Boolarra
VIC 3870 • Rest of VIC
About Boolarra
Boolarra is a small, characterful township in the Latrobe Valley of central Gippsland, Victoria, within the Latrobe City local government area. With a population of around 1,000 and a notably older demographic (average age of 50), Boolarra sits at the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, surrounded by lush farmland and native forest. The township experienced population decline through the mid-20th century but has seen renewed interest since the 1970s from people attracted to its rural lifestyle. Boolarra retains a strong sense of community identity and artistic spirit.
The annual Boolarra Folk Festival, held each March, is the town's signature event, attracting musicians and visitors from across Gippsland and beyond. The township features a general store, primary school, community hall, and pub, with larger shopping and services available in Churchill (10 minutes) and Morwell (20 minutes). The surrounding Strzelecki Ranges offer excellent bushwalking, and the Grand Ridge Rail Trail passes through town. Boolarra appeals to artists, retirees, hobby farmers, and those seeking an affordable tree-change with genuine small-town community life.
Boolarra falls under postcode 3870 and is governed by Latrobe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Route 4 (Churchill - Boolarra via Yinnar) — Churchill, connecting to Morwell 1h 15min to Morwell (via Churchill)
Commute to Melbourne
🛣️ Most residents commute to Morwell or Traralgon (20-30 min drive) as regional centres. Bus service is infrequent. Car essential for daily life
Small township centre with basic amenities is walkable for nearby residents, but car needed for all major services and employment.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Tarwin Street
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 50
- 2. New Zealand 11
- 3. Germany 10
- 4. Malta 6
- 5. Thailand 6
- 6. Scotland 5
- 7. South Africa 4
- 8. Zimbabwe 4
- 9. Netherlands 3
- 10. Philippines 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)