Black Rock

VIC 3193 • Greater Melbourne

6,389
Population (2021)
$55,484
Median Income
3.19 km²
Area
$541/wk
Median Rent
CoastalAffluentBaysideRetireesFamily-Friendly

About Black Rock

Black Rock is an affluent bayside suburb in Melbourne's south-east, situated within the City of Bayside approximately 18 kilometres from the CBD. Home to around 6,400 residents, the suburb is defined by its dramatic cliff-top coastline overlooking Port Phillip Bay and its heritage-listed Black Rock House. With a median household income of around $2,416 per week, it is one of Melbourne's more prosperous bayside communities.

Life in Black Rock revolves around the bay, with the Beachcomber Promenade and Half Moon Bay drawing swimmers, cyclists and walkers year-round. The suburb has a strong community identity, with a village-like shopping strip on Bluff Road and well-regarded schools nearby. The predominantly older demographic — median age of 49 — reflects the area's appeal to established families and retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle within easy reach of Melbourne. Median monthly mortgage repayments of around $2,897 underscore the suburb's premium property market.

Black Rock falls under postcode 3193 and is governed by Bayside Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Sandringham (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3193
Urban Area
Bayside
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.97°, 145.02°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
3.19 km²
Elevation
31m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Sandringham Station
1.8 km
22 min

Bus Services

  • 922 — Mordialloc via Black Rock 15 min to Cheltenham Station
  • 700 — Chadstone via Cheltenham 20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
18 km
By Train
35 min from Sandringham Station to Flinders Street
By Car (Peak)
35-50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25 min

🛣️ Sandringham Line; bus connection needed to reach station from Black Rock

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Good walking along the bay foreshore; local shops accessible on foot for most residents

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 3 parks and reserves in Black Rock.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$541
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,897
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
49 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,159
Census 2021
6,389
3.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$48,516
Income 2021
$55,484
14.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,613
Born Overseas 1,582

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 455
  • 2. New Zealand 106
  • 3. China 90
  • 4. South Africa 85
  • 5. Germany 64
  • 6. Scotland 63
  • 7. United States 44
  • 8. Greece 43
  • 9. Italy 40
  • 10. Ireland 33

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,609
Australian 2,067
Irish 883
Scottish 854
Italian 318
German 282
Greek 252
Chinese 196
Dutch 136
Polish 95

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,119
Both parents born in Australia
2,020
Both parents born overseas
1,040
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.8%
Christianity
45.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Judaism
0.8%
Islam
0.6%
Hinduism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
249 (3.9%)
5-14 years
752 (11.8%)
15-19 years
463 (7.2%)
20-24 years
292 (4.6%)
25-34 years
397 (6.2%)
35-44 years
642 (10.0%)
45-54 years
989 (15.5%)
55-64 years
990 (15.5%)
65-74 years
888 (13.9%)
75-84 years
509 (8.0%)
85+ years
216 (3.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What train line serves Black Rock? +

Black Rock does not have its own train station. The nearest station is Sandringham on the Sandringham Line, about 1.8km away, with trains to Flinders Street in around 35 minutes.

What is Black Rock known for? +

Black Rock is known for its dramatic cliff coastline at Half Moon Bay, its heritage-listed Black Rock House, and its upmarket bayside lifestyle.

What is the median house price in Black Rock? +

Black Rock is one of Melbourne's premium suburbs with median monthly mortgage repayments around $2,897, reflecting a high-value property market. Median weekly rent is approximately $541.

Is Black Rock family-friendly? +

Yes, Black Rock is popular with established families and has access to good schools, parks, and the bayside foreshore. Its median age of 49 also makes it popular with empty nesters and retirees.

What beach is near Black Rock? +

Half Moon Bay is the main beach in Black Rock, set below sandstone cliffs and popular for swimming, snorkelling and the HMAS Cerberus shipwreck at low tide.