With views across Geelong, Corio Bay and the surrounding region, Highton is located along the banks of the Barwon River and across the rolling Barrabool Hills.

The Barwon River straddles Highton to the north and east, while it is bordered by the hilly Ceres and Wandana Heights to the west, the former (and now underground) Kardinia Creek separates the suburb from Belmont to the south-east, and the Princes Highway and Pigdons Road to the south separate the suburb from Waurn Ponds.

Grazier John Highett set up a farm and finished building his house on a hill overlooking the Barwon River in 1834.

[4] Residential development reached Highton by the post war 1950s, the scenic hills overlooking the Barwon River valley being popular with residents.

Highton is also located in close proximity to Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus and the southern section of the suburb has a high student population.

In 2016 Barrabool Hills Plaza opened in Provence Blvd containing a Woolworths Supermarket and some small speciality shops.

Running, walking and bike riding are also popular activities along the Barwon River as tracks exists to enable such pursuits.

Highton Reserve is the home of the Geelong Falcons training ground the complete in the AFL under 18 TAC League.

On the boundary between Highton and Belmont is a third sporting field, home to the South Barwon Football and Netball Club.