suburb.guide

VIC · Greater Geelong Council

Lara, 3212

Current weather

10.5°CMainly clear

77% humidity · 25.6 km/h wind · 13.5° / 10.1° today · 12.1 mm rain

Desirability score

60.1/100
Good

Top 15% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Top transport
  • Top schools
  • Growing
  • Parks
  • Childcare
What Lara is known for: Top transport, Top schools, Growing, Parks, Childcare

Suburb profile

Lara is a hillside established suburb in Greater Geelong, with elevated streets and a greener, quieter pace. A strong local centre anchors daily routines, while the surrounding region adds variety for weekends away. Ridge-top pockets and tree cover give the area a cooler, greener hillside feel.

Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Local shops, markets and community spots keep everyday life grounded in the town itself. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Buses and nearby services make commuting and cross-suburb trips straightforward. Housing is well-priced for what you get: space, location and everyday convenience.

On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by parks and green space and housing affordability, while local dining and lifestyle amenities and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

Population

Population
19,014
Median age
37
Median household income / week
$1,969
Dwelling vacancy
4.5%
Unoccupied private dwellings
301 of 6,656
Median monthly mortgage
$1,733
Employment rate
59.3%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
506 / 597 / 56

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
1,317
Against the person
201
Against property
628
Rate per 1,000 residents
69.3
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 95 residents
State safety percentile
61.4th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-0.6%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage87
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle132
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store77
  • B49 Other Theft83
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order244

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
4
Median school ICSEA (4 schools)
1,009
  • Lara Lake Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Lara Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Lara Secondary CollegeSecondary
  • St Anthony's SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

61 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Archimedes Ave/Rennie St
  • Archimedes Ave/Rennie St
  • Lara Railway Station
  • Lara Station
  • McClelland Ave/Rennie St

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

27 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 08/05/2026 and 08/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 60 and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.CANTERBURY ROAD E, BLACKBIRD CIRCUIT07 May 2026 – 07 Oct 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 24/04/2026 and 23/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, GEELONG RING ROAD23 Apr 2026 – 22 Jul 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 24/04/2026 and 23/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.GEELONG RING ROAD, PRINCES HIGHWAY23 Apr 2026 – 22 Jul 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 24/04/2026 and 23/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, GEELONG RING ROAD23 Apr 2026 – 22 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/01/2025 and 31/12/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.NASMYTH STREET, WATT STREET09 Jan 2025 – 30 Dec 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/01/2025 and 31/12/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.PRINCES IN-AVALON RAMP OF, PRINCES HIGHWAY09 Jan 2025 – 30 Dec 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/01/2025 and 31/12/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.AVALON ROAD, AVALON-PRINCES IN RAMP ON09 Jan 2025 – 30 Dec 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/01/2025 and 31/12/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, PRINCES IN-AVALON RAMP OF09 Jan 2025 – 30 Dec 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/01/2025 and 31/12/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.WATT STREET, AVALON ROAD09 Jan 2025 – 30 Dec 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/06/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:30 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 7:30 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.GEELONG RING ROAD, UNNAMED17 Jun 2026 – 29 Sep 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

119 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Extension to the Hotel to Include an Enclosed Alfresco Area
    8-12 HICKS STREET LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • 2 Lot Subdivision
    8 SWAN STREET LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Second Dwelling and Two (2) Lot Subdivision
    3 JAN COURT LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and Works Associated with a Retirement Village
    90 STATION LAKE ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Staged Multi Lot Subdivision and Removal of Native Vegetation
    PARENT - 205-245 O'HALLORANS ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Second Dwelling
    901 PRINCES HIGHWAY LARA 3212Lapsed
  • 20 Lot Subdivision
    46-48 BOTANICAL DRIVE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of Three (3) Dwellings and Three (3) Lot Subdivision
    10 BUCKINGHAM STREET LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use and Development of a Materials Recycling Facility (Reclaimed Asphalt Plant) and Reduction in Car Parking Requirements
    220 HEALES ROAD LARA 3212Withdrawn

