Parks, Gardens & Playgrounds

Parks, gardens, playgrounds, walking trails, bike tracks and picnic spots – Central Geelong has them all.

Central Geelong has a great range of major public parks. Check out Johnstone Park in Gheringhap St and its historic rotunda while the War Memorial sits within the park along with striking contemporary public art . 

Spectacular Waterfront Geelong includes Steampacket Gardens and Transvaal Square, both providing plenty of opportunities to relax under towering palm trees and Norfolk Pines.

Don't miss Eastern Beach, with its historic and magnificently restored art deco swimming enclosure; it is a true feature of our stunning city. It is surrounded by gardens, with public BBQ's, amenities and facilities, playgrounds and a free public pool.

For a mix of history and stunning contemporary design, visit the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Located above Eastern Beach, the Botanic Gardens offer visitors an impressive array of plants set amongst historic English landscaping. To get there you’ll have to pass through the spectacular 21st Century Garden. It’s a multi-million dollar contemporary garden blending unique native garden beds with dramatic design. It’s not to be missed.

A key destination for locals and visitors alike, Eastern Park is popular for walking, jogging, golf or just taking in the view. It’s also a fantastic picnic spot.

Playgrounds
Looking for a great playground to entertain the kids? Central Geelong has a great range of playgrounds to satisfy kids of any ages.

It’s not just the little kids having fun in Central Geelong. Located on the Waterfront in front of the Deakin University campus, the Youth Activities Area is a unique space for young people incorporating skate park, event and activities space.

Playgrounds found in Central Geelong include:

Eastern Beach Reserve – Located near the restored art deco swimming enclosure is surrounded by gardens, with public BBQ's, amenities and facilities, playgrounds and a free public pool.
Rippleside Park - Located between the Geelong suburbs (42 Bell Parade, Rippleside) of Drumcondra and Rippleside, Rippleside Park is one of the region's most-visited open spaces.
Geelong Play Space - Located in the heart of Eastern Park, just near the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The Liberty Swing can be found in the Geelong Play Space. You need a key for this swing - call into the National Wool Museum at 26 Moorabool Street in Geelong between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

You will need to produce your driver's licence before you can borrow one of these keys free of charge.  However if you would like to purchase one to use whenever you need, the fee is $16.50.