Just an hour from Melbourne, it's no surprise that the city's caffeine culture has made its way to Geelong. There are countless reliable cafe options, with Coffee Cartel a standout.
Batteries charged, it's time to have some fun on the Geelong waterfront and the outdoor playground that is Eastern Beach. If it's too chilly for the seaside pool, you can watch the boats bobbing on the bay and take a turn on the historic carousel. Watch Geelong's famous bollards come to life with the augmented reality app downloaded to your smartphone.
Head towards the striking domed roof of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, in the heart of Geelong's cultural precinct and while away some time in this library with a difference. Wander through Geelong Gallery, one of Australia's leading and oldest regional art galleries, and see what's on at Geelong Arts Centre. Grab tickets for an evening show later.
Take a break for lunch at the Hot Chicken Project. It's the hottest spot in town and will prepare you for an afternoon exploring edgy Pakington Street. Make sure you check out the emerging art in the former wool mill at Boom Gallery, then sit back and watch the world go by with a glass of wine from Geelong Cellar Door on Little Malop Street. Have dinner at ALMA Restaurant, The Beach House Geelong, Wah Wah Gee at the end of Cunningham Pier, or The Continental on Little Mallop Street. And save room for a cheeky late-night cocktail at the 18th Amendment Bar.
It's time to call it a day. Collapse into bed at Anchor Geelong or Novotel Geelong on the waterfront, and get ready for a jam-packed second day.
