Geelong, city in south-eastern Australia, in the state of Victoria, a seaport on Corio Bay (an inlet of Port Phillip Bay) about 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Melbourne. It is the second largest city in the state. Geelong contains an excellent harbour with rail links and dock facilities for the shipping of wool and wheat, and is the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. The chief industries include tanning, oil refining, the manufacture of flour, salt, and woollen textiles, and the assembly of cars and farm machinery. There are also many wineries. Geelong is an important regional retail trade centre. Founded in 1837 and incorporated in 1849, the city grew rapidly when gold was discovered in Victoria in 1851, and served as a port of disembarkation for immigrants and for the export of gold. The city is the site of Deakin University (1974), and noteworthy buildings include the art gallery, the National Wool Museum, and the Custom House. Population 156,100 (1999 estimate).
