I've lived near Geelong my whole life, and I still get excited when school holidays roll around and families start making their way down to the waterfront. There's something genuinely great about this city when the weather's on your side, and the September/October break is honestly one of the best times to visit. The crowds aren't too bad, the days are getting longer, and the whole foreshore comes alive. If you're heading to Geelong these school holidays and wondering how to fill the days, here's what I'd actually do.
Start at the Geelong Waterfront
The waterfront is the obvious starting point and it earns that reputation. Eastern Beach is perfect for kids because of the enclosed swimming area, the old carousel, and the wide open spaces to just run around. If the weather's good, it's hard to beat. Grab fish and chips from one of the spots along the foreshore, find a bench, and let the kids loose.
The waterfront walk stretches a solid distance in both directions and it's flat and easy with a pram or little legs. Keep an eye out for the Baywalk Bollards, the carved wooden sculptures that tell local stories. Kids love finding them all.
I've shot Eastern Beach at sunset more times than I can count, and it genuinely is one of those spots that looks different every single time. One of my Geelong Art Prints captures that golden foreshore light in a way that brings it all back the moment you look at it.
Take the Queenscliff Ferry for a Bellarine Day Trip
One of the best things to do in Geelong these school holidays is jump on the Queenscliff Ferry for a day trip across the bay. Kids love the ferry ride itself, and Queenscliff on the other side is a brilliant little town to wander around. From there you can drive or ride towards Point Lonsdale and let the lighthouse do the talking. The views from the Point Lonsdale bluff are genuinely worth the stop.
Point Lonsdale is one of my favourite spots to photograph on the whole Bellarine Peninsula. If you've visited before, or you're planning to, the Point Lonsdale Art Print IV starting from $89 is a great way to bring that memory home. It's one of the most popular prints I sell, and I can see why.
Science Works and the STEM Precinct
If you get a rainy day or just need a change of pace, Geelong has a growing STEM and discovery precinct worth exploring. Scienceworks in Melbourne is a bit of a drive but worth it for science-mad kids. Closer to home, check what's on at GMHBA Stadium, the Geelong Library, and the various school holiday programs run by the City of Greater Geelong. The council usually has a solid lineup of free and low-cost activities across the school holidays, so it's worth checking their website before you go.
Markets, Markets, Markets
The Geelong region does markets really well. The Geelong Showgrounds Market runs regularly and is great for a browse with kids. There are also various pop-up and artisan markets that appear during school holidays around the waterfront area. It's a good way to support local makers and pick up something unique to take home.
Speaking of taking something home, a lot of visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine look for local art that actually means something. If you've spent the holiday enjoying Eastern Beach or the Bellarine, putting a print on the wall at home is a genuinely nice way to hold onto that feeling. I shoot every image myself at these real locations. These aren't stock photos. The Geelong Art Print II and Barwon Heads Art Print I are both popular choices for people who've fallen for this stretch of coast.
Bring a Little Geelong Home With You
School holidays go fast. One week of sunscreen and fish and chips and it's back to routines. A lot of families I hear from say they wanted something to remember the trip by, something real that captures where they actually went. That's exactly why I started Local Breaks.
All my Geelong prints are printed and shipped from Victoria, start from $89, and come with free shipping Australia-wide. You can choose unframed if you've already got a frame at home, or go for a classic framed print with solid FSC certified timber and archival glass, ready to hang straight out of the box. Check out the full product guide if you want to compare your options.
If you're not sure what size to go for, I've got a size guide here that makes it easy. And this post on choosing wall art for a coastal living room is worth a read if you're thinking about where to hang it.
FAQ
What are the best free things to do in Geelong during school holidays?
Eastern Beach and the Geelong waterfront are completely free and great for families. The Baywalk Bollards are a fun activity for kids, and the foreshore walking path is easy for all ages. The Queenscliff Ferry has a fare but the day trip to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff is excellent value for a full day out.
Is Geelong worth visiting during the September school holidays?
Yes, September and October are a great time to visit Geelong. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and it's not yet peak summer crowd season. Eastern Beach is fantastic in the spring sunshine, and there's usually a good program of holiday activities across the city.
What can I buy as a souvenir from Geelong that isn't generic tourist stuff?
A locally shot art print of Geelong or the Bellarine Peninsula is one of the best options. I'm a Geelong-based photographer and I shoot every image myself at the actual locations. Prints start from $89 and ship free anywhere in Australia, so you can even order after you get home while the memories are fresh.
What are the best day trips from Geelong during school holidays?
Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff via the Queenscliff Ferry is a classic. Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads are both easy drives from Geelong and great for a beach day. If you're up for a longer run, Torquay and Bells Beach are about 30 minutes south and well worth it, especially if the kids are into surfing or just want to see a famous beach.
Hope you have a brilliant break down here on the coast. If you pick up a print to remember it by, I'd love to hear where you ended up hanging it.
