🔍

Cape Paterson

VIC 3995 • Rest of VIC

1,111
Population (2021)
$34,112
Median Income
15.80 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideSea-ChangeRetiree-HavenPeaceful

About Cape Paterson

Cape Paterson is a small coastal locality on Victoria's Bass Coast, situated approximately 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne within the Bass Coast Shire council. Covering 15.8 square kilometres along the Bass Strait shoreline, the locality has a population of 1,111 — up significantly from 891 in 2016 — as sea-change buyers are drawn to its coastal lifestyle. With a median age of 55 and a median household income of $1,285 per week, the area is dominated by retirees, holiday home owners, and families seeking a relaxed alternative to city living.

Cape Paterson is prized for its rugged surf beaches, dramatic rock platforms, and direct access to the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, which features remarkable dinosaur fossil sites, snorkelling, and scenic coastal walks. The town has a small village character centred around a general store and café, while the nearby towns of Inverloch (approximately 6 kilometres) and Wonthaggi (approximately 10 kilometres) offer fuller retail, healthcare, and schooling services. The area is popular with Melbourne weekenders, retirees seeking a coastal tree/sea change, and surfers drawn to the consistent Bass Strait swell.

Cape Paterson falls under postcode 3995 and is governed by Bass Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3995
Urban Area
Bass Coast
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.66°, 145.62°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
15.80 km²
Elevation
34m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional bus (McHarry's/Dyson's) — Wonthaggi / Inverloch 15-20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
No direct service; V/Line from Leongatha (35km away) to Flinders Street — approx. 2 hrs total
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway and Phillip Island Road are the main routes; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small coastal village with minimal local services; car needed for most daily errands beyond the local café and general store

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
55 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
891
Census 2021
1,111
▲ 24.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,340
Income 2021
$34,112
▲ 20.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 912
Born Overseas 152

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 51
  • 2. New Zealand 28
  • 3. Scotland 12
  • 4. Germany 9
  • 5. Italy 6
  • 6. Canada 5
  • 7. France 5
  • 8. Netherlands 5
  • 9. South Africa 5
  • 10. China 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 494
Australian 417
Scottish 183
Irish 181
Italian 68
German 55
Dutch 27
New Zealander 13
Welsh 11
French 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

728
Both parents born in Australia
201
Both parents born overseas
143
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
59.8%
Christianity
34.6%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
40 (3.6%)
5-14 years
95 (8.6%)
15-19 years
50 (4.5%)
20-24 years
34 (3.1%)
25-34 years
79 (7.1%)
35-44 years
114 (10.3%)
45-54 years
143 (12.9%)
55-64 years
212 (19.1%)
65-74 years
222 (20.0%)
75-84 years
96 (8.6%)
85+ years
23 (2.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Paterson known for? +

Cape Paterson is known for its rugged surf beaches, rock platforms, and proximity to the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, which contains significant dinosaur fossil sites and excellent snorkelling spots. It is a popular sea-change and holiday destination on Victoria's Bass Coast.

How far is Cape Paterson from Melbourne CBD? +

Cape Paterson is approximately 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour 15 minute drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Cape Paterson have public transport? +

Cape Paterson has very limited public transport. There is no rail service directly to the town; the nearest V/Line station is Leongatha, approximately 35 kilometres away. Regional bus services operate to nearby Wonthaggi and Inverloch. A car is essential for living in Cape Paterson.

What is the population of Cape Paterson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cape Paterson has a population of 1,111 residents, a notable increase from 891 in 2016, reflecting strong sea-change demand on Victoria's Bass Coast.

Is Cape Paterson a good place to live? +

Cape Paterson offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle for those who value nature, surf, and quiet living over urban convenience. It is particularly well-suited to retirees and families embracing a sea-change, though the distance from Melbourne and limited local services mean a car is essential and major shopping requires a trip to Wonthaggi or Inverloch.

What is the postcode for Cape Paterson? +

The postcode for Cape Paterson, Victoria is 3995.