When you stay at Waurn Ponds Estate, you’re not just booking accommodation in Geelong you’re setting yourself up for a weekend packed with good food, hidden gems and local adventures.
From boutique wineries and iconic coastal walks to the bustling Waterfront and vibrant city laneways, here’s how to make the most of your time in Geelong.
Explore local wineries
Start your weekend with a visit to Mt Duneed Estate, one of the region’s best-known wineries and a favourite for A Day On The Green. Enjoy tastings of local wines, a delicious lunch in the Barrel Hall, or when the weather is nice book a spot in The Garden Bar for share platters and live music with friends — it’s an ideal first stop before heading back to your accommodation near Geelong at the Estate.
Just down the road, Nicol’s Paddock is a small, family-owned vineyard and wine bar that’s all about good wine, simple food and great company. Take a seat under the trees, share a tasting plate and unwind with a glass of Pinot.
Next on your wine trail, Provenance Wines sits inside a beautiful heritage bluestone building on the banks of the Barwon River. Their cellar door is perfect for sampling award-winning cool-climate wines and enjoying a seasonal menu that champions fresh, local produce.
Taste Local Goodness
No Geelong weekend away is complete without a stop for something sweet. Freshwater Creek Cakes is a local undiscovered gem with a famous sponge cake that’s impossible to resist — and worth driving hours for. Light, fluffy and nostalgic, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy over a cuppa in the Waurn Ponds Estate gardens, soaking up the fresh country air.
Soak Up Live Music in the Vines
If your weekend lines up with A Day On The Green, you’re in for something special. This iconic concert series brings big-name artists to our beautiful region for a day of live music, local wine and picnic rugs on the grass. Waurn Ponds Estate is the ideal choice for Geelong accommodation when you’re heading to A Day On The Green — just a short drive back from Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds Estate run a regular shuttle bus to and from the event.
Find Hidden Beaches and Coastal Trails
When you’re ready to swap the vines for the ocean, the Surf Coast is just a short drive away — and perfect for a full day of exploring.
Take in the stunning cliffs at Point Addis, then roll out a picnic rug at Southside Lookout — one of the best spots to sit back and watch the waves. A stop at Bells Beach is a must too: this iconic surf break is famous for its big, powerful waves and the pro surfers who come from around the world to ride them. Just down the road, Jan Juc is another favourite for a long beach walk before you head back to your accommodation at Waurn Ponds Estate to relax in the gardens and unwind.
Experience the Geelong Waterfront
It wouldn’t be a weekend without time spent at the Geelong Waterfront. Stroll along the iconic Bollard Trail and spot dozens of colourful, quirky bollard sculptures that tell the city’s maritime story. Take a spin on the historic Geelong Carousel or the Ferris Wheel, stop for fish and chips on the promenade or settle in for a long lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants with bay views.
If you’re feeling active, Eastern Beach Reserve is perfect for a swim, a picnic on the lawns or a walk along the art deco boardwalk. The Waterfront is one of the best ways to soak up Geelong’s coastal charm.
Explore Geelong’s City Centre
If the city is more your style, Geelong’s city centre is bursting with things to do. Wander down Little Malop Street to find tucked-away coffee spots, laneway wine bars, craft breweries and boutique stores.Check out James Street for independent shops and local fashion, or visit the Geelong Gallery to see Australian artworks and touring exhibitions.
The Perfect Base for a Geelong Getaway
Whether you’re here for a weekend away or a work trip, Waurn Ponds Estate is more than just somewhere to stay — it’s the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Geelong.
Our region has great food, boutique wineries, stunning coastal trails and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
Learn more about Waurn Ponds Estate or get in touch to book your next weekend away — we’d love to help you plan your perfect stay.
