Geelong

Located on Corio Bay, Geelong is Victoria's second largest city. Known as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, the city is also just a short drive away from popular beachfront communities along the Bellarine Peninsula.
Referred to by locals as the 'city by the bay', Geelong features a large commercial centre extending down to the foreshore, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to explore some of the well known beachfront attractions like the dining establishments on Cunningham Pier, the Steampacket gardens and the Eastern Beach with its popular swimming enclosure.
The city is also known for its colourful parks and gardens and elegant architecture.
Geelong is going through a period of re-invention with old industrial spaces being transformed into trendy pubs and progressive creative hubs. The area is also home to a wide variety of pubs, live music venues and nightclubs. The climate is pleasant with warm summers, mild to cool winters and moderate rainfall.

The verdict: The constant redevelopment happening in the city combined with the gentrification of the inner suburbs and the transformation of the Waterfront precinct has seen Geelong grow into a sophisticated and attractive location. The city is working hard to earn its position as one of the leading non-capital Australian cities.

What are the prominent industries?

Manufacturing has been the dominant sector in Geelong for many years, and although that has been progressively decreasing, the manufacturing and processing industries still provide the most jobs, followed by retail and health and community services.

What is the area famous for?

? Geelong is home to the Geelong Football Club, the second oldest club in the AFL and one of the oldest in the world.
? The Royal Geelong Show is held annually at the Geelong Showgrounds.
? The Australian International Airshow is a massive tourist drawcard held in Geelong.
? Geelong has more skate parks than any other municipal area in Australia and is home to the largest indoor skate park in the country.

Population Info:

Geelong has a population of approximately 184,000 people and is the second largest city in Victoria. The most common overseas birthplaces for residents are the UK, Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands.

Some key landmarks in the area:

? The National Wool Museum, housed in a bluestone wool store from 1872, is a very popular attraction.
? The Geelong gallery is home to an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century Australian paintings.
? The Geelong Botanic Gardens feature a stunning collection of plant life from around Australia and the world.