🔍

Bunyip

VIC 3815 • Greater Melbourne

3,131
Population (2021)
$40,508
Median Income
24.24 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyCommuter BeltAffordableEstablished

About Bunyip

Bunyip is a small country town in Victoria's Cardinia Shire, situated approximately 65 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD along the South Gippsland Highway. With a population of 3,131 residents as of the 2021 Census — up from 2,468 in 2016 — the town has seen steady growth driven by families and tree-changers seeking affordable space and a slower pace of life. The median household income of $1,927 per week reflects a solid working-to-middle class community, with a median age of 38 and predominantly Australian and English ancestry.

Bunyip offers a genuine country lifestyle with the convenience of a railway station on the Gippsland line, providing commuter access to Melbourne and making it popular with families who want space without being entirely cut off from the city. The town centre features local shops, a hotel, and community services, while the surrounding Cardinia and South Gippsland regions offer parks, reserves, and rural pursuits. Known for its friendly community atmosphere and strong local networks, Bunyip appeals to those seeking a quieter, semi-rural lifestyle with good schooling options available in nearby Pakenham and Drouin.

Bunyip falls under postcode 3815 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3815
Urban Area
Cardinia
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Narracan (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.10°, 145.72°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
24.24 km²
Elevation
38m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bunyip
0.3 km
5 min

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Pakenham / Drouin 20-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
65 km
By Train
Approx. 75-80 min to Flinders Street Station via Gippsland Line
By Car (Peak)
70-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-75 min

🛣️ Gippsland Line train is the primary commuter option; South Gippsland Highway connects to Princes Freeway

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; basic town centre services are walkable but limited

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

6 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,468
Census 2021
3,131
▲ 26.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,564
Income 2021
$40,508
▲ 28.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,652
Born Overseas 266

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 106
  • 2. New Zealand 32
  • 3. Germany 14
  • 4. Netherlands 13
  • 5. Scotland 13
  • 6. Philippines 11
  • 7. Italy 10
  • 8. Sri Lanka 9
  • 9. Ireland 7
  • 10. Thailand 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,463
English 1,326
Irish 405
Scottish 254
Dutch 139
Italian 128
German 108
Australian Aboriginal 35
Maltese 29
Polish 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,112
Both parents born in Australia
418
Both parents born overseas
399
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.2%
Christianity
44.6%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
237 (7.6%)
5-14 years
477 (15.2%)
15-19 years
214 (6.8%)
20-24 years
160 (5.1%)
25-34 years
340 (10.9%)
35-44 years
396 (12.6%)
45-54 years
376 (12.0%)
55-64 years
389 (12.4%)
65-74 years
265 (8.5%)
75-84 years
196 (6.3%)
85+ years
72 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bunyip known for? +

Bunyip is known for its relaxed country town character and growing popularity with families and tree-changers seeking affordable space within commuting distance of Melbourne. Its Gippsland line train station makes it one of the more accessible rural towns in the region.

How far is Bunyip from Melbourne CBD? +

Bunyip is approximately 65 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD, roughly a 70-90 minute drive depending on traffic, or about 75-80 minutes by train on the Gippsland line to Flinders Street Station.

Does Bunyip have public transport? +

Yes, Bunyip has its own railway station on the Gippsland line, with regular services running into Melbourne's Flinders Street Station. Local bus services are limited, and a car is useful for accessing surrounding areas.

What is the population of Bunyip? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bunyip has a population of 3,131 residents, representing significant growth from 2,468 in 2016 as more families move to the region seeking affordable lifestyle properties.

Is Bunyip a good place to live? +

Bunyip is a great option for families and individuals who value space, a community feel, and a rural pace of life while remaining connected to Melbourne by train. Amenities are modest locally, but Pakenham and Drouin nearby offer additional services.

What is the postcode for Bunyip? +

The postcode for Bunyip is 3815, located within the Cardinia Shire in Victoria.