Must-visit: Explore the Little Malop Street Precinct
From experimental dumplings to a hearty serve of moussaka, Little Malop Street is a melting pot of global cuisines.
Away from the kitchen, this street and surrounding area is home to a thriving cultural hub and range of specialty retail stores.
From sun-up to sundown, and long after, this precinct really packs a punch.
Eat and drink
Asian cuisines are in good supply on this strip. Here you’ll find Japanese-inspired favourites like tonkotsu ramen at Sober Ramen and fish cooked over a smoky robata grill at Sumi. Traditional Chinese dumplings are on offer at Drunken Dumpling and for some more unusual fillings, including yellow curry beef, stop by Bahjong. Malaysian, Afghan and Indian are also on offer.
Graze on a Northern Italian-focussed menu, including Focaccia col Formaggio a dish unique to the town of Recco, at Caruggi Restaurant or find your Greek favourite at Mavs Restaurant. For something sweet follow it up with a Greek dessert at Mavs’ sister venue, LoukouMadness.
Alma takes its inspiration from South American cuisines with the likes of empanadas and ceviche on the menu.
The Arborist and its new rooftop bar are cleverly created around the excelsior tree and serve up share plates illuminating Middle Eastern flavours.
Tucked in an alleyway is Felix, which is French dining at its best. Try the spanner crab profiteroles and leek and Gruyère croquettes while taking in the beautiful interior design.
When the night gets a little darker, slink up the steps to The 18th Amendment Bar and be taken back in time to the prohibition era. Or head around the corner to Non Disclosure Bar for cocktails and caviar (and other decadent share plates) in Gatsby-era surrounds.
FOOD FOR THE MIND AND EYES
Little Malop Street runs through the centre of Geelong’s cultural heart. Facing each other on the western end, you’ll find one of the country’s oldest regional galleries, the Geelong Gallery, and the largest regional space for creative and performing arts in Australia at Geelong Arts Centre.
On the same street it’s hard to miss the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. The futuristic dome clad in hexagonal tiles with soaring glass-shard windows is one of Geelong’s most impressive buildings.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Be mesmerised by the pink convenience store interiors and spiritual goods at Satellite Hearts or peruse collectables, comics and an extensive vinyl collective upstairs at Popcultcha Geelong.
Along with its expansive art collection, the Geelong Gallery has an equally impressive retail store with unique gifts for the loved one in your life who appreciates beautiful things.
EXPLORE LITTLE MALOP
Right in the heart of the Little Malop Street precinct is The Electric Hotel – accommodation tailored for business and short stays with 24/7 contactless check-in. There are also two new hotels within wandering distance of the culinary strip – Holiday Inn & Suites is on Ryrie St and Quest Geelong Central is on Gheringhap St.
A 7-minute walk away you’ll find comfortable accommodation at Rydges Geelong. For a waterfront location and stellar bay views (if you pick the right room), book a stay at Novotel Geelong, R Hotel or Vue Apartments. Peace and quiet more your thing? Eden Oak sits beside the Geelong Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of the CBD.