Barwon Heads
VIC 3227 • Rest of VIC
About Barwon Heads
Barwon Heads is a charming coastal town on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, situated at the mouth of the Barwon River where it meets Bass Strait, about 22 kilometres south-east of Geelong. With a 2021 census population of 4,353, the town has a relaxed seaside character and a median age of 46, reflecting its appeal to established families and sea-changers. The suburb sits within the City of Greater Geelong and is bounded to the west by the Murtnaghurt Lagoon wetland and farmland, giving it a peaceful, unhurried feel.
Barwon Heads is beloved for its surf beach, estuary fishing, and the iconic Barwon Heads Bridge, and gained national recognition as the filming location for the television series Seachange. Residents enjoy the local bowls club, golf course, cafes, and boutique shops that give the town its village character. The suburb attracts families, retirees, and holiday visitors alike, with Ocean Grove just across the river offering additional shopping and schools.
Barwon Heads falls under postcode 3227 and is governed by Greater Geelong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bellarine (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Route 75 — Geelong via Ocean Grove and Leopold approx. 55 min to Geelong
- Route 73 — Geelong via Barwon Heads Rd approx. 50 min to Geelong
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Popular sea-change destination; most commuters drive to Geelong or work locally
Compact town centre within walking distance of beach, cafes and local shops; limited public transport frequency
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Golf Links Road
Housing 2021 Census
21 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 183
- 2. New Zealand 31
- 3. United States 25
- 4. Scotland 22
- 5. South Africa 19
- 6. Netherlands 16
- 7. Germany 12
- 8. Papua New Guinea 9
- 9. Malta 7
- 10. Croatia 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)