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Where Is Lara:
Lara is situated 40 minutes from the CBD of Melbourne and less than 15 to 20 minutes from the CBD of Geelong by car or train. Lara has great views of the You Yangs, which are only 4km north. During the summer most people travel to the surf coast (Torquay, Bells Beach etc) which is 40 minutes away from Lara and 30 minutes from Geelong. It takes less travelling time from Lara than from many outer suburbs of Melbourne. Lara offers a country feel and more competitive prices.
History:
The explorers Hume and Hovell arrived at Lara in 1824. The area was first known as Duck Ponds which described Laras lake systems. Lara was formally established in the 1850s after the Geelong - Melbourne railway was established, the freeway we have now was a bush track and travelling from Geelong to Melbourne took a lot longer than it does today. The population grew to a few hundred by 1890 and several facilities like schools and churches were built.
Lakes, parks and walking trails:
- You Yangs National Park: Only 4km to the You Yangs national park, with many walking trails around Hovels Creek. Laras beautiful country landscaping makes for a very peaceful and secure town to live in.
- Serendip Sanctuary: Serendip Sanctuary is situated at 100 Windermere Road, Lara. It offers a BBQ area, covered shelter, information centre, four nature walks, free ranging kangaroos and numerous wildlife.
- Austin Park: Austin Park is situated on Waverly Road, Lara and offers BBQ facilities a skate ramp and playgrounds. It is situated next to the Lara shopping centre and is central to all.
Shopping:
- Lara has three main shopping nodes and offers Safeway supermarket, 2 banks, several takeaway outlets, post office, tennis courts, video hire facilities, community swimming pool, railway station and more.
- For a full range of shops you can visit the Geelong CBD (15 to 20 minutes from Geelong)
Close to work:
If you work in Melbourne, Lara offers trains every hour to Melbourne and Geelong (weekdays). Gain easy access to the three lane freeway via Forest Road or McClelland Avenue, reach Melbourne by either train or car in 40 to 45 minutes.
V-Line - Train Service:
Lara has a train station on Hicks Street, trains leave approximately every hour to Melbourne or Geelong during peak working hours.
Avalon Airport:
Avalon Airport is situated between the two largest cities and in Victoria. Avalon Airport is around 40 minutes from Melbourne and 15 minutes from Geelong.
Education
- Lara Lake Primary School, Lara: Is situated on Forest Road and was re-established in 1970
- St. Anthony's Primary School, Lara: The first catholic Church in Lara was built in 1912 on Flinders Avenue mainly from voluntary labour. In 1983 the primary school and catholic church moved to Kees Road, Lara.
- Lara Primary School: Is situated on Flinders Avenue.
- Lara Secondary College: Is situated on Flinders Avenue.
Sporting Facilities:
- Elcho Park Golf Club, Lara: Was opened in 1962 and offers an 18 hole golf course and is situated on Elcho Road.
- Lara Bowling Club, Lara: Was founded in 1965 and is situated on Waverley Road.
- Lara Sporting Club, Lara: Is situated off Waverley Road and offers many different sporting activities for many age groups. Sporting activities include baseball, cricket, football, softball and soccer.
- Lara Recreation Reserve:The Lara recreation reserve is a large reserve close to the town centre; it offers tennis courts, three ovals for cricket and football. It also houses the Lara Scouts Hall.
- Lara Swimming Pool:The Lara heated swimming pool is situated at the corner of Forest Road and Bank Street.
St. Laurence Park:
The park opened in 1959 and offers aged care Facilities, it is situated on Station Lake Road.
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