Rippleside is a suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The suburb overlooks Corio Bay. At the, Rippleside had a population of 875. Rippleside adjoins Drumcondra, north of Geelong City on Corio Bay. The locality covers the suburban area bounded by Corio Bay, East Victoria Street, Melbourne Road and Rippleside Park. Rippleside Park is a much sought-after location in Geelong; many of the properties located in the area represent the Victorian history that the area has experienced throughout its life. The area is known for its lucrative, and therefore expensive location. For local residents, the suburb is within of the North Geelong Railway Station and bus routes connected to Geelong City.
History
Geelong's early settlers targeted the area which is now Rippleside because of its convenience close to the Melbourne-Geelong Road which runs vertically to Rippleside Park. By 1854 after Geelong settlers choose their lands, The Rippleside Hotel and local General Store were opened. In 1857 the Melbourne-Geelong railway was opened, and the North Geelong railway station was opened and began operating soon after. The Post Office opened on 19 May 1986, replacing the nearby North Geelong office. The Balmoral Quay development, formerly known as Rippleside Quay, is currently under construction and will see the construction of over 50 luxury townhouses, a marina and a boardwalk connecting Rippleside Beach and St Helens Park. The development will cost an estimated $80 million. In January 2018 the newly refurbished Rippleside beach and latest expansion of the Bay trail between Rippleside and St Helens beaches temporarily opened to the public.
Rippleside Park
Rippleside Park is in the suburb of Rippleside and over-looks Corio Bay. A Vietnam War memorial is established, facing Melbourne Road. The site is used for many events that happen throughout Geelong, like charity events and fun runs. The Park, and adjoining beach is popular with local families and tourists because it has multiple picnic and barbeque areas. As well as a community funded wooden playground, popular with children. Its large open area is popular for fitness groups to use as a training ground and dog walkers. And the local restaurant and café Ripples by the Bay, as well as ample parking caters for many people. The adjoining beach frontage is popular for casual walkers and joggers, its footpath heads south towards Western Beach and Geelong's waterfront, and north to St Helens and Corio Quay. The City Council maintains the appearance of the Park, and its surrounding facilities.
St Helens Park
Located off Holden Avenue, off side of Victoria Street, this park and beach is also popular with locals. Its expansive fishing pier is popular with fisherman. The park, like Rippleside also has a great view of Geelong's skyline and the surrounds. It also has a playground, some tables and toilet facilities. The park was established initially as a memorial to fallen Australian soldiers in various World War Two conflicts including the Malayan Campaign, Borneo Campaign and Battle of Singapore.
