Coleraine

VIC 3315 • Rest of VIC

1,062
Population (2021)
$26,104
Median Income
174.36 km²
Area
$140/wk
Median Rent
RuralAffordableRetiree-HavenHistoricQuiet

About Coleraine

Coleraine is a rural town in Victoria's Southern Grampians Shire, situated on the Glenelg Highway approximately 335 kilometres west of Melbourne and 34 kilometres north-west of Hamilton. The town had a population of 1,062 at the 2021 Census, with a notably mature demographic — the median age of 56 reflects a predominantly established and retired community. Housing is exceptionally affordable, with median weekly rents around $140 and median monthly mortgage repayments of just $650, making Coleraine one of the most cost-effective places to live in regional Victoria.

Coleraine's heritage runs deep, with European settlement dating to 1838 and a character shaped by generations of pastoral farming along Bryan Creek, a tributary of the Wannon River. The town offers essential services including local shops, a hotel, medical facilities, and both primary and secondary schooling, making it a self-contained country community. The nearby Peter Francis Points Arboretum is a local landmark offering scenic walks and birdwatching, and the broader Grampians region provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring Victoria's iconic western landscapes.

Coleraine falls under postcode 3315 and is governed by Southern Grampians Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lowan (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3315
Urban Area
Southern Grampians
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.59°, 141.68°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
174.36 km²
Elevation
83m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Hamilton / Casterton 30–45 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
335 km
By Train
No direct train service — V/Line coach to Hamilton, then train to Melbourne (~4.5 hours total)
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3–3.5 hours

🛣️ On the Glenelg Highway; Hamilton is the nearest major regional hub with full services

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car, though the compact town centre has basic services within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$140
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$650
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.5%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,029
Census 2021
1,062
3.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,012
Income 2021
$26,104
4.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 857
Born Overseas 99

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 33
  • 2. New Zealand 16
  • 3. Philippines 8
  • 4. Ireland 5
  • 5. South Africa 4
  • 6. Nepal 3
  • 7. Scotland 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 469
Australian 427
Scottish 141
Irish 140
German 50
Australian Aboriginal 33
Chinese 10
Dutch 10
Filipino 8
Italian 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

759
Both parents born in Australia
129
Both parents born overseas
65
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.6%
No Religion
38.1%
Buddhism
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
43 (4.0%)
5-14 years
86 (8.1%)
15-19 years
43 (4.0%)
20-24 years
37 (3.5%)
25-34 years
68 (6.4%)
35-44 years
91 (8.6%)
45-54 years
130 (12.2%)
55-64 years
200 (18.8%)
65-74 years
190 (17.9%)
75-84 years
97 (9.1%)
85+ years
76 (7.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coleraine known for? +

Coleraine is known as a quiet pastoral town in Victoria's Southern Grampians, with a rich history of sheep and wool farming dating to the 1830s. It is also known for the Peter Francis Points Arboretum, a scenic local landmark, and its affordable, laid-back rural lifestyle.

How far is Coleraine from Melbourne? +

Coleraine is approximately 335 kilometres west of Melbourne along the Glenelg Highway, making it a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the city.

Does Coleraine have public transport? +

Coleraine has limited public transport. V/Line operates coach services connecting the town to Hamilton, from where regional train services are available. There is no direct rail service, and a car is the most practical option for most residents.

What is the population of Coleraine? +

According to the 2021 Census, Coleraine has a population of 1,062. The community has a notably mature demographic, with a median age of 56, reflecting its popularity with established residents and retirees.

Is Coleraine a good place to live? +

Coleraine is well suited to those seeking an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle in a heritage country town. Its very low housing costs, close-knit community, and proximity to the Grampians region make it appealing, particularly for retirees and families who do not require major city access.

What is the postcode for Coleraine? +

The postcode for Coleraine, Victoria is 3315.