Bambra

VIC 3241 • Victoria

115
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
41.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietSemi-Rural

About Bambra

Bambra is a small rural locality in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire, situated approximately 43 kilometres south-west of Geelong and around 108 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Covering some 41 square kilometres among the rolling hills and valleys of the Otway Ranges hinterland, the locality recorded a population of 115 residents at the 2021 Census across 43 dwellings. Its name derives from an Aboriginal word for mushroom, reflecting the area's deep indigenous heritage, and the landscape retains much of its historic character from when it was first opened for selection in the 1860s.

Bambra sits in a quiet pastoral valley surrounded by dairy and beef farming country, with the forested ridgelines of the Otways providing a striking backdrop. The locality is well-positioned for those who appreciate the natural beauty of coastal Victoria — the Great Ocean Road, Lorne, and Anglesea are all within an hour's drive, while the township of Birregurra, about 10 kilometres to the north, provides the closest local services including a pub, café, and small shops. Bambra appeals to tree-changers and lifestyle seekers who value rural tranquillity with access to one of Victoria's most scenic coastal hinterland regions.

Bambra falls under postcode 3241 and is governed by Surf Coast Shire Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3241
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.20°, 143.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
41.41 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled local bus service — Birregurra (approx. 10km N) and Colac (approx. 25km W) are the nearest service centres N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
108 km
By Train
No direct service. Driving to Winchelsea or Geelong for V/Line train services is possible, with trains to Melbourne Southern Cross taking approximately 1 hour from Geelong.
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway (A1) via Colac or Geelong. Birregurra is the nearest small local service node; Colac provides a broader range of shops and services.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Bambra has no local shops or services — a private vehicle is essential for all daily needs, with Birregurra and Colac the nearest service options.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
115
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bambra known for? +

Bambra is known for its peaceful rural setting in the Otway Ranges hinterland and its historic heritage — the area was first settled in the 1860s and takes its name from an Aboriginal word for mushroom. It is valued by lifestyle seekers for its proximity to the scenic Great Ocean Road region and the tranquil Otways landscape.

How far is Bambra from Melbourne? +

Bambra is approximately 108 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, typically a drive of around 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 45 minutes via the Princes Highway through Geelong or Colac.

Does Bambra have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Bambra directly. Residents rely on private vehicles, with Winchelsea (approximately 20km north-east) offering the nearest V/Line train station on the Warrnambool Line. The nearby township of Colac also provides bus connections.

What is the population of Bambra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bambra has a population of 115 residents across approximately 43 dwellings, making it a small rural locality in the Surf Coast Shire.

Is Bambra a good place to live? +

Bambra is a wonderful choice for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle in one of Victoria's most scenic regions. With the Otway Ranges, Great Ocean Road, and coastal townships all within easy reach, it suits lifestyle seekers and tree-changers who are comfortable with a car-dependent rural existence.

What is the postcode for Bambra? +

The postcode for Bambra, VIC is 3241, which covers several localities in the Surf Coast Shire and Colac Otway Shire area of Victoria.