[heieup]

Hello there!

I've just arrived in Sunny Geelong, been here a week so far and I LOVE IT. Yes there is a fair bit of industry about but this is mainly the far north or the far south of the city and the middle has a lot of historic buildings and a really nice vibe. From what I've seen so far its friendlier than Melbourne city centre anyway and has great links into Melbourne (for your city or shopping fix and it is just great round christmas) and also has the hills / the bush and the coast all within easy walking distance.

If you wanted to be a bit more rural, there are some great little towns within about a 20 min drive of Geelong city centre. The centre is fairly small and easily navigated by car and the congestion isn't too bad. Should be much better soon when the new bypass opens as well. For outside areas to check which are a bit more rural there is the Bellarine peninsula which is just south, has the coast but is smaller, Indented head and point lonsdale are nice and Ocean Grove is just gorgeous (a bit pricey though). Jan Juc is also reported to be nice but I haven't actually been. Very windy down on the surf coast tho.

Into the countryside there is Warun ponds which is fairly close to the city but feels more countryfied and a couple of other places to the west. Check them out on wikipedia.

Any more info wanted on geelong, don't hesitate to ask and I have some photos on my web page of the surrounding areas as well. PM me and I'll send you our addy if you want to have a look.