In 2017, UNESCO designated Geelong as Australia’s first — and to date, only — City of Design. With a significant Indigenous design heritage and a modern industrial history, Geelong is now a recognised global centre for smart technology, cutting-edge urban design and diverse, ever-growing creative industries.

From Melbourne, a 75-minute drive on the M1 from the city will transport you to the heart of Geelong. There are also regular V Line services from Southern Cross station, with the ride taking less than an hour. Within Geelong, there is an extensive and easy-to-navigate network of buses and trains that are worthy of Victoria’s second city. 

Geelong has an in-demand property market — its compound growth rate over the past five years sits at 9.5 percent for houses and 7.7 percent for units. That said, it’s not too late to buy in, with house prices over the past year averaging $911,500 and unit prices averaging $680,000. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

The Cats, of course. Geelong is home to the second-oldest club in the AFL, and the town takes its footy pretty seriously. After its drought-breaking premiership in 2007 — the club’s first in nearly 44 years — the cup returned to the city to a crowd of around 35,000 at Kardinia Park. The day after, captain Tom Harley was given a key to the city and cult figure Cameron Ling was handed the mayoral robe and title of mayor for the day.