places to dine, visit and explore…

eat

  • Bistrot Plume

    Iconic French cuisine in the heart of Belmont and a comfortable walk from The River Studio. Beautiful wines, fabulous food and great hospitality… this little gem is a must visit when you stay.

  • Provenance Wines

    Sitting on the edge of the Barwon River, Provenance Wines is a stunning spot for a long lunch or wine filled evening.

  • Songbird

    Songbird is a more casual, Northern Thai restaurant with an a la carte sharing menu, which focuses on BBQ meats, chilli, and acids developed through pickling and fermentation.

  • Geelong Cellar Door

    Geelong Cellar Door is a truly local wine bar located in the heart of Geelong’s vibrant inner CBD conveying an old world charm, look and feel with the ambience of a smart and sophisticated cellar door experience.

  • Felix

    Felix Restaurant brings romance to Geelong. Drawing on the cobblestone laneways of Melbourne and the effortless style of French dining, this tucked-away bistro celebrates good food, good wine, and good company.

  • The Arborist

    The Arborist, a sophisticated wine bar and restaurant, is a staple of Little Malop Street in Geelong’s CBD. A beautiful, architectural dining experience with fabulous food - modern Australian cuisine.

  • Sumi

    The best Asian charcoal BBQ in town. Sumi is all about the charcoal with pan-Asian influences.

  • Eureka Hotel

    The Eureka Hotel s is the modern interpretation of the classic Aussie pub, dining room and bar. Accommodating all group sizes for lunch, dinner or drinks across the bar and dining spaces.

  • The Hot Chicken Project

    Traditional Southern style fried chicken at its best with all the sides to match. A long list of craft beers and bustling atmosphere - you can’t miss it.

  • Pavilion Geelong

    Conveniently located along the boardwalk of Eastern Beach, Pavilion offers all-day dining and evening offerings of pan-Asian cuisine

  • Carrugi

    Enjoy traditional Northern Italian food in the heart of Geelong. The changing menu focuses on classics done traditionally with respect for the ingredients, sourcing from both local suppliers and growers as well as quality imported goods.

  • i Ragazzi

    A little taste of southern Italy at its most authentic. i Ragazzi is known for its fresh hand made pizza and pasta, located in Newtown it is a perfect spot to grab some take away or sit down and enjoy a wine.

  • BKK Boy

    Your local take away with all of the best Thai options to choose from.

  • Nova Balinese Kitchen

    Originating from a small village of Pedahan in North East Bali, Nova started his culinary journey by helping his mum create delicious meals for his family to enjoy. The traditions continue now in the heart of Newtown.

  • Barwon Edge

    A contemporary and inventive take on Middle Eastern cuisine, the menu is carefully crafted to showcase the diverse culinary traditions found across the Middle East drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern spices, herbs, and cooking techniques.

shop

  • born and bread

    Our favourite local bakery - the perfect walk from The River Studio - offering freshly baked rustic breads that often sell out before midday as well as coffee, cakes, pastries and fresh sandwiches.

  • Blackhearts & sparrows

    The independent wine store that aims to make the world of wine accessible, just down the road from the Village Store, ask in store for the bottle of wine to accompany your pasta and maybe a few beers for when that warmer weather hits.

  • bleu design store

    Beautiful, ethical products for your home & wardrobe; a lovely store to have a wander around and to pick something up for a gift or treat yourself!

  • Collections concept store

    All of your favourite women’s labels carefully curated in the one place. Fabulous service and attention to detail.

  • Good things concept store

    Good Things stocks Australian and International menswear which has quickly become the place to shop for the men’s collection - you will be well looked after by the owner Matt.

  • Lily Pond

    A stylish French antiques and homewares store in Geelong. Featuring Sophie Digard, Astier de Villatte, Sid Dickens and more! If you are visiting during Christmas be sure to stop by you will be taken away to a Chrismas wonderland.

  • Townhouse living

    Townhouse Living is your destination for unique luxury gifts, fresh flowers and home styling (including unique furniture, lighting and home accessories pieces). All things that make a house a home.

  • BOOM GALLERY

    Boom is a vibrant and active contemporary art and design gallery that presents the work of emerging and established artists, designers and makers. We have featured many Boom artists when sourcing for The River Studio.

  • GEELONG GALLERY

    The Geelong Gallery houses some of Australia’s most famous works. Have a look at their website to see whats on!

  • Salt contemporary art

    Based an easy 30 minute drive away in picturesque Queenscliff, Salt Contemporary Art exhibits the works of Contemporary Australian Painters, Sculptors and Ceramicists.

  • Harveys of Highton

    For all your fruit, vegetable and pantry items while in town… visit Harveys for the absolute best selection of beautiful fresh produce, local dairy produce, pasta, condiments and more

wander

  • buckley falls

    This pristine and tranquil riverside reserve has stunning waterfall views and is an area of environmental and historical significance. It also features excellent walking and bike tracks.

  • barwon river

    The Barwon River and it’s environs are marvellous places for watersports, walking, cycling, fishing or just relaxing. They pass fascinating wetlands, parks, a golf course, the Yollinko Aboriginal Garden and urban areas.

    Perfect for walking, running or cycling.

  • Geelong Waterfront Promenade

    This cosmopolitan and vibrant area is a hive of activity with restaurants and cafes, beautiful landscaped gardens, attractions and public art, all with amazing views of Corio Bay.