HOT: The Pickers Union, Geelong

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

A bit off the beaten track in Geelong you’ll find a bright and sunny cafe called The Pickers Union, adjoining the Geelong Vintage Market in North Geelong.

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

While it doesn’t have views of Corio Bay or the beach (it overlooks a car park in a semi-industrial area) it makes up for the lack of scenery with cute interior design in sorbet colours.

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

There’s a predilection towards pink and flamingoes and at the back there’s a large window where you can peek inside the weird and eccentric goods inside the antique market. (There’s also a ‘secret’ access to the market from the cafe as both businesses are owned by the same family).


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The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

When the weather’s sunny the hanging swinging chairs are our favourite spot to hang out (pun intended!).

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

We are invited to try out their menu, which is available all day. You’ll find cafe standards, a kids menu as well some interesting combinations, such as the waffles and pulled pork.

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

My BBQ pulled pork is a little too dry but otherwise I enjoy the perfectly poached runny yolk egg and the crunchy exterior of the cornbread (no there’s almost no heat coming from the jalapeño).

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

The waffles are dense American style and pretty as a picture. If you check out The Pickers Union on Instagram you’ll notice the same bright, colourful aesthetic.

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong

The coffee is made with beans from Geelong’s Coffee Cartel Roasters.

Judging from the steady stream of take away coffee customers, The Pickers Union is a destination cafe for Geelong locals. If you’re not local and you’re driving along the ring road then it’s not as much of a diversion as Geelong CBD so it makes a great pit stop from Melbourne enroute to the Great Ocean Road.

Click here for more places to go with kids in Geelong.


HOT Tips:

  • pram access;
  • High chairs
  • Kids menu;
  • Standard menu suitable for kids;
  • Free parking;
  • Adjoins the Geelong Vintage Market.

The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St, Geelong 0447 531 844

7 days 8-3:30pm

The Pickers Union Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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