EAT: Bistrot Plume

“Plume is a lovely neighbourhood café and French bistro that does amazing, simple, country classics – things like chicken liver parfait and great Chateaubriand with bone marrow. Nathan and Kate Veach are the clever owners and they also run yearly tours through France.” bistrotplume.com.au

DRINK: Union Street Wine

“A stellar wine bar run by Andy Leigh and Lewis Phiddian, two young and passionate wine guys that love the area and what they do. It’s just the place to snag a seat at the bar, and enjoy a small plate of charred octopus with a cracking glass of wine. Next door is their wine store, The Cellar, for a great selection of bottles to enjoy at home.” unionstreetwine.com.au

STOP IN AT: Mill Markets

“Days off for me are few and far between, but if I have an afternoon to myself, I’ll stop in at vintage and antiques mecca, Mill Markets, to do some digging. I’ve scored some super-rare KISS records there over the years – it’s filled with many awesome finds just waiting to be discovered.” millmarkets.com.au/geelong

STAY: The Devlin Apartments

“The Devlin Apartments in central Geelong are slick and spacious New York-style loft apartments, perfect for short stays. It feels more local to stay in your own apartment rather than a hotel. It’s a comfortable base to go out and explore, but you know there’s space to settle in, a decent stereo and a cold tin in the fridge for when you get home.” devlinapartments.com.au

HIDDEN GEM: The Hot Chicken Project

“Our crew down at The Hot Chicken Project always give a good time. They love beer, music, natural wine, and of course, bucket loads of hot chicken. When I eat there I like my tenders evil hot, with a side of chicken skins, pickles, and slaw. People also love the fish sandwich, if that’s your thing.” thehotchickenproject.com