🔍

Bridgetown

WA 6255 • Rest of WA

3,168
Population (2021)
$30,160
Median Income
35.00 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRuralRetiree-HavenAffordableTree-Lined

About Bridgetown

Bridgetown is a historic town in the South West region of Western Australia, situated approximately 267 kilometres south of Perth on the Blackwood River, within the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes. Established in 1868, the town covers 35 square kilometres at an elevation of 187 metres and has a population of 3,168. With a median age of 52 and median household income of around $1,082 per week, the community is older and predominantly established, with strong English, Australian, and Scottish ancestry reflecting generations of settlement in the region.

Bridgetown's heritage streetscape along Hampton Street offers boutique shops, cafes, bakeries, and local services set against a backdrop of National Trust-classified buildings, giving the town a distinctive country character. Situated at the junction of the South Western Highway and Brockman Highway, it serves as the main service centre for the Blackwood Valley and surrounding timber and agricultural country. The cooler climate, scenic river walks, and proximity to wine regions have made Bridgetown popular with tree-changers and retirees from Perth seeking a quieter lifestyle. The well-known Bridgetown Blues Festival each November draws visitors from across the South West.

Bridgetown falls under postcode 6255 and is governed by Bridgetown-Greenbushes Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Warren-Blackwood electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6255
Urban Area
Bridgetown - Scott River East
LGA / Council
Bridgetown-Greenbushes
Federal Electorate
O'connor
State Electorate
Warren-Blackwood
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.96°, 116.13°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
35.00 km²
Elevation
187m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TransWA (Route SW3) — Perth (East Perth Bus & Train Terminal) Approx. 3.5 hr

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
267 km
By Train
No direct train service. TransWA coach to Perth (~3.5hr) or drive to Bunbury and take Australind to Perth
By Car (Peak)
3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 45 min

🛣️ Car is essential for most residents. South Western Highway is the main route to Perth via Bunbury

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The town centre along Hampton Street is walkable for daily errands, but a car is needed for travel beyond the town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,400
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.8%

33 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,812
Census 2021
3,168
▲ 12.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,624
Income 2021
$30,160
▲ 13.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,158
Born Overseas 746

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 373
  • 2. New Zealand 92
  • 3. Scotland 28
  • 4. South Africa 21
  • 5. Germany 19
  • 6. Netherlands 18
  • 7. United States 17
  • 8. Ireland 13
  • 9. Philippines 13
  • 10. Italy 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,679
Australian 1,138
Scottish 376
Irish 368
Italian 102
German 88
Dutch 79
Australian Aboriginal 53
Welsh 33
New Zealander 31

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,516
Both parents born in Australia
919
Both parents born overseas
491
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.0%
Christianity
35.7%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
139 (4.4%)
5-14 years
356 (11.2%)
15-19 years
160 (5.1%)
20-24 years
99 (3.1%)
25-34 years
233 (7.4%)
35-44 years
296 (9.3%)
45-54 years
428 (13.5%)
55-64 years
507 (16.0%)
65-74 years
607 (19.2%)
75-84 years
276 (8.7%)
85+ years
76 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bridgetown known for? +

Bridgetown is best known for its beautifully preserved heritage streetscape along Hampton Street, its location on the scenic Blackwood River, and the annual Bridgetown Blues Festival held each November, which draws blues music lovers from across the South West and Perth.

How far is Bridgetown from Perth? +

Bridgetown is approximately 267 kilometres south of Perth, making it about a 3-hour drive via the South Western Highway through Bunbury and Donnybrook.

Does Bridgetown have public transport? +

Bridgetown is served by TransWA coach services connecting it to Perth. There is no passenger rail directly to Bridgetown; the nearest rail is at Bunbury (88km north). A private vehicle is essential for most day-to-day travel.

What is the population of Bridgetown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bridgetown has a population of approximately 3,168 residents. The community is older, with a median age of 52, reflecting its appeal to long-term residents and retirees seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.

Is Bridgetown a good place to live? +

Bridgetown is well-suited to those seeking an affordable, community-focused lifestyle in a historic country setting. Its heritage character, natural surroundings, and strong local events calendar make it appealing for retirees and tree-changers, though the distance from Perth means most services and specialist facilities require a significant drive.

What is the postcode for Bridgetown? +

The postcode for Bridgetown is 6255.