Town snapshot – East Geelong

The size of East Geelong is about 3.4sqkm and has five parks covering nearly 33.4 per cent of total area.

The population of East Geelong in 2016 was 3,863 and by the 2021 Census the population was recorded at 4,012 showing a population growth of 4 per cent in the area during that time.

East Geelong is a popular residential suburb close to Geelong’s central business district and includes Eastern Park on Limeburners Point.

Limeburners Point was a source of building lime from as early as 1838 and, along with lime deposits on the Mornington Peninsula, were the major source for the Melbourne building trades for several decades.

Eastern Park was unimproved open space until the late 1850s when the botanic gardens were first laid out on a few acres.

To its south there was a cemetery (first burial 1839), put on a more organised footing when a cemetery trust was appointed in 1877.

Along the beach there were a sea baths (1854), west of Limeburners Point, and east of the Point there was a rifle range.

Geelong East primary school in Boundary Road opened in 1857, set in the midst of a farming community.

A local post office opened in 1871 and an Anglican church in 1890 in Fitzroy Street, not quite in East Geelong.

In 1916, the building was moved to McKillop Street and replaced in 1929.

In the same year, Geelong High School opened at the corner of Garden Street and Ryrie Street, the south-west part of Eastern Park.

From then it can be said that urban East Geelong began, and tram lines were extended along Ryrie Street and Ormond Road in 1924, ending respectively at Humble Street and Boundary Road.

In 1923 the East Geelong Golf Club opened, between Eastern Park and the rifle range.

Six years later work was begun on foreshore improvements, including the swimming enclosure, there were also mineral springs and the Parkside swimming pool.

In place of the rifle range there is a CSIRO animal health laboratory.

CoreLogic data indicates that the predominant age group in East Geelong is 40-49 years with households in East Geelong being primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying $1,827 per month on mortgage repayments, and in general, people in East Geelong work in a professional occupation.

AGENT PERSPECTIVE:

“East Geelong is one of Geelong’s most sought after pockets for homeowners and investors.

“This area is very popular with professionals from Melbourne, especially those working in the health sector, as it is well located close to major medical facilities and dozens of private healthcare practitioners.

“We are finding that the makeup of buyers is around 30% Melbourne and 70% locals with a preference towards Californian Bungalow style homes that can be 80 to 100 years old with the possibility of adding an extension or going up.

“A lot of townhouse construction will have been completed during 2025 that will then be for sale to all the buyers.

“Recently we sold 394 Myers Street, East Geelong for $825,000 which was on a small lot with approved plans for expansion.”

“27A McNeill and 27B McNeill Avenue are coming to market soon, being brand new townhouses.

“With its combination of heritage charm, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community, East Geelong remains one of the most desirable places to live in the Geelong region.

“Whether looking to buy, invest, or settle into a vibrant neighbourhood, East Geelong presents an outstanding opportunity with a bright future ahead.”

 

Yan Lin – Director, Hayeswinckle East Geelong

TIDBIT:

Electric tram services began in this area in 1912, with discussions of reviving a tram service being raised many times over the years.

Population: 4,012

Male: 47.5%

Female: 52.5%

Median age: 40

5 year population change: 4%

House median sales price: $780,000

Change in median price: (5yrs) 11.8%

Median asking rent per week: $500

Average length of ownership: 13 years

Owner occupiers: 70%

Renters: 30%

House median value:

February 2025: $750,300

February 2024: $828,500

February 2023: $846,000

February 2022: $888,000

February 2021: $734,000

House sales per annum:

Period ending February 2025: 51

Period ending February 2024: 43

Land median sale price:

February 2025: N/A

February 2024: N/A

Land sales per annum:

Period ending February 2025: 3

Period ending February 2024: 2