🔍

Clifton Springs

VIC 3222 • Rest of VIC

7,646
Population (2021)
$35,516
Median Income
5.37 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlyRetireesAffordable

About Clifton Springs

Clifton Springs is a residential coastal suburb on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, located approximately 16 kilometres east of Geelong's city centre and 70 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Part of the City of Greater Geelong, the suburb had a population of 7,646 at the 2021 Census, making it one of the more sizeable communities on the peninsula. Clifton Springs is nestled near the shores of Corio Bay and is adjacent to Drysdale, together forming the main service hub of the central Bellarine region. The suburb offers a pleasant semi-rural coastal atmosphere that has attracted steady residential growth in recent decades.

Clifton Springs appeals strongly to families, retirees, and sea-change seekers drawn by its relaxed coastal lifestyle and relative affordability compared to Melbourne. The suburb has good local amenities including primary schools, reserves, and access to the Bellarine Rail Trail. Residents typically commute to Geelong by car or bus, with the Bellarine Highway providing direct access to the city. The nearby town of Drysdale provides supermarkets, medical services, and cafes, while the broader Bellarine Peninsula is renowned for its wineries, farm gates, and tourism.

Clifton Springs falls under postcode 3222 and is governed by Greater Geelong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bellarine (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3222
Urban Area
Geelong - Queenscliff
LGA / Council
Greater Geelong
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Bellarine (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.15°, 144.57°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
5.37 km²
Elevation
54m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Geelong Station
18 km
Drive required

Bus Services

  • 59, 61 — Geelong CBD via Drysdale 35 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
Drive to Geelong Station (~20 min), then V/Line to Southern Cross ~1 hr
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
65 min

🛣️ No direct rail service; bus to Geelong is the main public transport option

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most daily needs; Drysdale town centre accessible by short drive

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

6 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
7,519
Census 2021
7,646
▲ 1.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,444
Income 2021
$35,516
▲ 24.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,179
Born Overseas 1,225

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 457
  • 2. New Zealand 103
  • 3. Scotland 72
  • 4. Germany 56
  • 5. Netherlands 38
  • 6. Italy 37
  • 7. South Africa 35
  • 8. Ireland 34
  • 9. United States 32
  • 10. Malta 29

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,540
Australian 2,948
Irish 1,076
Scottish 1,025
German 398
Italian 281
Dutch 189
Maltese 119
Greek 94
Australian Aboriginal 93

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,820
Both parents born in Australia
1,637
Both parents born overseas
967
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.5%
Christianity
45.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.1%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
362 (4.7%)
5-14 years
822 (10.8%)
15-19 years
388 (5.1%)
20-24 years
333 (4.4%)
25-34 years
737 (9.6%)
35-44 years
856 (11.2%)
45-54 years
948 (12.4%)
55-64 years
1,162 (15.2%)
65-74 years
1,242 (16.2%)
75-84 years
645 (8.4%)
85+ years
156 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clifton Springs on the coast? +

Clifton Springs sits near the shores of Corio Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula. While it is not a beachside suburb in the traditional sense, it offers bay views and is close to coastal reserves and beaches.

How far is Clifton Springs from Geelong? +

Clifton Springs is about 16 kilometres east of Geelong's city centre, roughly a 20-minute drive along the Bellarine Highway.

What schools are in Clifton Springs? +

Clifton Springs Primary School serves the local area, with secondary students typically attending Drysdale or other nearby Bellarine schools.

Is there public transport from Clifton Springs to Melbourne? +

There is no direct train service from Clifton Springs. Residents can take a bus to Geelong and then connect to the V/Line train service to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, with the total journey taking approximately 90 minutes.

Who lives in Clifton Springs? +

Clifton Springs is popular with families, retirees, and sea-change residents from Melbourne and Geelong who value its relaxed coastal lifestyle and more affordable housing than inner-city areas.