Short answer: a land surveyor in Drysdale can mark your title boundaries, map the levels and features of your block for a designer, set out a new home or shed, or prepare a plan of subdivision. The right survey depends on whether you are fencing, designing, building or dividing land. In Victoria, only a licensed land surveyor can determine title boundaries under the Surveying Act 2004.
Drysdale is one of the main towns on the Bellarine Peninsula, within the City of Greater Geelong. Around it you will find established town blocks, growing residential estates, nearby Clifton Springs on the bay, and larger rural-living and farming properties further out. Because properties vary so much, the survey that makes sense for one owner can be quite different from what the neighbour needs. This guide walks through the common surveys for Drysdale and nearby Bellarine properties, and how to get started.
Common surveys for Drysdale properties
Re-establishment (boundary) survey
A re-establishment survey finds your title boundaries on the ground using survey marks, registered plans and field measurements. It is the right first step before a new fence, a shed, a carport or an extension close to the boundary, or if a neighbour questions where the line is. Existing fences are not always on the title boundary, especially on older blocks. Read more about our re-establishment survey service.
Feature and level survey
A feature and level survey records the boundaries, buildings, trees, fences, driveways, visible services and ground levels across the site, and often key features on neighbouring land. Architects, building designers and engineers use it as the base for their drawings. Sloping blocks, drainage questions and designs that sit close to boundaries all benefit from accurate levels at the start. Our feature and level survey page explains what is included.
Building set-out
Once your plans are approved, a set-out survey marks where the footings, slab or walls go, so the building is placed where the approved plans show and setbacks are respected. Builders usually book the set-out to line up with site works. See our building set-out service for how it works.
Subdivision
If you own a larger block in Drysdale or Clifton Springs and want to create extra lots, a licensed land surveyor prepares the plan of subdivision and supports you through council approval, certification and registration with Land Use Victoria. Our subdivision service outlines each step, and our guide to two-lot subdivisions in Geelong covers the simplest case.
Local things to check on a Drysdale block
Every property is different, so treat this as a general checklist rather than advice for your particular land:
- Older town blocks versus newer estates: established lots may have fences that have moved or aged over many years, while newer estates usually have more recent survey marks. Both still need checking before you build near a boundary.
- Easements: drainage and sewerage easements are common and can limit where you place a building, shed or pool. Your title and plan of subdivision show what is registered, and a survey shows where it falls on the ground.
- Planning zones and overlays: some land around Drysdale and the Bellarine is affected by zones or overlays that change what you can build or subdivide. The City of Greater Geelong and a town planner can confirm what applies, and the survey gives them accurate information to work from.
- Slope and drainage: ground levels affect driveways, floor levels and stormwater. A feature and level survey captures this before design work begins.
- Rural and lifestyle properties: larger holdings can have long boundaries, old fences and dated title plans. A boundary survey is often the clearest way to confirm what you own before fencing, selling or subdividing.
How a survey works, step by step
- Tell us about the project. Send the address and a short description, such as a new fence, an extension design or a possible subdivision.
- We confirm the right survey. We check the title and plans and recommend the survey type, so you are not paying for more than you need.
- Field work. A surveyor visits the site to measure boundaries, marks, features and levels as required.
- Calculations and plans. The office team checks the measurements against the title information and prepares your plan or marks the boundaries.
- Delivery. You, your designer or your builder receive the plans in the format needed, and we explain anything that is unclear.
Tips before you book
- Have your title and plan of subdivision handy if you already have them. They are useful, though we can obtain them if needed.
- Tell us who will use the survey, for example your designer, builder or town planner, so the plan suits their needs.
- Book early if your designer or builder has a timeline, especially before planning or building applications are lodged.
- If a neighbour is involved in a fence or boundary question, let them know a surveyor will be on site.
Areas we cover around Drysdale
From our Batesford office we cover Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Leopold, Portarlington, St Leonards, Ocean Grove and the wider Bellarine, as well as Geelong, the Surf Coast and Ballarat. Visit our Drysdale land surveyor page, or read our guide for nearby land surveyors in Leopold.
Need a land surveyor in Drysdale? Request a quote online or call 0412 722 261 and tell us about your property and project.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a survey before putting up a fence in Drysdale?
If you and your neighbour are unsure where the boundary is, a re-establishment survey by a licensed land surveyor shows where the title boundary sits on the ground, so the new fence can go in the right place.
What survey does my designer need for a new home or extension in Drysdale?
Most designers ask for a feature and level survey. It records the boundaries, existing buildings, trees, services and ground levels so the design and any planning or building application are based on accurate information.
Can I subdivide my block in Drysdale or Clifton Springs?
It depends on the zoning, overlays, lot size and any restrictions on your title. A licensed land surveyor can prepare the plan of subdivision and work with you, your town planner and the City of Greater Geelong through the approval and registration steps.
Do you also cover Clifton Springs, Portarlington and the rest of the Bellarine?
Yes. We are based at Batesford and work across Geelong and the region, including Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Leopold, Portarlington, Ocean Grove and Queenscliff.
How do I get a quote for a survey in Drysdale?
Send the site address and a short description of your project through our contact page, or call 0412 722 261, and we will recommend the survey that suits.