🇦🇺 Melbourne / A Summer Just for Geelong 🛍️

Geelong in summer is pure dopamine—absolutely stunning! Here’s a detailed day-trip guide for car-free travelers looking to enjoy a perfect weekend escape. Getting There 🚌 1️⃣ Ferry: Book tickets in advance via Port Phillip Ferries (Docklands ↔ Geelong). 2️⃣ Train: Take the V/Line from Southern Cross Station (~1-hour ride). Itinerary 🗺️ 1️⃣ Geelong Gallery 🎨 Free entry! A small but charming art space with a lovely garden next door. 2️⃣ National Wool Museum 🐑 Entry: $12 (we skipped it but browsed the gift shop—full of cozy wool goodies!). 3️⃣ Eastern Beach 🏖️ Cunningham Pier: Iconic arched structure with quirky wooden figure carvings (originally boat posts!). Giant Sky Wheel 🎡: $10 for 9 rotations—panoramic coastal views! Waterfront: Palm-fringed photo hotspot ⛲. Seaside Pool & Diving Platform: Free change rooms/showers nearby. 4️⃣ Geelong Botanic Gardens 🌿 A scenic coastal walk leads to this compact but diverse garden (bug spray recommended!). 5️⃣ Geelong Gaol Museum ⛓️ A chilling peek into 19th-century prison life (bring a jacket—it’s drafty!). 6️⃣ Westfield Shopping Centre 🛍️ Near the station for last-minute souvenirs or snacks. Lunch Spot 🍽️ Wharf Shed Oceanfront dining with lamb pizza 🍕 and sweet potato fries (no regrets!). ~$30/person. Final Thoughts ✨ Geelong is 100% worth the trip—though be ready to walk! The compact layout means exploring on foot is easy, but you’ll sleep like a log afterward. 😴 #Australia #Geelong#SunAndSand #WorkAndHoliday #StudyAbroadLife #CarFreeTravel #GeelongGram #SeafoodLovers #CoastalVibes