Lara, Victoria

Lara
Lara
Interactive map of Lara
Coordinates: 38°01′0″S 144°25′0″E / 38.01667°S 144.41667°E / -38.01667; 144.41667
CountryAustralia
StateVictoria
CityGeelong
LGA
Government
 • State electorate
 • Federal division
Area
 • Total
14.5 km2 (5.6 sq mi)
Population
 • Total19,014 (2021 census)
 • Density1,311/km2 (3,396/sq mi)
Postcode
3212
Suburbs around Lara
Anakie Little River Little River
Anakie Lara Avalon
Lovely Banks Corio Avalon

Lara is a town in Victoria, 18 km north-east of the Geelong CBD. Situated inland from the Princes Freeway to Melbourne, it lies 6 km south of the You Yangs. Its population at the 2021 census was 19,014.

The name "Lara" derives from a Wadawurrung word laa, laarr or larra, meaning "stone" or "building made of stone". It was first assigned by Europeans to the cadastral parish of Lara, situated to the west of the You Yangs, before being applied to the town in 1874.