranges from chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, pinot gris, and sparkling, all of which carry the signature local flavour of The Otways.

If you want to just sip back and relax in a casual atmosphere, stop by Flying Brick Cider Co. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the sound of live music and the refreshing taste of their ciders and cool-climate wines. Pair your drink with one of their share platters, fine cheese, burgers, chicken, or calamari, and you’ve got yourself a relaxing afternoon full of flavour and fun.

For those who want a change of pace and would like to switch up to some fine dining experience, Jack Rabbit Vineyard is the place to be. This award-winning vineyard restaurant has made its reputation as a gastronomic showpiece on the Peninsula, serving seafood platters, mussels, and pork belly that are best paired with cocktails and wine. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a relaxing day out, the Bellarine Peninsula has something to offer everyone.