
Steampacket Gardens
A vibrant waterfront park in Geelong, offering stunning bay views, lively events, and a monthly arts & crafts market.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Discover local crafts

Steampacket Gardens
Best Time
Discover local crafts

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront park in Geelong, offering stunning bay views, lively events, and a monthly arts & crafts market.
"Beautiful site for all the events in central Geelong City. The start and finish line for Cadel Evans road race and people ride!"

🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the bay views with a picnic! Food trucks are often available during events.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Steampacket Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch markets or races.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Corio Bay Views
Waterfront edge
Panoramic vistas of Corio Bay, perfect for a peaceful moment or a scenic picnic.

Arts & Crafts Market
Central lawn area
Discover unique handmade treasures and local artisan goods at this vibrant monthly market.

Event Hub
Main lawn
Experience the thrill of major events like the Superboat Championships and Cadel Evans Road Race.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Event Central: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the bay views with a picnic! Food trucks are often available during events.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Steampacket Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch markets or races.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Waterfront
A relaxing walk along the water's edge offers beautiful sea views and fresh air.
☀️ Enjoy the Sea Breeze
The gardens are known for their refreshing sea breeze, making it a pleasant spot year-round.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the bay views with a picnic! Food trucks are often available during events.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Steampacket Gardens hosts many events; check listings to catch markets or races.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Waterfront
A relaxing walk along the water's edge offers beautiful sea views and fresh air.
☀️ Enjoy the Sea Breeze
The gardens are known for their refreshing sea breeze, making it a pleasant spot year-round.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Steampacket Gardens for its beautiful bay views, refreshing sea breeze, and its role as a vibrant event hub. It's a cherished spot for relaxation, family fun, and experiencing community events, though it can get crowded during major happenings.
"Throw back Oct 2011
Nice place sea view & sea breeze
Used to be our playground during summer day.
We played 'Sepak Raga' or 'Sepak Takraw' and sometimes we played futsal (just using shoes as a goal post).
memories."
aniq ixanif
"Stopped at this garden on the way to the twelve apostles during a search for a breakfast cafe,
It was peaceful, likely being a weekday and slightly early in the morning.
A stroll along the water edge was just relaxing,"
S KC
"Beautiful site for all the events in central Geelong City. The start and finish line for Cadel Evans road race and people ride!
Open and clean space in the garden with tables, chairs and umbrellas set up for spectators to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the race. Lovely view of the water in the background.
Food and drink trucks are available in the area and many children's activities are provided."
Penny Gaffney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steampacket Gardens is conveniently located on Eastern Beach Road in central Geelong, making it easily accessible by car or public transport. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the Geelong CBD.
Yes, there is ample parking available around the Geelong Waterfront precinct, including near Steampacket Gardens, especially during non-event times.
The Geelong train station is a short distance from Steampacket Gardens. A leisurely walk along the waterfront will lead you there, offering scenic views along the way.
Several bus routes service the Geelong CBD and Waterfront area, making Steampacket Gardens easily reachable by public bus. Check local transport schedules for specific routes.
Steampacket Gardens is located in Geelong, which is the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. It's a great place to visit before or after your Great Ocean Road adventure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Steampacket Gardens itself is a public park and is free to enter. However, specific events held within the gardens may have associated ticket prices.
As a public park, Steampacket Gardens is generally accessible at all times. However, access may be restricted during major event setups or specific event hours.
The Offshore Superboat Championships at Steampacket Gardens are a FREE event with viewing access along the shoreline.
The Matildas Live Site at Steampacket Gardens is typically a free event, allowing everyone to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the game.
Yes, Steampacket Gardens often serves as a start/finish line for the Cadel Evans Road Race and is a free public viewing area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the bay views, relax on the lawns, visit the monthly arts and crafts market, or experience major events like boat races and sports live sites.
Yes, the gardens are well-equipped with seating, tables, and umbrellas, and public toilet facilities are available nearby along the waterfront.
Absolutely! It's a great open space for kids to run around, and events often include family-friendly activities. The waterfront location is also a draw.
While specific event rules may vary, generally dogs are permitted in Steampacket Gardens on a leash. Always check local council regulations.
Steampacket Gardens features unique statues that add character to the landscape, often related to Geelong's maritime history or local art.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During events, food and drink trucks are commonly available. For regular visits, numerous cafes and restaurants are located along the Geelong Waterfront nearby.
Yes, Steampacket Gardens is an ideal spot for a picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the scenic views of Corio Bay.
The Geelong Waterfront boasts a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, all within easy walking distance of Steampacket Gardens.
While dedicated BBQ facilities might not be present within the gardens themselves, many visitors enjoy picnics. Public BBQ facilities can be found at nearby Eastern Beach Reserve.
Yes, numerous cafes are situated along the Geelong Waterfront, offering coffee and light refreshments, perfect for a break while visiting the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of Corio Bay, the Geelong skyline, and the unique statues. The waterfront edge offers beautiful light, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The western-facing aspect of Corio Bay provides beautiful sunset views over the water, making Steampacket Gardens a prime location for photographers.
Events like the Superboat Championships offer dynamic action shots, while markets provide colorful scenes. Even a simple day with families enjoying the space can be picturesque.
The Geelong Waterfront itself is iconic, with the carousel, bollards, and the bay providing excellent backdrops. Steampacket Gardens is a central part of this picturesque area.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing image.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is a great way to enjoy a budget-friendly meal with a view, and the availability of seating and shade makes it comfortable for longer stays. The gardens are also a safe and accessible place for a leisurely stroll, allowing families to explore the Geelong Waterfront at their own pace.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Many of the events held here, such as the Superboat Championships and Matildas Live Sites, are also free to attend, providing entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere without any cost. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or simply to enjoy the Geelong atmosphere.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting during the monthly arts and crafts market for a charming date activity, browsing unique local creations together. Alternatively, pack a picnic to share as you watch the sunset over the water, creating a perfect, intimate experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Events and Activities at Steampacket Gardens
Beyond major sporting spectacles, Steampacket Gardens is home to a popular monthly arts and crafts market. This market showcases a diverse range of local artisan products, from handmade jewelry and ceramics to unique artworks, providing a fantastic opportunity to support local creators and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The gardens have also been utilized as live sites for major sporting events, such as the Matildas' games, fostering a strong sense of community spirit and shared excitement. The Geelong Cats' premiership celebrations have also seen the gardens packed with enthusiastic fans.
These events highlight Steampacket Gardens' versatility as a public space. Whether it's the roar of engines from the superboats, the cheers for athletes, or the buzz of a local market, the gardens offer a vibrant backdrop for memorable experiences. Visitors are encouraged to check the local Geelong events calendar to see what's happening during their visit to make the most of this active waterfront destination.
The Charm of Steampacket Gardens: A Relaxing Escape
The peaceful atmosphere, especially on weekdays and early mornings, invites visitors to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Corio Bay. The gardens are characterized by their large, open lawn areas, complemented by tables, chairs, and umbrellas, creating comfortable spots to sit and soak in the surroundings. The unique statues scattered throughout the gardens add an artistic touch, enhancing the visual appeal and providing points of interest for a leisurely walk.
Whether you're seeking a quiet moment to enjoy the scenery, a pleasant spot for a family outing, or a picturesque location for a picnic, Steampacket Gardens delivers. Its accessibility and natural charm make it a quintessential Geelong experience, offering a welcome respite from the everyday hustle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit