The next phase of the project is to extend the new line to Ballarat in 1858.
The line was opened for service in April 1862.
In 1855, a newspaper commented that neither the colony or the investors would receive full advantages of the line construction unless the line was extended to Ballarat and other western gold-fields to increase reciprocity.
The alluded line from Geelong to Ballarat would significantly enhance the company's value.
The extended project was proposed in the previous session of Legistrative Council in September with high hopes.
However, the press also cited that the company's Executive was "folly" to propose for the extension due to the fact that the construction for the permanent line was behind schedule  and the company was not ready for the operation.
Therefore, a strong effort from the company to extend the line would be required unless the colony government proceed the work via providing funds to resuscitate or amalgamating to other railway companies such as Alexander and Murray River or Melbourne and Sandridge due to delays in constructing or traffic intensity respectively .
The amalgamation was considered as a good option since it would bring greater returned values for shareholders contained better mutual benefits for the colony.

After that, the line was planned to extend south-west to Winchelsea by “building a line running along the Corio Bay waterfront towards Limeburners Point, where the line would then cross the hill and run down to the Barwon River”.
The proposal was rejected and replaced by tunnels to transport passengers across the hill.
The next phase of the project is to extend the new line to Ballarat in 1858. The line was opened for service in April 1862. In 1855, a newspaper commented that neither the colony or the investors would receive full advantages of the line construction unless the line was extended to Ballarat and other western gold-fields to increase reciprocity. The alluded line from Geelong to Ballarat would significantly enhance the company's value. The extended project was proposed in the previous session of Legistrative Council in September with high hopes. However, the press also cited that the company's Executive was "folly" to propose for the extension due to the fact that the construction for the permanent line was behind schedule  and the company was not ready for the operation. Therefore, a strong effort from the company to extend the line would be required unless the colony government proceed the work via providing funds to resuscitate or amalgamating to other railway companies such as Alexander and Murray River or Melbourne and Sandridge due to delays in constructing or traffic intensity respectively . The amalgamation was considered as a good option since it would bring greater returned values for shareholders contained better mutual benefits for the colony.
After that, the line was planned to extend south-west to Winchelsea by “building a line running along the Corio Bay waterfront towards Limeburners Point, where the line would then cross the hill and run down to the Barwon River”. The proposal was rejected and replaced by tunnels to transport passengers across the hill.
Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company