Where to unwind with a drink in Geelong this summer

AS the work year winds down and summer rolls in, locals are swapping office hours for rooftop sunsets and long, easy evenings that drift into the night.

Whether it’s a cocktail in a cosy basement or a spritz under the open sky, there’s no shortage of places to toast the season.

Here are a few worth raising a glass in, from fresh faces to rooftop favourites and the bars that keep Geelong coming back.

 

 

NEW ON THE POUR

Daisy Bar

4 Shorts Place, Geelong

Daisy has quickly become Geelong’s go-to hideaway for anyone who takes their cocktails and their ambience seriously. Created by the team behind The Cocktail Cart, the basement bar transforms a raw industrial shell into a warm, low-lit retreat filled with marble, mood and meticulous mixing. Its menu leans into reimagined classics – the namesake Daisy among them – proving that simple, well-balanced drinks and an easy-going approach still make the best impression.

Fantome

126 Ryrie St, Geelong

Fantome brings a touch of late-night glamour to Geelong’s heart and a challenge to the city’s old hospitality habits. The vision of industry veteran Amber Fox, the Ryrie Street bar blurs the line between restaurant and cocktail lounge, pairing French-inspired dishes with inventive cocktails served in moody, candlelit style. With its velvet booths, soft lighting and a flair for the unexpected, Fantome feels every bit like a slice of Europe tucked quietly into the city.

 

 

DRINKS WITH A VIEW

The Arborist

75 Little Malop St, Geelong

The Arborist has become one of Geelong’s most inviting places to unwind in the warmer months. Its rooftop setting offers a leafy outlook and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from the busy street below. The focus is on approachable drinks, local wines and simple food done well, making it a steady favourite for after-work gatherings and weekend catch-ups.

Sailors’ Rest

3 Moorabool St, Geelong

Sailors’ Rest makes the most of its spot on the Geelong waterfront, with a rooftop bar that has become a favourite for its sweeping bay views. It’s an easy place to settle in with a drink as the afternoon light shifts across the water.

 

 

LOCAL FAVOURITES

The 18th Amendment Bar

82A Little Malop St, Geelong

The 18th Amendment Bar helped shape Geelong’s small-bar identity and still feels as sharp as ever. It channels a classic speakeasy atmosphere, with low lighting, dark timber and shelves lined with rare spirits. The cocktail list is extensive and carefully curated, drawing regulars who appreciate the craft behind each drink.

Non Disclosure Bar

2/71 Little Malop St, Geelong

Elegant and understated, the nearby Non Disclosure Bar captures the feel of a 1920s lounge with its soft lighting and Art Deco design. The cocktails are precise and inventive, served with a level of polish that makes it a favourite for a relaxed night out.