Suburb Profile

This is an introduction to the suburb of Geelong.

Suburb Profile

GEELONG

This waterfront city offers a diverse range of food, wine, cultural and recreation attractions. Its historical importance is also evident in the city’s 100 National Trust-listed buildings. Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria, and is the major gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.

Geelong is one of Australia’s leading commercial and industrial centres. The region’s traditional manufacturing sector has major industry strengths in automotive components, transport equipment, aerospace activities, timber products, petroleum, chemicals, textiles and food items. Through its port and rail-land-road linkages, the city has access to international and domestic markets and suppliers. To complement the traditional industries, Geelong offers opportunities in tourism, hospitality, biotechnology, aquaculture, research, education and health-related industries.

Geelong takes full advantage of its unique north-facing bay with fabulous waterfront eateries, landscaped gardens and walking paths set against the backdrop of Corio Bay. Close by is Eastern Beach, which features an art deco-style pool and promenade complex, and the restored pavilion that houses a restaurant, café and kiosk. There are many different restaurants and eateries as well as delicatessens, wine merchants, and clothing and homeware boutiques.

CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Geelong is framed by water, from Corio Bay to the rugged ocean coastline and the Barwon River, which connects the town, country and ocean. With kilometres of pristine beaches, the region is also the major gateway to some of the world's best surf beaches and the Great Ocean Road.

The average daily maximum temperature for January (summer) is 24° Celsius, or 75° Fahrenheit, while for July (winter) it is 14° Celsius, or 57° Fahrenheit. The average rainfall is 740 mm.

POPULATION
The total population of Geelong local council area is 200,067 (2003) and the population of the township is 130,194 (2001).

Population Age demographic Age Range Percentage

Note: Age breakdown for local council area

0-4 6.44% 5-17 18.58% 18-24 9.24% 25-34 13.43% 35-49 21.58% 50-59 11.57% 60-69 8.11% 70-84 9.30% 85+ 1.75% TRAVEL
Geelong is 75 km southwest of Melbourne and is accessible by car, train and bus. The travel times from Melbourne are:

• 1 hour by car

• 1 hour by train

• 1 hour 10 minutes by bus ( to Tullamarine Airport).

The driving distance to neighbouring towns is:

• 25 minutes to Torquay

• 35 minutes to Queenscliff

• 1 hour to Colac

• 1 hour 5 minutes to Lorne

• 1 hour 15 minutes to Ballarat

• 2 hours 10 minutes to Warnambool

• 2 hours 20 minutes to Bendigo.

HEALTH CARE
Geelong has the Geelong Hospital (public and private), St John of God Hospital and other medical clinics, aged care facilities, women’s health services, chiropractors, acupuncture therapy, massage therapy, general practitioners, child and maternal health services, dentists, psychologists, physiotherapists, disability support services, optometrists, orthodontists, podiatrists and naturopaths.

EDUCATION
Geelong has the following educational facilities:

• Government primary schools

• Government secondary schools

• Several Catholic and independent schools

• Post-secondary institutions, including Deakin University, Gordon Institute of TAFE, Marcus Oldham Farm Management College, International Fibre Centre and Kardinia International College.