Bessiebelle

VIC 3304 • Victoria

113
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
203.97 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalRemoteQuiet

About Bessiebelle

Bessiebelle is a small rural locality in the Shire of Moyne in western Victoria, situated approximately 311 kilometres west of Melbourne and 70 kilometres north-west of Warrnambool. The locality sits on the Eumeralla River adjacent to the Mount Eccles National Park (also known as Budj Bim National Park), a place of significant cultural and geological importance to the Gunditjmara people. With a 2021 Census population of 113 residents spread across a large area of nearly 204 square kilometres, Bessiebelle has a sparsely settled pastoral character typical of the Western District.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by grazing farmland and volcanic plains, with the nearby Budj Bim National Park offering visitors access to ancient lava flows, crater lakes including Lake Surprise, and World Heritage-listed Aboriginal aquaculture sites. The locality has a quiet, self-sufficient character with a strong agricultural heritage dating back to the pastoral era of the 1840s. Residents rely on Macarthur, approximately 17 kilometres to the north, and Heywood to the south for everyday services, while Warrnambool is the nearest regional centre for larger shopping and medical needs.

Bessiebelle falls under postcode 3304 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3304
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.18°, 141.95°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
203.97 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Macarthur / Warrnambool Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
311 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min - 3 hr 45 min

🛣️ Via Hamilton Highway and Western Highway. Car is essential.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily errands; no local shops or services within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
113
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 Bessiebelle known for? +

Bessiebelle is known for its location adjacent to Budj Bim National Park (Mount Eccles), a site of World Heritage significance for its ancient Aboriginal aquaculture systems and volcanic landscape. The area has a long pastoral history dating back to the 1840s and is set in the scenic Western District of Victoria.

How far is Bessiebelle from Melbourne? +

Bessiebelle is approximately 311 kilometres west of Melbourne CBD, making it roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the Hamilton and Western Highways.

Does Bessiebelle have public transport? +

Public transport in Bessiebelle is extremely limited. There is no rail service, and a private car is the most practical means of transport. The nearest regional centre is Warrnambool, approximately 70 kilometres to the south-east.

What is the population of Bessiebelle? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bessiebelle has a population of 113 residents across its large 204 square kilometre area, reflecting its sparse, rural character.

Is Bessiebelle a good place to live? +

Bessiebelle suits those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle in a scenic part of western Victoria. Its proximity to the Budj Bim National Park and the Eumeralla River offers natural amenity, though residents must travel to nearby towns for all services and shopping.

What is the postcode for Bessiebelle? +

The postcode for Bessiebelle is 3304, shared with surrounding localities in the Shire of Moyne.