Regional Victoria has five distinct regions, each with its own economy, geography and character. Together, these regions are home to more than 1.7 million Victorians and contribute over $118 billion to the state's economy each year. This is a significant, diversified economic base employing skilled professionals across multiple sectors.
Victoria’s five regions
Victoria's five regions extend from the South Australian border in the west to the New South Wales border in the east and north:
Barwon South West
Home to Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city – with strong career pathways, excellent schools, and the Great Ocean Road on your doorstep.
Learn more about Barwon South West
Gippsland
Leading Victoria's renewable energy transition, with Australia's largest offshore wind zone, strong agricultural and food manufacturing sectors, along with multicultural communities and some of the state's most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Learn more about Gippsland
Grampians
Anchored by Ballarat, with a strong economy across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy, alongside strong education and cultural offerings plus Daylesford's food and arts scene to the north, and sandstone ranges and agricultural land to the west.
Learn more about Grampians
Hume
One of Victoria's fastest-growing regions, with industries spanning food and agribusiness, manufacturing, services and tourism and hospitality in the Victorian High Country.
Learn more about Hume
Loddon Mallee
Home to Bendigo and Mildura in Victoria’s north-west, with a booming economy across manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism and critical minerals.
Learn more about Loddon Mallee
Each region has its own economic strengths, settlement patterns and geographic identity. Geelong sits 75 kilometres from Melbourne. Ballarat and Bendigo are within 90 minutes by train. Regular V/Line services and highway connections keep regional centres accessible.
Victoria’s five regions
Where you'll work
Regional Victoria's economy is growing, with strong employment across healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and food production. Each region has its own industry strengths, which are explored further in Life in Regional Victoria and Jobs.
Major regional cities
- Geelong: Victoria's second-largest city, with a population exceeding 270,000. The city functions as a regional capital with a diversified economy, established cultural institutions, waterfront precinct and direct rail links to Melbourne and an international waterfront.
- Ballarat and Bendigo: both cities of 100,000+, with universities, major hospitals, manufacturing industries and multicultural communities, plus heritage city centres that consistently rank among the most liveable in regional Australia.
- Shepparton: the hub of the Goulburn Valley's food and agribusiness economy, and one of regional Victoria's most multicultural cities, with communities from more than 40 nationalities.
- Warrnambool: the main service centre for south-west Victoria, with a major regional hospital, TAFE, and a Deakin University campus.
- Mildura: the commercial centre for north-west Victoria, with Victoria's largest regional airport and a thriving horticulture and food economy.
- Wodonga: a growing city on the Melbourne–Sydney corridor, with a growing industrial base, La Trobe University, and strong health and education sectors.
- Wangaratta: a compact regional city serving the Ovens Murray area, with healthcare, food manufacturing, and the renowned Festival of Jazz and Blues.
Where you'll live
Regional Victoria's towns and cities sit close to some of Australia's most remarkable natural environments – coastline, alpine country, rivers, and national parks that are part of everyday life rather than holiday destinations.
Most residents are at work within 15–20 minutes. Neighbours know each other. Community life is active and accessible. For people arriving from large, busy cities, the shift can feel significant – bringing a work-life balance and a change of pace which allows you to really enjoy life.
Connectivity
Regional Victoria's cities and towns are self-contained and well-serviced. Melbourne is also never far away for shopping, international travel, major events or family visits. Geelong is 45 minutes by express train from Melbourne, with trains running every 20–30 minutes during peak periods. Ballarat and Bendigo are both within 90 minutes by V/Line.
Universities, TAFEs and education
University students choose regional campuses for quality programs, smaller class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Skilled migrants find pathways here – from English language courses through to professional accreditation and postgraduate study.
- Deakin University operates major campuses in Geelong and Warrnambool.
- Federation University serves Ballarat, Horsham and the Gippsland region.
- La Trobe University has regional campuses in Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga.
- TAFE institutions operate across all regions, delivering vocational training in healthcare, trades, agriculture, hospitality and technology.
A growing community
Regional Victoria continues to grow with new industries developing alongside established sectors. Skilled migrants are contributing to increasingly diverse communities across the regions, bringing valuable skills, experience and perspectives.
For skilled migrants weighing their options, regional Victoria offers career pathways, accessible housing, low commute times and strong community infrastructure. The five regions provide genuine choice about where and how you want to live in Australia.
Government
Regional Victoria operates under the same three-tier government structure as the rest of Australia: federal, state and local. Seventy-nine municipalities serve communities across Victoria, providing local services and programs while the State government departments and Federal agencies operate across the regions to support residents.
Regional Victoria facts
- Population: 1.7+ million across five regions
- Major cities: Geelong (270,000+), Ballarat (113,000+), Bendigo (121,000+)
- Economic contribution: $118+ billion annually
- Number of municipalities: 48 local government areas
- Universities: Three major institutions with multiple regional campuses
- Hospitals: 50+ public hospitals across the regions