Nestled in between The You Yangs and Geelong lies the leafy town Lara, a rural suburb situated just 55kms from Melbourne’s CBD. The neighbourhood offers lake and nature walks, plenty of tight-knit community spirit and easy to access public transport. If you’re looking to move to a quiet town with a rich history that is bursting with nature spots and a strong focus on both the future and the past, Lara is calling your name. Read on for our comprehensive guide.
Image: You Yangs Regional Park
Demographics
Lara has an estimated population of 16,355, 58% of which work full time. The median age is 37, with an average family size of two children, making it a great area for families, with a range of schools. The job market is mostly made up of technicians and professionals, with a high population commuting to the CBD or Geelong for work.
Transportation
70% of Lara residents commute by car, but its public transport is just as accessible. Lara has its own railway station and is just an hour train ride from Melbourne’s CBD. An eleven-minute train ride will get you to Geelong Station, which has Village Cinemas, Deakin University and Geelong’s main shopping strip in close proximity.
Image: City of Greater Geelong
The School Run
Lara has plenty of great schools for parents to choose from that are an easy drive from the suburbs centre. For the littlest members of the family, there’s Lara Kindergarten, just a three-minute drive from the city centre. Primary aged students can attend the government-run Lara Lake Primary or Lara Primary, both of which are centrally located. The Catholic St Anthony’s Lara welcomes primary aged kids and the independent Geelong Baptist College host’s students from Prep to Year 12. Universities like Deakin and Victoria University both have campuses that are easily accessible, and no more than a thirty-minute drive.
Shopping
Most of your shopping needs can be met by Lara Village, which holds a Coles, access to Anytime Fitness 24/7, The Reject Shop, McDonald’s and a range of specialty stores. The suburb is also home to a community market held on the second Sunday of every month. If you’re ever in the mood for a shopping spree, Westfield Geelong is a twenty-minute drive and offers retailers like Myer, Big W, Cotton On and Target. Geelong is also home to plenty of restaurants and entertainment like Village Cinemas.
Image: City of Greater Geelong
Local Amenities
As Avalon Airport is just a ten-minute drive away, the Avalon Airshow is a must-see for the locals. For creatively inclined locals, the yearly Mountain to Mouth arts walk from the You Yangs Park to Barwon Heads is a two-day trail, with ceremonies and art displays along the way. Apart from Lara’s great events, the You Yangs Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens are close for memorable family days out!
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