Geelong, Australia 🇦🇺
#1387
-38.149324, 144.359824
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Geelong is a coastal city located in Victoria, Australia, approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Melbourne. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 260,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 80 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | AUD is the currency (1 AUD ≈ 0.65 USD). Major banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and sourced from catchment areas. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include ING, NAB, and Commonwealth Bank; these banks offer accounts designed for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Stayz, and local rental agencies offer short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Geelong Backpackers and budget hotels like Ibis Styles Geelong. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WorkSafe Geelong offers flexible desk options and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Little Creatures Brewery is popular for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The Geelong Chamber of Commerce frequently holds networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups can be found on Facebook groups such as Geelong Expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is the most commonly used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Geelong offers bike rentals through Geelong Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Eastern Beach is the closest beach, approximately 5 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional Express (Rex) operates flights from Geelong to other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is the nearest international airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Princess Highway (M1) connects Geelong to Melbourne and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Geelong Station is the main train hub, with services to Melbourne. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metlink offers various passes for buses and trains in the area. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | V-Line train and bus services connect Geelong with Melbourne and regional centers. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Barwon Health's University Hospital Geelong provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | C3 Yoga Studio offers a range of yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and F45 Training are popular fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available throughout Geelong, including Affordable Wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Menulog are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Local seafood and Victorian wine are highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Wholesome Pantry offer vegan and vegetarian selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Espresso is known for its exceptional desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Geelong Market offers local produce and budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores often have online shopping options, and services like Amazon operate in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Woolworths and Coles offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Little Creatures Brewery and Geelong's Waterfront offer vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Geelong Brewery serves local craft beers with tastings available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Pakington Terrace features wine bars with local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Geelong's Waterfront and Geelong Market have popular street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spice Market offer various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Geelong’s Waterfront and the Geelong Botanic Gardens are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Geelong Gallery hosts art exhibitions and is a cultural highlight. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Geelong Cathedral and the National Wool Museum showcase local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christ Church and St Mary’s Basilica are primary religious landmarks. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Geelong's Festival of Sails is a popular annual maritime event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Cultural Precinct includes galleries, museums, and theaters. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Geelong Performing Arts Centre hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Geelong’s Waterfront Market is known for its local vendors and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Potato Shed frequently hosts live music events and performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Geelong has a growing street art scene, especially in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Geelong Food Tours offers cooking classes featuring local ingredients. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Geelong Gallery hosts contemporary and traditional art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Geelong’s historic town hall is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Geelong's heritage is reflected in its Victorian architecture and maritime history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bellarine Peninsula and You Yangs Regional Park are excellent nature escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Brisbane Ranges National Park is a short drive from Geelong. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Geelong Waterfront Path offers scenic views and recreational activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Geelong Lookout provides panoramic views of the city and bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Barwon River is a popular birdwatching spot. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Point Addis Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair Geelong provides device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers and parks have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Geelong Language Centre offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Geelong Library and Heritage Centre is a popular study spot with resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Geelong Community Foundation supports various local initiatives. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Iplay Geelong offers gaming facilities and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Crown Casino is located in the nearby city of Melbourne. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 180,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 152,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 252,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 3,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 288,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 224,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% applies to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Australian residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | GST is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value in Victoria. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty rates vary by property price; approx. 5% for average homes. |