Armstrong Creek 3377: Affordable and perfectly positioned to grow
Armstrong Creek is a growth suburb in Geelong which is neatly tucked away between the city’s centre and beachside Torquay.
Formerly comprising mainly farmland, the suburb was first established around 2012 and has been developed to now accommodate more than 11,000 people, according to the 2021 Census.
Located about 12km from Geelong’s CBD, Armstrong Creek has boomed in popularity in recent years due to its relative affordability, green spaces and family-friendly lifestyle.
Serviced by the Surf Coast Highway, the suburb is surrounded by Boundary Road and Lower Duneed Road, while local waterways include the Barwon River and Lake Connewarre. These, as well as walking tracks including the Warralily Conservation Reserve and Doodliebeal Reserve, are frequented by walkers and dog owners alike.
Armstrong Creek’s family focus is enhanced by a handful of primary and secondary schools including Armstrong Creek School, Geelong Lutheran College, St Catherine of Siena Primary School and Oberon High School.
The suburb comprises mostly newly-built houses with modest backyards, though some original properties on larger parcels of land remain. In the 12 months to June 2022, the median house price in Armstrong Creek rose to $745,500, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
It’s also serviced by two main shopping centres, Armstrong Creek Town Centre and The Village Warralily. There are major stores of Coles and Woolworths, plus retailers including chemists, hairdressers, fresh fruit grocers, cafes and takeaway shops. A bus route runs from The Village Warralily to Waurn Ponds Train Station where regular services connect to Geelong and Melbourne, as well
Armstrong Creek itself does not have a huge array of restaurants yet, but take a short drive to Geelong and enjoy all that the waterfront and CBD foodie precinct has to offer. Dine over the water on the Cunningham Pier at Asian fusion restaurant Wah Wah Gee or enjoy some fish and chips at The Geelong Boat House.
Or go exploring in Torquay, where there are a number of walking tracks, beaches and lookouts to be found. The foreshore is also dotted with cafes and restaurants, including Bomboras and Doc Hughes, while The Esplanade and Bell St Playground is also popular with families.
Barry Plant Geelong agent and auctioneer Josh Carter said the suburb offered people “so much opportunity”.
“It's certainly been driven by families, due to the economic and financial benefits it has,” he said.
“Being close to the (Geelong) CBD, ring road and the Surf Coast has also drawn in investors - but its predominantly owner-occupiers.”
Mr Carter added that Armstrong Creek had a “a relaxed lifestyle” with a “community feel”.