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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 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