🔍

California Gully

VIC 3556 • Rest of VIC

4,476
Population (2021)
$30,576
Median Income
3.71 km²
Area
$251/wk
Median Rent
HistoricAffordableFamily-FriendlyYoung Families

About California Gully

California Gully is a historic suburb located 5 kilometres north-west of Bendigo's city centre in the City of Greater Bendigo, Victoria. Named after the Californian gold miners who flocked to the area following gold discoveries in 1852, the suburb carries a rich mining heritage that shaped much of the Bendigo region. With a population of approximately 4,476 residents at the 2021 Census, it is a well-established working-class community. The suburb sits within the broader Eaglehawk urban area and retains several heritage-listed buildings from its colonial past.

California Gully offers an affordable lifestyle within easy reach of Bendigo's amenities, shopping, and employment hubs. The suburb is home to California Gully Primary School, which occupies a heritage-listed site, as well as the historic Uniting Church. Housing is predominantly older detached homes, and median rents sit well below the national average, making it popular with families and first-home buyers. The community has a multicultural character thanks to its diverse history, and residents enjoy good access to parks and local services.

California Gully falls under postcode 3556 and is governed by Greater Bendigo Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bendigo West (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3556
Urban Area
Eaglehawk
LGA / Council
Greater Bendigo
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Bendigo West (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.73°, 144.26°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
3.71 km²
Elevation
245m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Eaglehawk Station
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • 75, 76 — Bendigo CBD 15 min

Commute to Bendigo CBD

Distance
5 km
By Train
Eaglehawk Station to Bendigo Station ~5 min, then Melbourne ~2 hr
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 min

🛣️ V/Line Bendigo Line runs from nearby Eaglehawk Station to Southern Cross Station

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; local shops accessible on foot near Eaglehawk Road

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$251
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,200
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
10.7%

151 state housing + 38 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,363
Census 2021
4,476
▲ 2.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,792
Income 2021
$30,576
▲ 18.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,694
Born Overseas 407

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Thailand 88
  • 2. Myanmar 86
  • 3. England 50
  • 4. New Zealand 36
  • 5. Philippines 22
  • 6. India 10
  • 7. Ireland 8
  • 8. Nepal 8
  • 9. Vietnam 8
  • 10. China 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,817
Australian 1,811
Irish 526
Scottish 458
German 210
Australian Aboriginal 176
Italian 81
Dutch 60
Chinese 44
Filipino 33

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,200
Both parents born in Australia
537
Both parents born overseas
347
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.1%
Christianity
39.3%
Buddhism
1.7%
Islam
0.4%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
233 (5.2%)
5-14 years
603 (13.5%)
15-19 years
298 (6.7%)
20-24 years
294 (6.6%)
25-34 years
581 (13.0%)
35-44 years
512 (11.4%)
45-54 years
509 (11.4%)
55-64 years
563 (12.6%)
65-74 years
487 (10.9%)
75-84 years
270 (6.0%)
85+ years
131 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is California Gully located? +

California Gully is located 5 kilometres north-west of Bendigo's city centre along Eaglehawk Road, within the City of Greater Bendigo, Victoria.

Why is it called California Gully? +

The suburb is named after Californian gold miners who rushed to the area when gold was discovered in 1852, reflecting Bendigo's gold rush heritage.

What is the median rent in California Gully? +

According to the 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in California Gully is approximately $251, well below the national median.

What school is in California Gully? +

California Gully Primary School serves the suburb and is located on a Victorian Heritage Register-listed site dating back to the 1880s.

Is California Gully affordable? +

Yes, California Gully is one of Bendigo's more affordable suburbs, with median weekly household incomes and rents below city averages, making it popular with families and first-home buyers.