About an hour out of Melbourne is Geelong, an often-overlooked city that’s rich in beauty, arts and culture, and stunning seaside scenery. If you’re wondering about the kind of photography locations Geelong has to offer, you’ll find a helpful guide below.
What makes Geelong so beautiful is the outstanding heritage architecture and thriving arts scene. The history of the industrial city’s manufacturing and wool production boom has resulted in old-school aesthetic places in Geelong that photographers adore, too.
Geelong has a mini-Melbourne feel, and the vast surroundings of farms, vineyards, and world-class beaches draw people from all over. It’s no wonder there are so many beautiful sunset spots and wedding photo locations in Geelong. So, pack your camera ready for your visit as you’ll no doubt find something to zoom in on in this glorious place.
The 5 Best Photo Spots in Geelong
If you’re spending time in town with your camera exploring this diamond-in-the-rough of a city, take note of some of the gems we’ve listed below. You could also spend time on the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, or Great Ocean Road photographing some of Victoria’s beaches, cliffs, and gorgeous towns. Visiting the best sunrise spots Geelong and its surroundings have to offer is always a treat.
When in town though, as well as enjoying the numerous cafes and restaurants, and quirky arts and culture scene, head to the following places with your camera. Here are the best places to visit in Geelong for photographers:
#1 Geelong Botanic Gardens
Established in 1851, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is Australia’s oldest botanic garden. It’s absolutely full of plants from all over the world. For macro photographers, this is one of the best photography locations Geelong has to offer. Practise your macro shots photographing all the plants and flowers, but don’t forget a dedicated macro lens and camera tripod to keep blur at bay. For the best macro images, lighting is essential, so if it’s possible, visit the gardens on an overcast day. The cloud cover acts as a natural diffuser for light!
#2 Geelong Train Station and customs house
Both these spots are grand, historical, and picturesque. Anyone with a keen interest in architectural photography will enjoy framing these buildings. To fine-tune your compositions, we suggest mounting your camera on a tripod. There are plenty of travel tripods out there that are compact and easy to carry while still being sturdy enough for heavy cameras.
#3 Johnstone’s Park
If you’re a history buff, spend some time in Johnston’s Park, to explore and take photos. It’s a beautiful sunset spot in Geelong, as the sun’s orange beams cut through the trees. The Victorian-era Hitchcock memorial Bandstand is one of the main focal points, but visitors also love this park as a little oasis amid the city’s shopping and business district.
#4 Union Street, Cnr Downes Land, and Downes Place
As mentioned, the city is a hub of creativity, so of course, it’s also a vibrant trove of unique street art. If you’re into street art, these are the best places to marvel at locals’ work. A wide-angle camera lens will help you to frame the artwork in cramped, busy areas. Grab an excellent coffee and go for a wander.
#5 The Waterfront & Eastern Beach
Whether you’re up early seeking the best sunrise spots in Geelong, or if you’re simply enjoying the calming view of the bay, you’ll enjoy these drawcards. The area is where locals enjoy taking strolls, having BBQs and picnics, exercising, and catching up with loved ones. Take in the surroundings and capture some stunning shots while you’re at it. A wide-angle zoom lens is the best option for framing these destinations adequately.
Sand and water can be deadly to camera equipment, so be sure to exercise caution. If there’s a chance you could be photographing close to the water’s edge, consider purchasing a waterproof camera. If your images will be captured from the safety of the shore, a UV lens filter is essential for protecting the front element of your lens. Circular polarisers are another popular lens filter choice at the beach, as they cut down on water reflections, and increase contrast and saturation resulting in amazing photos.
All the history, shopping, food, art, and aesthetic places in Geelong really put Geelong on the map for tourists and photographers alike. Grab your gear and head to this insanely cool city!