About Geelong CBD
Geelong's city centre punches well above its weight when it comes to heritage pub culture. The compact CBD holds some of Victoria's finest 19th-century pub architecture, with venues like the National Hotel (est. 1856) and Elephant & Castle (est. 1891) still drawing locals and visitors alike. From rooftop terraces with skyline views to classic beer gardens, open fireplaces, and a full week of specials — Geelong CBD pubs offer the full range, all within easy walking distance of the waterfront and train station.
Elephant & Castle Hotel
CBD classic since 1891 with one of Geelong's best beer gardens. Steak nights from $25, Thursday Parmi Night, Jackpot Trivia, Sunday roast + free live bands every weekend.
National Hotel
Three-level heritage pub since 1856. Ground floor public bar, mid-level dining with open fireplace, rooftop terrace with retractable roof and city skyline views. Live music & DJs Fri–Sat.
Eureka Hotel
Heritage pub on Little Malop Street since 1912 with a busy bistro, gaming lounge, TAB and weekly specials. Known for generous portions and a loyal regular crowd.
Malt Shovel Taphouse
Geelong's dedicated craft beer taphouse on Bellerine Street — 30+ taps featuring local and national craft breweries, beer garden and live music events.
Sir Charles Darling Hotel
Corner pub on Bellerine Street with a sports bar, bistro, TAB, gaming lounge and courtyard beer garden. A longtime local favourite for live sport and weeknight specials.
The Commo Hotel
A buzzing live music and cocktail venue on Bellerine St — function rooms, a large front bar and regular weekend events make it one of the CBD's liveliest spots.
Sir Charles Hotham Hotel
Four-generation family-run pub on the corner of Brougham and Mercer Streets — generous bistro meals, gluten-free options and a true neighbourhood atmosphere. Tue–Sat from 11am.
Centra
Corner CBD local on Yarra and Myers Streets — traditional pub bistro, gaming machines, sports screens and live music events. Open 7 days.
Phoenix Hotel
A relaxed CBD pub on Moorabool Street with a beer garden, live music events and bistro. Friendly neighbourhood atmosphere in the heart of Geelong.
Walking distance from Geelong Station — V/Line lunch territory
The CBD is the natural V/Line walking radius — every pub on this hub sits within fifteen minutes of the central station platform on foot. Two of them anchor our Pubs Near Geelong Train Station guide: the Elephant & Castle (5 minutes south-west via Brougham and McKillop, the 1891 heritage corner pub for a V/Line lunch with weight) and the National Hotel (7 minutes south on Moorabool, three-level 1856 pub with the only retractable rooftop in the CBD). Malt Shovel Taphouse is closer still — two minutes from the platform on Bellerine Street, and open until 1am Friday and Saturday so it can outlast the last V/Line if needed. The CBD half of a V/Line day works because everything resolves on foot — no taxis, no missed last train.
Pubs Near Avalon Airport See the Train Station Pubs Guide →Know a CBD pub we're missing?
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