Avoca

VIC 3467 • Rest of VIC

1,356
Population (2021)
$26,156
Median Income
102.81 km²
Area
$210/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricQuietWine Region

About Avoca

Avoca is an urban locality and the principal township of the Pyrenees Shire in central Victoria, located approximately 200 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. With a population of 1,356 at the 2021 Census, Avoca has grown from its origins as a gold rush era settlement into a small but functional regional service centre for the surrounding farming and wine-growing district. The community has a median age of 51, reflecting an older, well-established population, with household incomes broadly comparable to other rural Victorian townships of similar size.

Avoca sits at the heart of the Pyrenees wine region, one of Victoria's most highly regarded cool-climate wine areas known for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The Avoca River flows through the township, and the nearby Pyrenees Ranges provide a backdrop for walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. The main street supports local shops, a hotel, a bakery, and essential community services, while a primary school, secondary school, and district health service provide the town's residential needs. Its historic streetscape, wine tourism connections, and close-knit community character make Avoca an appealing base for those seeking a genuine country lifestyle in regional Victoria.

Avoca falls under postcode 3467 and is governed by Pyrenees Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3467
Urban Area
Moyne - Ararat - Pyrenees
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.07°, 143.47°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
102.81 km²
Elevation
233m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services via Maryborough — Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) Approx. 2 hr 30 min - 3 hours

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
200 km
By Train
No direct service; V/Line train from Maryborough (~30 km away) to Melbourne Southern Cross takes approx. 2 hours
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 15 min

🛣️ Calder Highway and Pyrenees Highway are the main routes; Maryborough is the nearest V/Line hub

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact township centre allows walking for local errands, but a car is needed for most services and travel beyond the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$210
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,056
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
51 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,193
Census 2021
1,356
13.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,660
Income 2021
$26,156
10.5% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,127
Born Overseas 108

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 42
  • 2. New Zealand 18
  • 3. Scotland 7
  • 4. Philippines 6
  • 5. South Africa 5
  • 6. France 4
  • 7. Poland 4
  • 8. Thailand 4
  • 9. Croatia 3
  • 10. Germany 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 597
English 593
Scottish 173
Irish 151
Dutch 34
German 34
Australian Aboriginal 22
Italian 16
Hungarian 11
Polish 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,031
Both parents born in Australia
136
Both parents born overseas
88
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.3%
Christianity
42.3%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
67 (4.9%)
5-14 years
151 (11.1%)
15-19 years
75 (5.5%)
20-24 years
43 (3.2%)
25-34 years
122 (9.0%)
35-44 years
118 (8.7%)
45-54 years
172 (12.7%)
55-64 years
169 (12.5%)
65-74 years
265 (19.5%)
75-84 years
127 (9.4%)
85+ years
49 (3.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avoca VIC known for? +

Avoca is known as the gateway to Victoria's Pyrenees wine region, one of the state's most respected cool-climate wine areas particularly renowned for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The town also has a rich history from the Victorian gold rush era and offers a genuine rural character in central Victoria.

How far is Avoca from Melbourne? +

Avoca is approximately 200 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, making it about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Calder and Pyrenees Highways.

Does Avoca VIC have public transport? +

Avoca does not have a direct train service. The nearest V/Line station is Maryborough, approximately 30 kilometres away, which provides train connections to Melbourne. V/Line coach services also link Avoca to the rail network; a car is essential for local travel.

What is the population of Avoca VIC? +

According to the 2021 Census, Avoca has a population of 1,356 residents, up from 1,193 in 2016. The median age is 51, reflecting an older, well-established community in rural central Victoria.

Is Avoca VIC a good place to live? +

Avoca is well-suited to those seeking a quiet, community-focused rural lifestyle in central Victoria, particularly those with ties to agriculture, the wine industry, or who work remotely. Its compact township, school facilities, and wine region setting offer real appeal, though the distance from Melbourne means self-sufficiency and a car are essential.

What is the postcode for Avoca VIC? +

The postcode for Avoca, Victoria is 3467.