Beaufort
VIC 3373 • Rest of VIC
About Beaufort
Beaufort is a small town in the Pyrenees Shire of Victoria, located on the Western Highway midway between Ballarat (50 km east) and Ararat (44 km west). The town has a population of approximately 1,712 and sits at an elevation of 387 metres above sea level. Originally established during the gold rush era of the 1850s, Beaufort serves as the administrative centre of the Pyrenees Shire. The area was traditionally occupied by the Wadawurrung people.
Beaufort provides a quiet rural lifestyle with basic amenities including a primary school, general store, and local sporting facilities. The surrounding Pyrenees wine region offers boutique wineries and cellar doors that attract visitors to the area. The town appeals to those seeking affordable country living within reasonable reach of Ballarat's larger services. Lake Goldsmith and its famous steam rally, held twice yearly, are popular local attractions.
Beaufort falls under postcode 3373 and is governed by Pyrenees Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- V/Line coach — Ballarat 40 min
- V/Line coach — Ararat / Melbourne 30 min / 2h 30min
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Most residents work locally or commute to Ballarat (50km)
Small town centre is walkable but most daily needs require driving to Ballarat or Ararat.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Hill Street
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Beaufort Park Road
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Trawalla Estate
Housing 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 72
- 2. New Zealand 21
- 3. Netherlands 11
- 4. Scotland 9
- 5. Italy 5
- 6. Philippines 5
- 7. Canada 4
- 8. Germany 4
- 9. Vietnam 4
- 10. South Africa 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)