Location
Belmont is a residential suburb 3km south-east of Geelong's centre. The Barwon River flanks the north and east sides of Belmont.

Description
Belmont, just over the Barwon River, is one of Geelong's oldest, largest and most popular suburbs.

Belmont Common, originally a lagoon, borders the Barwon River. Facilities include a boat ramp, playing fields, the 18-hole Barwon Valley Golf Club and a wildlife reserve.

Westwards, the ground rises steeply towards the High Street shopping centre, one of the largest and busiest strip shopping centres in Geelong. Further west along the river lies Barwon Valley Park and several caravan parks close to the city centre.

Great shopping facilities, proximity to Deakin University, views across the river and the bay and excellent community services and parks, make Belmont a popular address.

History
Dr Alexander Thomson, a pioneer preacher and pastoralist, settled the region in 1836. Thomson named his holding, 'Kardinia', and his homestead - built on a hill over the Barwon River in 1850 - still stands today.

The Princes Bridge, connecting Colac Road to Geelong, opened in 1862. By 1865, Belmont had three hotels, a flourmill, tanneries, fellmongeries and a court of petty sessions.

Much of the surrounding land was agricultural, with orchards, vineyards and market gardens. In the 1920s, an aerodrome was laid out on Belmont Common and a tram service to Geelong ran from 1927 to 1956.

The High Street shopping centre began to expand in 1936 after the building of large grocery stores and then supermarkets which, in turn, attracted smaller businesses. Residential growth in Belmont boomed after the Second World War and during the 1950s and 1960s.