Lara is a suburban area located just outside of Geelong and southwest of Melbourne, approximately 60 kilometers from the central business district. It is a desirable location for families seeking a more tranquil lifestyle, as well as those who prioritize access to Geelong, the surf coast, and the city.
Over the years, the population in Lara has grown steadily. In 2016, the suburb was home to 16,355 residents, which increased to 19,014 just five years later year.
In 2011, 76.8% of the homes in Lara were owner-occupied compared with 75.1% in 2016.. Nevertheless, there are ample rental opportunities for those considering a move to the area.
One of the key advantages of residing in Lara is its picturesque surroundings and access to amenities, as well as its excellent position between Victoria’s two largest cities, Melbourne and Geelong. It is a mere 15-minute drive from Geelong and serves as the gateway to the renowned surf coast and Great Ocean Road through the Geelong ring road. Thus, enjoying the great outdoors and accessing essential services are conveniently intertwined.
For more information on Lara and an overview of its profile (as provided by realestate.com.au), please follow the attached link: https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/lara-3212-vic.
There’s something for everyone
Lara is an idyllic place that offers a warm and welcoming environment to anyone looking for a new home. At the heart of the area lies Lara Centreway, where you can find a recently developed shopping centre boasting a Coles supermarket, a range of cafes and retailers, a Safeway, pharmacy, travel agent, newsagency, post office, and doctor’s surgeries.
Moreover, the central location of the Lara train station makes commuting a breeze for residents. Planned upgrades, including a transit interchange, overpass and lift, pedestrian link to the station, expanded carpark, and retail premises with shelter, light, surveillance and an active edge, are in the works to improve the station further.
Families are drawn to the area due to its provision of schools and outdoor spaces. Austin Park, which is undergoing a significant upgrade, is a popular destination, offering barbeque facilities, landscaping, an amphitheatre, skatepark, and playground – perfect for spending quality family time and hosting many community events in the future.
As for schools, Lara Secondary College, Lara Primary School, Lara Lake Primary, and St. Anthony’s Primary ensure that children fit in seamlessly into their new surroundings. For preschool-aged children, there are numerous kindergartens, day-care centres, and playgroups available.
Avalon Airport, which is nearby, has become a major player in air travel, with plans to expand its international sector. The proposed rail link from Melbourne to Avalon airport will create more job opportunities and growth in the area. Additionally, the Lara Lifestyle Village is perfect for individuals aged over 45, offering a fun and friendly, gated community where residents can get involved as much as they like.
The Village boasts a massive clubhouse, indoor heated pool, tennis court, bowls, billiards, theatre, library, spa, workshop, bar, and arts and crafts room, all within a secure and safe environment.
Lara Museum & Historical Centre
Museum Estate, an eight-lot subdivision with a heritage-style design, is located adjacent to the Lara Museum and Historical Centre. The estate, which was completed in 2014, can be found at the intersection of Forest Road South and Canterbury Road West, near the southern entrance to the township of Lara.
The history of the Museum Estate is intricately connected to the Lara Museum and Historical Centre, which was opened in 2013 within the former Lake Bank Hotel. The Lake Bank Hotel, dating back to 1860, is one of Lara’s oldest buildings and the only surviving 19th-century hotel in the town. It was constructed for Scottish immigrant James Henderson and functioned as a licensed hotel until 1908. The five generations of Mr. Henderson’s family resided in the distinguished limestone buildings.
In 2011, Bisinella Developments’ Managing Director, Lino Bisinella, purchased the historic hotel buildings and spent almost half a million dollars restoring and refurbishing them. The buildings were then leased for a nominal rent to the community group that formed the Lara Heritage and Historical Inc., which established and operates the museum.
Since its opening, the Lara Museum and Historical Centre has become an impressive showcase for Lara’s heritage. Local history has been brought to life within the ideal setting of the old limestone buildings as memorabilia and items of historical significance continue to be loaned or donated to the museum.
The following video provides an overview of how the museum was established and became a reality. We encourage you to watch the video now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-JETTiVTpU
Choosing property in Lara
Regardless of the type of property you have your eye on; Lara has a number of options that are sure to suit your needs.
Lara has expanded over recent years, with the likes of Grand Lakes Estate offering new opportunities for buyers and renters. There are also major plans underway to expand & develop the town by creating “Lara West”, a suburb all its own, where new estates are in the making and perfect for first-time buyers, investors, families, retiree’s or anyone hoping to make the most of the local lifestyle.
Geelong- LARA- Melbourne Train Timetable – Click here for the current Train timetable from Geelong to Melbourne
Lara Community Centre – Click here for further information & upcoming events in Lara
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