Geelong is a clever and creative city located in the southern state of Victoria, Australia, approximately 1 hour travel from the state capital of Melbourne.
Geelong has a long and proud history as a creative city and leader in design.
Geelong was named in 1827, with the name derived from the local Wathaurong Aboriginal name for the region, Djillong, thought to mean “land or “cliffs”.
Geelong is one of Australia’s largest and most capable regional centres. It is a port city which also boasts access by road, rail and air. With a population of over 240,000 people, Geelong is experiencing unprecedented urban growth with improved transport links to Melbourne providing greater flexibility in work and everyday life.
Geelong as UNESCO City of Design
Geelong stands as an emerging health, education and advanced manufacturing hub. The city’s economy is transitioning quickly and despite experiencing the drawbacks of losing much of its heavy manufacturing over the years, it is seeing much growth in other sectors, positioning itself as one of the leading Australian cities. The region is rapidly evolving with cutting-edge smart technology, industrial and urban design, advanced materials and a flourishing creative industries sector, accounting for 5.5% of the overall economic output for the region and giving life to 5,200 businesses.
Geelong is committed to the power of creativity and innovation in building sustainable cities. The 30-year community led vision Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future outlines a plan for Greater Geelong to become internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive and cares for its people and environment.
From the region’s Aboriginal heritage to textiles and wool production, automotive manufacturing and surf culture, design is embedded in the city of Geelong.
Revitalising Geelong