It’s no surprise that after the year that was 2020, many people are wanting to make big changes to their lifestyles — and for some that’s a sea change!
In 2021, one of the most popular locations for new homes is the Surf Coast. The Surf Coast encompasses the region from Torquay to Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet and all the way down to Lorne. It’s not just about the coast — with inland country town Winchelsea also part of the Surf Coast Shire.
In addition to the obvious benefits of living on the Surf Coast, such as a slower pace, beaches plus great local produce and food, its proximity to Geelong and Melbourne makes it an ideal spot for those with flexible work arrangements.
The Surf Coast is where it all began for Hamlan. Hamlan was established in Anglesea in 1983 after the Ash Wednesday bushfires and has grown into Geelong’s largest locally owned and run builder. Since then we have continued to pay homage to the coast, incorporating our Coastal Heritage into almost every build and becoming the region’s expert in building coastal homes.
There’s so much to love about living on the Surf Coast, let us give you Hamlan’s guide to the region!
Where is the Surf Coast?
The Surf Coast is home to the popular holiday towns of Torquay, Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet and Lorne with the country town of Winchelsea about 30 minutes’ drive inland. In summer, these coastal towns are booming with holiday makers wanting a beach break. And if you love to surf, it also encompasses the popular surf spots of Bell’s Beach, Torquay Point, Jan Juc and Fairhaven.
The Surf Coast is the place for those who want to get out and about and explore the outdoors.
In Airey’s Inlet, you can visit the Lighthouse precinct area which takes in the Split Point Lighthouse and the surrounding heritage-listed buildings and look-outs.
If you love to walk in nature the Surf Coast walk is an outstanding option to explore the area by foot. This is a 44km long multi-use trail that spans from Torquay to Airey’s Inlet. But don’t feel like you have to do it all in one go! There’s 12 trails — so you can pick your distance and challenge depending on how you feel.
If you love water sports, other than a beach swim or surf, you can also spend time exploring the other rivers and waterway around the area, such as Anglesea River. Whether you love to fish, stand-up paddleboard or boat, the Anglesea River is the ideal family-friendly spot.
And of course, there’s Lorne. Sitting on the Great Ocean Road and by the Otways National Park, Lorne appeals to a range of people with plenty to explore both on the coast and in the forest plus a thriving arts and culture scene.
And for foodies, you’re truly spoilt for choice on the Surf Coast. There’s so many cafes, restaurants, wineries and breweries to discover plus a range of specialty shops. You’ll feel like you’re on holidays every day when you call the Surf Coast home.
Where growing families can build on the Surf Coast
Torquay continues to be a popular choice of location for Hamlan clients looking to build their dream homes.
What makes Torquay so popular? In addition to it’s awesome beaches, it’s the closest Surf Coast town to Geelong and Melbourne — making it an easier commute for those who don’t have local work.
Although growing, like most coastal towns, the people of Torquay are community-minded with a variety of community groups for all ages to join.
If you’re a growing family, in addition to the excellent private schools available in Geelong, there’s also a range of excellent primary and secondary schools in Torquay to take your pick from. If you’re into retail therapy, then Torquay has you sorted with the shopping strips on Gilbert Street and Bell Street buzzing with activity plus an array of shops at Surf City Plaza and Dunes Village.
And there’s more to come for Torquay — with a new community hospital and the Torquay Pool and Aquatic Centre in the pipeline.
Another great aspect of Torquay is all its new estates are centrally located, such as Highlander which is close to amenities and of course the beach!
The perfect location for a rural coastal property
The Surf Coast is also a great location for those who want a country lifestyle not too far from the beach.
Growing in popularity is Winchelsea. Winchelsea sits along the banks of the Barwon River, nestled between Geelong and Colac. Winchelsea is filled with character and its long history can be seen in its bluestone buildings and architecture. The beauty of a location like Winchelsea is that you’ll feel like you’re a lifetime away from anywhere but in fact, you’re only about 30 minutes drive from Geelong, Torquay and Colac. And it’s not hard to get to Melbourne, Winchelsea is about 20 minutes from the M1 and the Winchelsea train station includes a VLine service to Melbourne.
In addition to this quaint town, there’s many locations and opportunities to purchase land anywhere in between Winchelsea and the coast, perfect for an acreage or lifestyle property. We’ve built homes in Gherang and more recently Paraparap – where we built a stunning custom-built modern farmhouse. As owner Liz says: “George surfs and we’re trying to get the kids into surfing. We’re about 15 minutes from Torquay and Anglesea so it’s a really unique combination of coastal and rural whilst still only an hour and twenty minutes from Melbourne.”
Sounds blissful!
In Summary
There’s so much to love about living on the Surf Coast. We would know, the Surf Coast is where it all began for Hamlan. Hamlan was established in Anglesea in 1983 after the Ash Wednesday bushfires and has grown into Geelong’s largest locally owned and run builder. Since then we have continued to pay homage to the coast, incorporating our Coastal Heritage into almost every build and becoming the region’s expert in building coastal homes.
So what do you need to know about the Surf Coast?
As one of the most picturesque regions of Victoria, the Surf Coast encompasses Torquay to Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet and all the way down to Lorne. It’s not just about the coast — with inland country town Winchelsea also part of the Surf Coast Shire. We build homes anywhere across the Surf Coast Shire, including recent builds in Gherang and Paraparap.
The Surf Coast offers a slower pace, beaches plus great local produce and food, its proximity to Geelong and Melbourne makes it an ideal spot for those with flexible work arrangements.
If this sounds like the spot for you, take a look at Hamlan’s home and land packages or check out our article what you need to know before purchasing land.