  • August 2021

  • Construction of a Warehouse and Construct and Display Business Identification Signage
    5 PERKINS ROAD SOUTH LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of Native Vegetation
    540 FLINDERS AVENUE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Staged Multi-Lot Subdivision, Use of the Land for a Display Home Centre, Removal of Native Vegetation and Creation and Alteration of Access to a Road in a Road Zone Category 1
    PARENT - 285 PATULLOS ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Installation of Four (4) Shade Sails
    34-38 MANZEENE AVENUE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and Works for the Construction of Four (4) Dwellings and a Vehicle Crossing
    32 WALKERS ROAD LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of One (1) Warehouse, Five (5) Stores and Six (6) Lot Subdivision
    24 HICKS STREET LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of Two (2) Additional Dwellings and a Three (3) Lot Subdivision
    12 SAINTFIELD STREET LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a Second Dwelling
    17 KANTARA CRESCENT LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and Buildings and Works Associated with an Outbuilding to a Museum
    2-10 CANTERBURY ROAD WEST LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of Vegetation including Native
    235 PEAK SCHOOL ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display business identification signs
    19-21 STATION LAKE ROAD LARA 3212Lapsed
  • Removal of Native Vegetation
    45-63 LARA BOULEVARD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of Multiple Dwellings and Multi Lot Subdivision
    PARENT - 285 PATULLOS ROAD LARA 3212In progress
  • Construction of a Shed
    555 Bacchus Marsh RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-2 & 35.03-4), & BMO (Clause 44.06-2) and the removal of roadside native vegetation pursuant to Clause 52.17 of the planning scheme
    23 GLENS ROAD NEWTOWN (BALLARAT) 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of a Place of Worship
    10 RESEARCH ROAD LARA 3212NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Construction of a Shed
    15 ALISON DRIVE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Second Dwelling
    32 CURLETTS ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Earthworks (Construction of a Dam) and Removal of Vegetation
    20 BRANCH ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use & Development of a Replacement Dwelling
    85 ST ANDREWS DRIVE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • KENNELS AND REARING FACILITIES FOR GREYHOUNDS.
    50 GILLETS ROAD LARA 3212Lapsed

  • May 2021

  • Construction of a Second Dwelling
    27 PONDS DRIVE LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate
  • Two Lot Subdivision
    16D Forest Road NorthPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling
    37 FRAGRANT DRIVE LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two (2) Lot Subdivision
    21 LIME CRESCENT LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a Second Dwelling and Two (2) Lot Subdivision
    3 Nanton ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of Nine (9) Dwellings
    PARENT - 205-245 O'HALLORANS ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development for a Restricted Recreation Facility, Place of Assembly and Food and Drink Premises
    PARENT - 205-245 O'HALLORANS ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of Business Identification Signage
    1140 Bacchus Marsh RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of Native Vegetation
    1-43 BEACH ROAD LARA 3212Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Four Lot Staged Subdivision
    220 HEALES ROAD LARA 3212NOD issued by a delegate

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

15 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Bbq
  • Bench (2)
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Drinking water
  • Serendip SanctuaryParking
  • Picnic Table (3)
  • Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchPlace of worship
  • Lifeway Christian ChurchPlace of worship
  • Public toilets
  • Shelter

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

12 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Austin ParkPark
  • Bunjil Playground Lara Lakes ParkPark
  • Chirnside ParkPark
  • Flinders Memorial ParkPark
  • Goldfinch ReservePark
  • Hovell Creek ReservePark
  • Lara Lake WetlandsPark
  • Lara Lakes ParkPark
  • Lara Recreation ReservePark
  • Lara ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
9
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Australian Clinical Labssample_collection
  • Dazzling Smiles DentalThe Centrewaydentist
  • Forest Road Medical CentreForest Road Southdoctor
  • Lara Medical Centerdoctor
  • Lara PharmacyWaverley Roadpharmacy
  • Lara Village Dentaldentist
  • Lifelong Dentaldentist
  • RadiusForest Road Southdoctor
  • Your Health PhysioStation Lake Roadphysiotherapist

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

2 state heritage places

  • HUME & HOVELL MONUMENT LARANH1547
  • PIRRA HOMESTEADNH1723

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

8 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Busy Bees at Larachildcare
  • Flinders Kindergartenkindergarten
  • Goodstart LaraClover Streetkindergarten
  • Lara Childcare Centre | Journey Early Learningchildcare
  • Lara KindergartenWaverley Roadkindergarten
  • Lara Lake Community PreschoolDarcy Streetkindergarten
  • Pipsqueaks Early Learning LaraManzeene Avenuechildcare
  • Story House Early Learning LaraStation Lake Roadkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
64
Parks (OSM)
50

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability index

Desirability score
60.1/100 — Good
State standing
Top 15% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
726th in Australia
State rank
184th in VIC
Peer rank
#2 among Country & regional · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#20 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime87
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime132
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime77
  • B49 Other Theftcrime83
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Ordercrime244
  • Busy Bees at Larachildcarechildcare
  • Flinders Kindergartenchildcarekindergarten
  • Goodstart LarachildcareClover Streetkindergarten
  • Lara Childcare Centre | Journey Early Learningchildcarechildcare
  • Lara KindergartenchildcareWaverley Roadkindergarten

Data sources & freshness

More in Greater Geelong Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

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Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.