Lara
The Lara town centre is 15kms from the Geelong CBD, 23kms from Werribee and the western edge of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and 60kms from the Melbourne CBD.
Situated on Hovells Creek, the town enjoys great views of the granite peaks of the nearby You Yangs.
It’s only a few kilometres to Corio Bay and less than half an hour via the Geelong Ring Road to the Surf Coast and the start of the Great Ocean Road.
Lara is a growing community of more than 14,000 residents between Melbourne and Geelong.
Lara offers the best of both worlds: a country town atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle with the convenience of quick and easy access to the two largest cities in Victoria.
As the welcome signs say, it’s “rural living at its best”.
History
The explorers Hume and Hovell arrived at Lara on 16 December, 1824.
The township started to take shape after the opening of the Melbourne-Geelong railway in 1857, but the population was still only a few hundred at the end of the 19th century. Town water was not installed until after the Second World War. More rapid growth dated from the 1970s.
Lara has a significant number of heritage and historic buildings, including the magnificent Pirra Mansion and homestead on Windermere Road.
Transport
Few towns have better transport links than Lara.
Located on the Melbourne-Geelong railway line and the three-lane Princes Freeway, Lara provides convenient access to jobs in Geelong, the western suburbs and the Melbourne CBD.
There are 26 weekday V/Line train services from Lara to Melbourne or Geelong, running approximately every 20 minutes during peak periods, and at least hourly services at weekends. The railway station is near the town centre and has plenty of parking.
By freeway, it’s a half hour drive to the Westgate Bridge (outside peak periods). The heart of Geelong is about 15 minutes by car.
Buses operate various routes between Lara and Geelong.
Avalon Airport, Victoria’s second domestic passenger terminal, is just 10 minutes away.
Lakes, parks and trails
The special character of Lara derives from its attractive rural outlook and abundant natural features.
The town has an extensive network of lakes and parks laced by walking and cycling trails.
Four kilometres to the north is the You Yangs Regional Park and a similar distance to the east is the Western Wetlands conservation area and Limeburners Bay, a small inlet of Corio Bay.
Serendip Sanctuary, on the northern edge of the town, is home to free range wildlife and captive breeding of endangered species.
Sporting facilities
The Lara Sporting Club caters for six sports: Australian football, cricket, soccer, netball, baseball and golf. These sections field some 80 teams (senior and junior) with approximately 1300 participants.
The club is based at the Lara Recreation Reserve, which includes three football and cricket ovals, soccer pitches and tennis courts.
Golf is played at Elcho Park, an 18 hole public course.
The Lara Swimming Pool offers an outdoor 50 metre pool and associated facilities for children and families.
The Lara Bowling Club has a busy lawn bowls calendar and active social program.
Two private fitness centres also operate in Lara.
Nearby are the Avalon Speedway and the Geelong harness racing, greyhound and go-cart tracks at Beckley Park.
Education
Lara has the well regarded Lara Secondary College (year 7-12), three excellent primary schools (Lara, Lara Lake and St Anthony’s), three community kindergartens and a private children’s centre.
Shopping
The Lara Town Centre has been extensively redeveloped with new full-line Coles and Woolworths supermarkets and a range of new and established specialty shops.
Community centre
The Bisinella Community Centre is situated in the Grand Lakes Estate and operated by the Lara Community Centre Inc.
By having a second venue, the Lara Community Centre has been able to expand existing programs and introduce new programs for the benefit of all Lara residents.
The Bisinella Community Centre is a modern, energy efficient building designed to take advantage of its elevated location and attractive outlook, with views across the estate's lakes and landscaped parkland. The facilities include a hall, three offices, a kitchen, landscaped surrounds and 16 car spaces.