South West Victoria

Located on the banks of Lake Colac, Colac is a bustling hub servicing towns and villages across the region. The area is rich in natural wonders, including one of the largest volcanic plains in the world.

Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city, and is surrounded by some of the state's most beautiful natural landscapes. It also boasts great shopping, mouth-watering regional food and wine and all the facilities you'd expect from a 21st century city.

Often called the ‘wool capital of the world’, Hamilton is a gracious city located in Victoria’s Western District. The city is notable for its grand buildings, majestic homesteads and fine landscaped gardens.

Portland is one of South West Victoria’s most important commercial and industrial hubs. Its deep sea port is a major export point for grain, wool, timber, livestock and metals produced across regional Victoria.

Renowned for its stunning coastal location, and annual whale watching opportunities Warrnambool is also one of Victoria’s most historic maritime areas. Popular with tourists throughout the year, Warrnambool has a thriving cultural and culinary scene.

How to use this map

About South West Victoria

Major Towns:
Pictures: View photos of the South West region of Victoria in the image gallery.
Arrival Assistance: As a migrant moving to regional Victoria, you can access a variety of services and resources through the Global Skills for Provincial Victoria initiative. Find out about arrival assistance in South West Victoria.
Regional skills shortages: Occupations listed below are in demand in the South West region of Victoria. If your occupation features on our eligibility lists, you may be eligible to apply for Victorian Government sponsorship for a Skilled Migration visa and migrate to South West Victoria.  For more information, view the eligibility lists. 
  • Bakers
  • Bricklayers
  • Cabinetmakers
  • Carpenters
  • Chefs
  • Community workers
  • General electricians
  • Metal fitters and turners
  • Metal machinists
  • Motor mechanics
  • Pastry cooks
  • Plumbers 
  • Real estate professionals
  • Registered nurses
  • Roof slaters and tilers
  • Structural steel and welding tradespeople
  • Welfare workers
Features
  • The region’s economic strengths include agriculture (wool, cattle), forestry, horticulture, automotive, aluminium smelting and tourism
  • Warrnambool is one of Victoria’s major dairy farming centres
  • Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city. Melbourne is easily accessible by car and has express trains (45 minutes) to Melbourne.
  • The region is home to some of Australia’s leading schools and university campuses
  • Portland has the only deepwater port between Melbourne and Adelaide and is a major export centre for the region’s produce.
Attractions
  • Warrnambool’s rugged ‘Shipwreck Coast’, which is also a migration path and nursery for giant southern right whales
  • The delicious local produce on the Otway Gourmet Food and Wine Trail, from breads and ice creams to berries, cheeses and wine
  • The Otway Ranges temperate rainforest, including the 25 metre high Otway Fly tree-top walk
  • The Great Ocean Road—the famous road which follows the coast from Victoria’s surfing capital, Torquay, past the Twelve Apostles rock formation to the South Australian border.

How to use this map

Roll your mouse over a major town to read a brief overview. Click on a major town to be taken to a webpage with more information. Alternatively, you can select from the list of major towns above.

Also See

Related Sites

Last updated: August 2009

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State Government of Victoria