[3][5] In August 1909, Geelong took part in a search for the Blue Anchor liner Waratah, which disappeared without trace off the South African coast, and was thought to be disabled and drifting.

[6] In World War I, the Government of Australia chartered Geelong as a troopship to transport the Australian Imperial Force to the Middle East and Europe.

She proceeded to Hobart, Australia, where she picked up another 912 soldiers, consisting of the 12th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Light Horse Regiment.

Her second outbound trooping voyage left Adelaide, Australia, on 31 May 1915, transporting 1,264 soldiers of the 27th Infantry Battalion and the 7th Field Ambulance unit.

Her final departure from Australia was on 18 November 1915, carrying 1,362 soldiers, including the 32nd Infantry Battalion and some reinforcements for other units.