Where to watch the AFL Grand Final
If you can’t be at the AFL Grand Final, the next best thing is a local pub, with good food and good company, watching the Cats win. There are plenty of spots to watch the big game in Geelong and The Bellarine, from local restaurants to sporting clubs and family-friendly pubs. Pro tip: book ahead, if you can. These places get pretty jammed on Grand Final Day.
Elephant and Castle Hotel
Everyone’s favourite British-ish Geelong pub usually hosts a cracking Grand Final Day. Expect jug specials, big screens and free finger food (if you’re lucky). Check out their events page for Grand Final Eve entertainment, too.
Murphys
Formerly Irish Murphy’s, this local favourite on Aberdeen Street is one of Geelong’s oldest pubs, and coincidentally the birthplace of the Geelong Football Club. Park yourself upstairs and watch the game on the big screen. Keep an eye out for post-match live music.
Queen of the West
The Barking Dog is gone, long live Queen of the West! Pako’s favourite pub always puts on a big Grand Final Day, with TVs throughout the venue and an ex-Maccas playground for the kids. Our favourite spot for a sunny day is the rear courtyard, right next to the big screen.
Eureka Hotel
Little Malop goes off on Grand Final Day, and the epicentre is usually Eureka Hotel. Fully refurbished, and with thew new rooftop now open, there’s no better place to watch the game in the CBD. You can check out Eureka’s live sports fixture here.
The Sphinx Hotel
Geelong’s favourite novelty pub-slash-gaming venue never fails to deliver. The Sphinx’s sports bar has one of the biggest screens in town, and come Grand Final Day the place will be packed to the rafters. Definitely book a table well in advance for this one.
Waurn Ponds Hotel
Live southside? Head to the Waurn Ponds Hotel on Grand Final Day and grab a table in the TAB sports bar. There are plenty of screens throughout the venue, and pool tables too (if you can score one before the rush). We can also recommend the bistro here – great range of parmis from head chef Chris Little.
Sailor’s Rest
Sailor’s Rest is always packed on Grand Final Day, with the match streaming in the beer garden. This is a good option if you’re planning to kick on in the CBD: you get great food, a killer selection of local wine and craft beer, and beautiful views over Corio Bay. What could be better?
Ocean Grove Hotel
Sitting just back from Collendina Beach, Ocean Grove Hotel is a great family-friendly spot to watch the game on the Peninsula. The place to be on Grand Final Day is the Surfside Bar, with its big screen TVs and Furphy on tap. The beer garden should also be going off.
Lara Sporting Club
For more of a community feel on Grand Final Day, head to the not-for-profit Lara Sporting Club. They’ve got a sweet sports bar, $3 pots from siren to siren, free finger food and multiple screens streaming the big game. You’ll find the venue right next to Lara Station, with views over the You Yangs.
