Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a 49-year-old woman whose body was found at Eastern Beach in Geelong, as police confirm a man known to her is in custody. The killing is believed to be the sixth woman to die violently in Australia this year.
The woman, a 49-year-old from Springvale in Melbourne’s south-east, was discovered at Eastern Beach Pavilion shortly before 11.30am. Emergency services were called to the scene, but she could not be revived. Police later confirmed the death was being treated as suspicious.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Homicide Squad were called in as officers established a crime scene at the popular waterfront location. Sections of the beach were closed for several hours while forensic teams examined the area and collected evidence.
A 53-year-old man was arrested later that afternoon in Geelong’s CBD. Police say the man, who is of no fixed address, is known to the woman and is being interviewed in relation to her death. No charges have been laid and investigators have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Authorities believe the woman and the man were known to each other, though the nature of their relationship has not been disclosed. Detectives are continuing to piece together the woman’s movements and are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Eastern Beach, one of Geelong’s busiest and most visible public spaces, was crowded with locals and visitors at the time of the discovery. Police have urged anyone who was in the area or who may have information, including dashcam or mobile phone footage, to come forward.
Homicide detectives have taken a man into custody following the death of a woman in Geelong, Victoria. Her body was found on a beach this morning.
— Sherele Moody (Femicide Researcher) 🌈 (@ShereleMoody) January 28, 2026
The man is known to her.
She is the 6th Australian woman killed this year – that's six women killed in 16 days across the country.… pic.twitter.com/UqQmJpwOlz
The death has added to growing national concern about violence against women, with advocacy groups noting this is believed to be the sixth Australian woman killed this year, less than three weeks into January. The pace of deaths has renewed calls for urgent action to address gender-based violence.
Official data consistently shows women are far more likely to be killed by someone they know, often in domestic or personal contexts. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare , intimate partner and family violence remains a leading factor in female homicide cases nationwide.
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Victoria Police say the investigation remains ongoing and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, confidential support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day.
