Regional co-working has matured significantly. What was once a scattered handful of spaces is now a genuine ecosystem across Victoria’s regional centres.

Here’s my updated guide for January 2026.

Geelong

Runway Geelong

Location: Central Geelong Price range: $350-600/month for permanent desks; casual day passes available Best for: Tech workers, startups, those wanting community

The original and still among the best in regional Victoria. Strong community, regular events, good facilities. Gets busy—book ahead for meetings rooms.

Activate Geelong

Location: Central Geelong Price range: $300-500/month Best for: Professional services, quieter work environment

More traditional co-working without the startup vibe. Good for those who want focus time without networking expectations.

Common Office

Location: Geelong waterfront area Price range: $400-700/month Best for: Premium experience, client-facing businesses

Higher-end fit-out, professional environment. Premium pricing reflects premium space.

Ballarat

Ballarat Tech Central

Location: Central Ballarat Price range: $300-500/month Best for: Tech workers, growing businesses

Federation University partnership brings student energy and occasional research connections. Good internet, active community.

Compass Coworking

Location: Ballarat CBD Price range: $250-450/month Best for: General business, freelancers

More affordable option with good basics. Less tech-focused community but welcoming environment.

Bendigo

The Hive Bendigo

Location: Central Bendigo Price range: $350-550/month Best for: Creative professionals, startups

Strong creative community presence. Regular events and workshops. Good natural light.

Bendigo Business Hub

Location: Bendigo CBD Price range: $300-500/month Best for: Traditional business, professional services

More corporate feel. Meeting room access good for client meetings.

Shepparton

Shepparton Business Hub

Location: Central Shepparton Price range: $250-400/month Best for: General business, remote workers

Limited options in Shepparton—this fills the gap. Basic but functional. Community developing.

Warrnambool

South West Business Hub

Location: Central Warrnambool Price range: $200-400/month Best for: Remote workers, freelancers

Small but friendly. Limited capacity—check availability.

Smaller Centres

Hamilton

Limited formal co-working. Library spaces and cafes with wifi are the practical options.

Horsham

Wimmera Business Centre offers some shared workspace. Limited options.

Mildura

Mildura Shared Spaces provides basic co-working. Growing community.

What to Look For

Essentials

• Reliable, fast internet (test before committing)
• Comfortable ergonomic seating
• Private phone/video call spaces
• Meeting room access
• Secure premises

Nice to Have

• Printing and scanning facilities
• Kitchen facilities
• Parking (often critical in regional areas)
• After-hours access
• Community events

Red Flags

• Unreliable internet
• No quiet spaces for calls
• Overcrowding
• Hidden costs (printing charges, meeting room fees)
• Limited hours

Pricing Realities

Regional co-working typically costs 30-50% less than Melbourne equivalents:

• Hot desk: $15-30/day or $200-400/month
• Permanent desk: $300-600/month
• Private office: $600-1200/month

Most spaces offer trial periods. Try before committing to long-term agreements.

Alternatives to Formal Co-working

If formal co-working isn’t available or suitable:

Library Spaces

Regional libraries increasingly offer work-friendly spaces. Free, but limited amenities and hours.

Cafes

Many regional cafes welcome laptop workers. Expect to buy food/drinks. Check wifi quality.

Shared Office Arrangements

Some businesses rent spare desks informally. Network to find opportunities.

Home Office + Occasional Space

Combine home office with occasional co-working for meetings and collaboration.

Recommendations by Use Case

Tech workers wanting community: Runway Geelong, Ballarat Tech Central, The Hive Bendigo

Professional services needing client meeting space: Common Office Geelong, Bendigo Business Hub

Budget-conscious freelancers: Compass Ballarat, smaller centre options

Remote workers wanting occasional connection: Casual memberships at any quality space

The Future

Regional co-working continues growing. New spaces open regularly. Existing spaces expand and improve.

The trend toward hybrid and remote work suggests sustained demand. Regional co-working benefits from being “third place”—neither home nor traditional office, but professional space with community.

If you’re working remotely in regional Victoria and haven’t explored co-working, consider trying a space. The productivity, community, and professional environment often justify the cost.

Note: Prices and details current as of January 2026. Always verify directly with spaces.