🔍

Carbunup River

WA 6280 • Western Australia

112
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
27.94 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralWine CountrySemi-RuralQuietCoastal Proximity

About Carbunup River

Carbunup River is a small rural town in Western Australia's South West region, situated between Dunsborough and Margaret River approximately 15 kilometres west of Busselton and 247 kilometres south-south-west of Perth. The locality falls within the City of Busselton local government area and is nestled on the banks of the Carbunup River, after which it is named — the word 'Carbunup' is of Aboriginal origin and is thought to mean 'place of the cormorants.' With a 2021 population of 112 residents spread across nearly 28 square kilometres and just 43 dwellings, it is an intimate, low-density rural community with a quiet character.

Carbunup River's greatest advantage is its location in one of Australia's most celebrated wine and tourism regions, with Margaret River just a short drive to the south and Busselton and Dunsborough accessible to the north. The surrounding landscape is rich with vineyards, cellar doors, artisan producers, and coastal attractions typical of the Margaret River wine region. While the town itself has minimal commercial services, residents benefit from the wider Busselton and Margaret River corridor for shopping, healthcare, and schooling. The area appeals to those seeking affordable semi-rural living within easy reach of premium wine country, surf beaches, and South West coastal attractions.

Carbunup River falls under postcode 6280 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Vasse (South West) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6280
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Forrest
State Electorate
Vasse (South West)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.73°, 115.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
27.94 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TransWA coach services — Busselton / Perth Limited scheduled services; not suited for daily commute

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
247 km
By Train
No direct rail service; drive to Bunbury (~95km) then Australind train to Perth (~2 hr)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr via Bussell Hwy and South Western Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport. Busselton (15km east) is the nearest regional centre for services.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Almost all errands require a car; the locality has no walkable commercial hub and residents must drive to Busselton or Dunsborough for services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
112
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carbunup River known for? +

Carbunup River is known for its location in Western Australia's premium wine and tourism region, nestled between the surf town of Dunsborough and the renowned Margaret River wine district. The locality sits on the banks of the Carbunup River, whose Aboriginal name is thought to mean "place of the cormorants."

How far is Carbunup River from Perth? +

Carbunup River is approximately 247 kilometres south-south-west of Perth, typically a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via the Bussell Highway and South Western Highway.

Does Carbunup River have public transport? +

Public transport in Carbunup River is very limited. TransWA coach services connect the South West region to Perth, but a car is the practical necessity for daily life. The nearest rail service is in Bunbury, approximately 95 kilometres to the north.

What is the population of Carbunup River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Carbunup River has a population of 112 residents across approximately 43 dwellings, making it one of the smaller localities in the City of Busselton.

Is Carbunup River a good place to live? +

Carbunup River suits those who value a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle close to world-class wineries, surf beaches, and the natural beauty of WA's South West. It is best suited to those with their own transport and who do not need to commute to Perth regularly.

What is the postcode for Carbunup River? +

The postcode for Carbunup River is 6280, shared with nearby Busselton and surrounding South West localities.