Working from home has its limits. Sometimes you need separation from domestic life, reliable internet, a proper desk, or simply other humans around. Regional Victoria’s coworking scene has grown significantly—here’s what’s available.

Geelong

The largest regional coworking scene in Victoria.

Runway Geelong

Location: Central Geelong Pricing: From $350/month for permanent desk, casual passes available Vibe: Startup-focused, community-driven

Runway is more than coworking—it’s the hub of Geelong’s startup ecosystem. Events, mentoring, accelerator programs. If you’re building something, this is where to be.

Intersection Geelong

Location: CBD Pricing: From $299/month Vibe: Professional, mixed community

Good facilities, meeting rooms available, professional environment. Less startup-focused than Runway, more diverse membership.

Gordon TAFE Innovation Hub

Location: Gordon Institute campus Pricing: Subsidised for eligible businesses Vibe: Educational institution environment

Worth investigating if you’re eligible for their programs. Connections to TAFE resources and students.

Library Innovation Spaces

Location: Geelong Library Pricing: Free Vibe: Public facility

Limited but free. Good for occasional use rather than daily work.

Ballarat

Growing coworking options in Victoria’s largest inland city.

The Hive Ballarat

Location: Central Ballarat Pricing: From $250/month Vibe: Creative and professional mix

Established space with a good community. Regular events, meeting rooms, professional facilities.

Federation University Innovation Precinct

Location: Mount Helen campus Pricing: Various arrangements Vibe: University-connected

Good for businesses that can benefit from university connections—research partnerships, student projects, academic expertise.

Ballarat Hackerspace

Location: Central Ballarat Pricing: Membership-based, affordable Vibe: Maker community

If you’re into hardware, electronics, or making things, this is your spot. Not traditional coworking but has workspace and community.

Library Spaces

Location: Ballarat Library Pricing: Free Vibe: Public facility

Basic but available. Reliable internet, sometimes busier with students.

Bendigo

Several options in the creative and professional services hub.

The Engine Room

Location: Central Bendigo Pricing: From $300/month Vibe: Creative industries focus

Strong community of designers, marketers, and creative professionals. Good facilities, active member base.

Bendigo Business Centre

Location: Various Bendigo locations Pricing: Various Vibe: Traditional serviced offices

More corporate than startup-focused. Good if you need professional meeting spaces or serviced office facilities.

Regional Incubator Programs

Location: Various Pricing: Often subsidised

Check with Bendigo council and business networks for incubator programs that include workspace. Regional Development Victoria also maintains information about business support programs across the state.

Smaller Centres

Options exist beyond the major regional cities.

Shepparton

Greater Shepparton Business Centre offers serviced office and coworking options. Not as developed as larger centres but functional for those based in the Goulburn Valley.

Horsham

Limited formal coworking, but the Horsham Library offers workspace, and local business networks can point to informal arrangements.

Warrnambool

The Hub Warrnambool provides coworking facilities. Smaller community but active.

Wodonga/Albury

Cube Wodonga and several options across the border in Albury serve the region. The cross-border location creates interesting networking opportunities.

What to Look For

When evaluating coworking spaces:

Internet Quality

Essential. Test the connection during a trial visit. Ask about backup systems if internet is critical for your work.

Meeting Rooms

If you meet clients, check availability and booking systems. Some spaces have excellent meeting facilities; others are limited.

Community Fit

Coworking communities have personalities. Visit during regular hours to get a feel for who works there and whether you’ll connect.

Cost Structure

Understand what’s included. Some spaces include printing, meeting rooms, coffee. Others charge extra for everything.

Flexibility

Monthly commitment? Long-term contract? Day passes available? Match the commitment to your certainty.

Hours Access

24/7 access matters if you work unusual hours. Some spaces are strictly business hours.

Alternatives to Formal Coworking

Cafes with Good Wifi

Not a long-term solution, but many regional cafes tolerate laptop workers during quiet periods. Buy enough coffee, don’t hog tables during lunch rush, and you’ve got a casual workspace.

Libraries

Every regional centre has a library with wifi and desk space. Free, reliable, but limited amenities and not suitable for calls.

Informal Arrangements

Some businesses with spare desks offer informal coworking. Ask around in local business networks—you might find a spare desk in someone’s office at minimal cost.

Shared Office Space

Sometimes local businesses sublet spare offices. Not coworking in the community sense, but provides workspace at reasonable cost.

Making the Decision

If you’re working remotely and considering coworking:

1. Visit before committing. Spend a day (most offer trials) to experience the reality.

2. Consider your needs. Quiet focus work? Client meetings? Community connection? Different spaces suit different needs.

3. Calculate true cost. Factor in coffee, lunch, and commuting. Sometimes home office investment makes more sense.

4. Think about community. The network aspect of coworking can be valuable. If you’re looking for connections, choose spaces with active communities.

Working remotely from regional Victoria doesn’t mean working isolated. Good coworking options exist across the region—it’s worth finding the right fit.