Making the move to Geelong? This bayside regional city is a great place to call home, and not just because of the stunning Great Ocean Road. It’s just the right distance from Melbourne but with a more quaint vibe and plenty of things to do. Geelong also boasts various work opportunities, great schools, decent housing prices and a laid-back lifestyle that you may not find in the bigger cities. 

Is Geelong a Good Place to Live?

While Geelong is considered a regional city, it’s actually the second-largest city in Victoria with a population of around 250,000. You’re not far from the heart of Melbourne (about an hour drive) and the Mornington Peninsula is only a two hour drive away. 

Weather wise, you can expect mild winters and warm summers. 

• Summer (December to February): Average temperatures range from 14°C to 28°C (57°F to 82°F).

• Autumn (March to May): Average temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F).

• Winter (June to August): Cooler months with temperatures from 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F).

• Spring (September to November): Warming up with temperatures averaging 9°C to 20°C (48°F to 68°F).

• Rainfall: Average annual rainfall is around 600 mm, with the majority falling in winter.

Best Suburbs to Live in Geelong

There are plenty of great suburbs to choose from in Geelong. House prices vary depending on the type of home and location. According to the Geelong Advertiser, Units in Norlane, Corio, Newcomb, Lara, Grovedale and Bell Park and homes in Corio, Norlane and Whittington round out the city's most affordable locations. 

The best suburbs include: 

Geelong West is known for its vibrant cafe culture and proximity to the city center.

Highton is a family-friendly suburb with access to parks, schools, and shopping.

Newtown features historic homes and is close to top schools and amenities.

Manifold Heights offers a mix of character homes and modern amenities with scenic views.

Torquay is a coastal suburb known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture, about 20 minutes from Geelong.

Best Schools in Geelong

For families, Geelong is a playground of fun and there are plenty of great schools in the area. Below are just a few to choose from:

Geelong Grammar School is a prestigious independent school known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.

The Geelong College offers a comprehensive education from early childhood through to Year 12 making it a great choice for your child’s entire educational journey. 

Geelong High School is a public school with a focus on academic excellence and student wellbeing.

Clonard College is a Catholic girls' school with a strong focus on personal and academic development.

St. Joseph's College is an independent Catholic school offering a broad curriculum and strong community values.

Things to do in Geelong

If you love the water, Geelong provides a haven of aqua activities to enjoy in your spare time. The Geelong waterfront features several parks, walking paths and the iconic Geelong Carousel.

Another must-do is the Bellarine Railway with the kids as well as the Geelong Gallery and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. 

There are several museums too including the Museum of Play and Art and the Geelong Gaol Museum. 

If you’re looking for a beach day, your best bet is either the Eastern Beach or Torquay. And, of course, you have to do the Great Ocean Road! 

Relocating to Geelong

Whether you’re moving to Geelong from a big city or from another regional area, you will most likely need a Geelong removalist to assist with your next adventure. Geelong is about an hour drive from Melbourne but many Melbourne removalists won’t travel outside of the city. 

Your best bet when looking to move to Geelong is to compare house moving options with Best Rated Transport. Our comparison platform can provide you with quotes for both Geelong removalists as well as self-pack or Geelong container transport, whether you’re moving intrastate or interstate. 

If moving interstate, you can expect the following distances between Geelong and major cities. 

• Sydney: Approximately 880 km (547 miles) northeast; about a 9-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight.

• Hobart: Approximately 600 km (373 miles) south; about a 7-hour drive or a 1-hour flight to Melbourne and then a connecting flight.

• Brisbane: About 1,250 kilometers (777 miles) if you travel by road. The direct aerial distance is slightly shorter at around 1,100 kilometers (684 miles).

•  Adelaide: Roughly 725 kilometers (450 miles) by road. The direct aerial distance is about 620 kilometers (385 miles).

• Perth: This is quite a long distance. By road, it’s roughly 3,400 kilometers (2,113 miles), while the direct aerial distance is about 2,700 kilometers (1,678 miles).

Best Rated Transport are the experts in regional and remote transport. Compare moving quotes for full-service as well as self-pack moving to Geelong, including container transport in Geelong.

 It’s completely free to compare and no credit card is required. Simply take a look at what moving costs are involved if moving to Geelong and go from there. 

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