North Geelong, Victoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North GeelongGeelong, Victoria |
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North Geelong Sphinx Hotel
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| Population | 2,966 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 3215 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 19 m (62 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Greater Geelong | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Lara | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Corio | ||||||||||||||
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North Geelong is a suburb of Geelong in the Australian state of Victoria. A big road called the Geelong Ring Road was finished in 2009. This road helps traffic from Melbourne go around the suburb. In 2016, about 2,966 people lived in North Geelong.
The Australian store Target started in Geelong in 1925. It was first called Lindsay's. Its main office used to be in North Geelong, but it has moved.
North Geelong has a team that plays Australian rules football. They are part of the Geelong & District Football League. There is also a Croatian association football (soccer) team, North Geelong Warriors FC. They play in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.
Contents
History of North Geelong
Early Years and Growth
From 1858 to 1971, a gasworks operated in North Geelong. It was run by the Geelong Gas Company. This gasworks was on Victoria and Douro Streets and had a train line to the Geelong Ports.
The current Post Office in North Geelong opened in 1987. An older office from 1886 was replaced by one in Rippleside in 1986.
Osborne House was built in 1858 by Corio Bay. It was first a home. Later, it was used by the Royal Australian Navy and local council. Today, it is home to the Geelong Maritime Museum.
In the 1950s and early 1970s, many new houses were built in North Geelong. This happened because Geelong's factories and industries were growing.
Changes to Transport
In 1973, a road bridge was built over the train tracks on Victoria Street. This helped cars avoid waiting for trains. It is now called the Margaret Street overpass. A path for people to walk under the tracks was also built.
In 1976, the train platforms at North Geelong railway station were made longer. The main station building was replaced in 1990. In 2008, a smaller building on Platform 2 was replaced with a metal shelter.
The Fyansford Cement Works Railway opened in 1918. It was removed in the early 2000s after the cement factory closed. Removing the train lines helped reduce traffic and noise in the area. A bike and walking path, called Linear Park, was built next to the rail line in the 1980s.
Recent Developments
In 1998, a hotel owner named Ray Ramia built a huge, 15-meter-tall replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza on top of his hotel. It is now known as the Sphinx Hotel.
In 2012, a part of North Geelong became part of Rippleside. This included businesses and homes near Melbourne Road and St. Helens Park.
In 2017, Target announced they would move their main office from North Geelong. They are building a new, larger office in Williams Landing in Melbourne.
Places to Visit
Geelong Arena
The Geelong Arena is a large sports and event center. It has an indoor swimming pool and a basketball court. The basketball court can hold 2,000 people. Many musicians and shows have performed here. It was also used for basketball games during the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Geelong Golf Club
The Geelong Golf Club started in 1892. Its original 18-hole course was one of Australia's oldest. It was open for over 100 years. The golf course closed for a few years for new development. It has since reopened as a nine-hole course.
In late 2013, construction began on homes at the golf club site. The plans include 350 new homes, parks, and the 9-hole golf course.
Geelong Saleyards
The Geelong Town Corporation bought land for the Geelong Saleyards in 1867. The facility opened in 1869. It has been a place to buy and sell livestock (farm animals) ever since.
Its location was chosen because it was close to North Geelong Station. Two train lines, the Ballarat and Warrnambool lines, meet nearby.
North Geelong Resource Recovery Centre
This center is on Douro Street. It takes most household waste. You can drop off recyclable items like paper, glass, metal, and old electronics for free. Some items like furniture and books are resold at a shop on site.
Public Spaces and Parks
Corio Bay Foreshore
This area is next to the St Helens Boat ramp. It's a popular spot for fishing. You can see the nearby Corio Quay shipping ports from here.
Cowies Creek
Cowies Creek is a public wetland. It has boardwalks for walking. This area is home to native animals like snakes, lizards, and water birds. You can also see many native trees and grasses. There are picnic tables and parking available.
Osborne Park
Osborne Park is a reserve next to the historic Osborne House. It has two sports ovals, one with a cricket pitch. It also has a fire station, a running track, and a netball court.
Osborne Avenue Reserve
This is a small park in the neighborhood. It has a slide, a swing, and a rocker for kids to play on.
Tom McKean Linear Park
This park is a bike and walking path. It was built in the 1980s next to the old train line. The path runs through North Geelong, Bell Park, Hamlyn Heights, and on to Fyansford.
Western Oval
This is a sports and recreation area. It has a playground, a sports oval for cricket and football, and netball courts. Its old Grand Stand is still used today.
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative is a local community center. It serves the Wathaurong people. The Wathaurong people originally lived in North Geelong and nearby areas before European settlers arrived in the 1850s.
Transport in North Geelong
Buses
Several bus routes serve North Geelong. These include Route 1, Route 20, Route 22, and Route 24.
North Geelong Station
The North Geelong railway station provides train services for North Geelong and its surrounding suburbs.
Historic Places
North Geelong has a few sites that are listed for their history:
- 13 Mackey Street: Federal Woollen Mills
- 51 Swinburne Street: Osborne House
