Ocean Grove

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History

Ocean Grove was established in 1882 when the American Methodist Church purchased land to replicate the successful beach camp they had previously established in Ocean Grove in New Jersey, USA. This resulted in 30 streets being laid out and named after famous Methodists. The Methodists plans did not end up being fully realised. The only remnant of its origins being the covenant placed on the old parts of Ocean Grove prohibiting the brewing and sale of alcohol.

Ocean Grove remained a small fishing village until after the Second World War when its popularity as a holiday destination really took off.

Today Ocean Grove is one of the largest towns on the Bellarine Peninsula and is a designated growth centre.

Demography (census 2011)

Ocean Grove has a population of approximately 12500.
In Ocean Grove there are 52% females and 48% males in the population.
In Ocean Grove 22% of homes are rented.

Government Information

Ocean Grove has the postcode 3226.
Ocean Grove is in the state electorate of Bellarine.
Ocean Grove is in the Federal Division of Corangamite.
Ocean Grove is within the local council area of The City of Greater Geelong.

Current Trends

Ocean Grove’s population has seen continuous growth. The growth corridor designated for Ocean Grove is north of Shell Road between Banks Road and Grubb Road. Three Land estates have been established in this part of Ocean Grove. The Parks Estate which is sold out, the Kingston Estate and the newly opened Oakdene Estate.

To the north of Thacker Street there have been three land developments offering larger one acre blocks, The Woodlands Estate, The Bellevue Estate and The Yellow Gums Estate. These have been popular for families wanting to build homes in a more rural setting. For those wanting slightly more land, Wallington which is situated to the north of Ocean Grove has many properties of 3 or more acres.

There is also an Industrial Estate in Ocean Grove along Grubb Road. There are plans for further growth to this industrial area.

Beach

Ocean Grove is one of Victoria’s premier surf beaches and there is a strong Surf Life Saving Club. Due to good planning controls there is very little development along the coast line so the beach retains its pristine beauty. You can stand at the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club house and look to Barwon Heads on the right and Point Lonsdale on the left and see vast stretches of shoreline and sand dunes without unsightly development.

There is also a lovely beach on the Ocean Grove side of the Barwon Heads Estuary just near the Barwon Heads Bridge. Perfect for avoiding the afternoon sea breeze.

Shopping

Ocean Grove has several shopping precincts. The main shopping precinct being along The Terrace, a smaller one on Madeley Street and a newer shopping centre along Shell Road near The Parks and Kingston Estates. Future plans for Ocean Grove identify a further retail precinct on Grubb Road.

Cafes and Restaurants

Ocean Grove is blessed with many good cafes and restaurants centred around The Terrace shopping strip. For a café/restaurant right on the beach with a view of the surf go to The Dunes which is co-located with the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club.

Schools

Ocean Grove has two state run primary schools, a catholic primary school and hosts the first two years (year 7 and 8) of the Bellarine Secondary College. For the later years there is a campus near Drysdale.

Sporting Facilities

The sporting Facilities at Ocean Grove have continued to be enhanced to support the growing population. The main sporting hub at Ocean Grove is the corner of Grubb and Shell Roads. Here are located the soccer ovals, netball courts, football oval, the Aquatic Centre, skate board park, cricket nets and tennis courts. Ocean Grove also has tennis courts on Madeley Street and the Ocean Grove football club and oval is located on Draper Street. A further football/cricket oval is located in the Collendina area of Ocean Grove near Bonnyvale Road. There is also a large Ocean Grove Bowls Club on The Parade in Ocean Grove. Ocean Grove has a strong bike riding group. Go to Hendry Cycle Shop for information on the Ocean Grove riding group.

Golf Club

The Ocean Grove Golf Club is located near the Barwon Estuary and is set amongst the picturesque natural environment along the beautiful Barwon Heads river.

Surf Life Saving Club

There is an active Surf Life Saving Club in Ocean Grove that run a fabulous Nippers program and junior life saving activities.

Nature Reserves

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is one of the last remaining untouched woodland environments on the Peninsula and just further out from Ocean Grove is the Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve.