The Region

A snapshot of the Geelong region

The wider Geelong region encompasses urban, coastal, rural and industrial precincts and includes Geelong, the second largest city in Victoria as well as cities and towns such Colac, Anglesea, Torquay, Bannockburn, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, Portarlington and Lara.

The population of the Geelong region is approximately 270,000.

Only an hour from Melbourne, Geelong offers a range of lifestyle choices – inner city, suburban, waterfront, coastal and rural – at more affordable prices than equivalent properties in Melbourne.

The Geelong region’s economy is diverse and as such supports a wide range of job and business opportunities. Tourism, education, health, biotechnology, construction, food production and retailing are growing in importance whilst the region’s manufacturing sector is adapting to global market forces by concentrating on more value added activities.

Education facilities are amongst Australia’s best. Deakin University operates two campuses in Geelong and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options.

The Gordon Institute of TAFE provides vocational education and training to local, national and international students.

Primary and secondary schools in the Geelong region have a reputation for excellence including the renowned Geelong Grammar School and Geelong College.

Recreation is one of the greatest lifestyle attributes of the Geelong region. Sports facilities include Skilled Stadium home of AFL team the Geelong Cats, world standard aquatic centres and many local sports reserves. The 2010 UCI World Road Cycling Championships is the highlight of an outstanding major events calendar that also features the Rip Curl Pro surf event, the Geelong Week sailing regatta and the Avalon International Airshow.

Bells Beach one of the surfing world’s most iconic locations is just one of many surf beaches located in the region.

One of Australia’s most visited tourism destinations the Great Ocean Road commences its journey in the Geelong region. Many boutique wineries and food producers also make their home in the region.

Colac Otway Shire

Population: 21,030
Population growth (pa%): 0.25
Area (km2): 3,433
Unemployment rate (%): 4.50
Travel time to Melbourne (mins): 120
Median house price ($): 217,500
Residential building activity (new dwelling approvals): 148

City of Greater Geelong

Population: 205,929
Population growth (pa%): 1.10
Area (km2): 1,245
Unemployment rate (%): 6.70
Travel time to Melbourne (mins): 55
Median house price ($): 264,000
Residential building activity (new dwelling approvals): 1,117

Surf Coast Shire

Population: 22,802
Population growth (pa%): 1.64
Area (km2): 1,553
Unemployment rate (%): 3.60
Travel time to Melbourne (mins): 75
Median house price ($): 392,500
Residential building activity (new dwelling approvals): 338

Golden Plains Shire

Population: 17,077
Population growth (pa%): 1.01
Area (km2): 2,704
Unemployment rate (%): 3.90
Travel time to Melbourne (mins): 55
Median house price ($): 211,250
Residential building activity (new dwelling approvals): 152

Borough of Queenscliffe

Population: 3,150
Population growth (pa%): 0.02
Area (km2): 9
Unemployment rate (%): 3.40
Travel time to Melbourne (mins): 75
Median house price ($): 510,000
Residential building activity (new dwelling approvals): 58