The mechanical properties of fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete subjected to cyclic loading were investigated, with a specific focus on its early-age performance. In the experiment Series A, the Young’s modulus and fracture energy of geopolymer concrete were found to be generally lower when compared to those of conventional cement concrete. The cyclic tests showed the wider spatial distribution of microcracks in geopolymer concrete as opposed to cement concrete. In the experiment Series B, a comparative analysis was conducted between fly ash based geopolymer concrete and cement concrete with or without fly-ash, under different moisture conditions. The continuous monitoring of compressive and tensile strain indicated the development of cement concrete strength by time. However, it was observed that the fatigue life of cement concrete, especially during its early stages, tended to be shorter than that of geopolymer concrete. This observation is likely attributed to the fact that geopolymer concrete displays lower sensitivity to drying because of the completion of hardening process during the heat curing period.