Last month, I found myself in Geelong visiting my sister who recently moved there from Melbourne. Being without a car and needing to get around, I got quite familiar with the local taxi scene - something I thought worth sharing for anyone heading that way.
First off, let me tell you about my initial impression. Unlike the hustle of Melbourne cabs, Geelong taxi have this relaxed vibe that matches the city's coastal atmosphere. The drivers aren't racing the clock; they're usually up for a chat about local spots if you're interested.
My first ride was from the train station to my sister's place in Newtown. The driver, an older gentleman named Jim (I remember because he reminded me of my uncle), pointed out some landmarks I would've completely missed. "See that building there? Used to be the old wool stores before they converted it," he mentioned as we passed the waterfront. These little history snippets made the journey more interesting than just staring at my phone.
What surprised me was the varied fleet. Some cabs were newer models with all the bells and whistles, while others were older but well-maintained. The prices seemed reasonable too - certainly less painful than what I'm used to paying in Sydney or Melbourne for similar distances.
One evening, after dinner at a waterfront restaurant (highly recommend the seafood platter at Wharf Shed!), we couldn't find a taxi for ages. Eventually flagged one down, and the driver explained they get swamped on Friday nights, especially during summer when tourists flood in. Lesson learned - pre-book if you're heading out on weekends.
Not everything was perfect, though. On Tuesday, I needed to get to an early morning appointment, and despite calling ahead the night before, my taxi arrived 15 minutes late. The driver apologized profusely, mentioning they were short-staffed that morning. It happens, but it's worth building in some buffer time if you're on a tight schedule.
I noticed most locals seemed to have the taxi company's number saved in their phones rather than using any fancy booking technology. There's something charmingly old-school about that approach that fits Geelong's character.
For anyone visiting from Melbourne, just be aware the coverage isn't quite as dense. In the city center, you'll find taxis easily enough, but in outer suburbs, you might wait a bit longer than you're used to.
Overall, Geelong taxis served me well during my week-long stay. They're reliable enough for day-to-day use, and the drivers often provide that local perspective you can't get from guidebooks. Just remember to plan ahead during peak times, and you'll be fine.
Has anyone else had experiences with regional city taxis? I'd love to hear how they compare to the bigger cities or even to Geelong itself!
