Car Rental Geelong Downtown

Welcome to downtown Geelong – a place of reinvention with a rich heritage and a lively, contemporary culture. The second-largest city in the state, Geelong is only an hour from the ‘big smoke’ of neighbouring Melbourne. Which means, you’ll be able to experience a charming mix of handsome buildings, scenic harbour, captivating foreshore and general largesse at a slower pace.

For those who love the outdoors, this beautiful bayside city is also the gateway to the surf coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and the much-adored Great Ocean Road. Closer to home base, the prestigiously awarded Geelong Waterfront is a spectacularly vibrant spot and deservedly the number-one tourist attraction in Geelong. It’s eat, swim and play here – but not necessarily in that order. And for a change of scene, wander the serene Botanic Gardens before you head back into town.

In Geelong, you’ll be reminded to turn down the dial and slip into a lifestyle more chilled – yet flourishing with a burgeoning hipster vibe and thriving arts scene. Take the weekend, or a whole week, and experience the best of Geelong from the comfort of your hire car.

Moving forward in your hire car

The mark of history is present in downtown Geelong’s stately architecture, including Gold Rush and Victorian-era buildings and Art Deco delights. The past is well preserved in the fabric of this historic port town. The National Wool Museum, Custom House, Town Hall and Old Geelong Gaol capture a lasting legacy and are still standing strong.

Geelong is also known as the former home of Ford Australia. The automotive giant, once the lifeblood of the town, closed its doors in 2016 after a solid 90-year run. But the town was not down on its luck for long, and a spirit of renewal has seized this resilient regional city.

Since then, Geelong has been enjoying a creative-led revival. This has influenced both the Arts and other facets of the city’s transforming lifestyle – witnessed in the influx of funky new shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, and affordable housing developments. From breweries and coffee roasteries, to vintage and artisan markets, plus theatres and galleries, Geelong’s good life is accessible for every taste and budget.

Keep coasting in your hire car

Before you venture out to test the world-class waves just 30 minutes away at Bells Beach, you certainly won’t want to miss Geelong’s own Eastern Beach Reserve on the picturesque foreshore. It’s the perfect place for cooling off when the weather heats up or before a long drive. This renowned swimming promenade features sea baths, floating islands, a commanding diving tower, plus picnic areas and playgrounds for all to enjoy. Stroll the art-deco-style boardwalk, built in the 1930s. Ride the restored Carousel. Check out the famous Baywalk Bollards and public art on foot or soak up the dazzling ambience of gorgeous Corio Bay from a boat cruise or a chopper.

Geelong is also conveniently located to sample a sweep of pretty coastal towns – from Torquay to Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff – all within an easy radius. The popular seaside resort of Queenscliff is must-see. Like Geelong, it offers great character and 19th-century appeal. Treat yourself and stay or dine at the Vue Grand Hotel, a magnificent iconic building established in the 1880s. Take your car on the Queenscliff ferry and cross Port Phillip Bay, disembarking on the other side at Sorrento. But don’t forget to catch the ride back, or you might have to go the long way round (via Melbourne!) to return to downtown Geelong.

If you do like your roads long and winding, tour the world-renowned Great Ocean Road. A memorable scenic drive of raw beauty and rugged cliffs overlooks the windswept Southern Ocean. Be sure to stop off at some of the popular coastal resorts, from Torquay to Lorne and on to Apollo Bay, just a couple of hours away. Keep at the wheel for another 90 minutes, and you’ll come face-to-face with the 12 Apostles – a highlight of any trip to the south-west coast. Explore more in your hire car and have that phone-cam on the ready to capture these breathtaking vistas.