Cranbourne South

VIC 3977 • Greater Melbourne

3,241
Population (2021)
$50,908
Median Income
20.00 km²
Area
$470/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyGrowth SuburbSuburbanAffordable

About Cranbourne South

Cranbourne South is a semi-rural locality in Melbourne's outer south-east, approximately 45 kilometres from Melbourne CBD within the City of Casey — one of Victoria's fastest-growing local government areas. With a population of 3,241 across a relatively large 20 square kilometres, the suburb has a markedly younger demographic than most of its neighbours, with a median age of just 35 and a strong median household income of $2,278 per week reflecting dual-income young families. The area blends rural residential and newer housing estate developments, with larger blocks and an open, leafy character compared to the denser inner suburbs of Cranbourne.

Cranbourne South benefits from proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne — a world-renowned native garden featuring the acclaimed Australian Garden — which borders the suburb's northern edges and draws visitors from across metropolitan Melbourne. The area is also close to the Cranbourne Racecourse and nearby sporting and equestrian facilities. Public transport access is limited, with Cranbourne train station (Cranbourne/Pakenham Line) approximately 3-4 kilometres away, and most residents rely on cars for daily commuting. The suburb's semi-rural character, newer housing stock, large blocks, and proximity to both nature reserves and major retail at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre make it attractive to growing families seeking space and affordability on Melbourne's urban fringe.

Cranbourne South falls under postcode 3977 and is governed by Casey Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3977
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.15°, 145.26°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
20.00 km²
Elevation
80m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cranbourne
3.5 km
42 min

Bus Services

  • Bus routes connecting to Cranbourne station — Cranbourne train station and local area 10-15 min to station

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
45 km
By Train
Approx 65-75 min from Cranbourne station to Flinders Street on the Cranbourne Line; drive to station ~10 min
By Car (Peak)
60-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-60 min

🛣️ Car recommended for daily use; Cranbourne Road and South Gippsland Highway provide key road access; Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre nearby for retail

Walkability Car-Dependent

Semi-rural character with limited footpaths and dispersed services; a car is essential for most daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$470
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
35 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,674
Census 2021
3,241
93.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,488
Income 2021
$50,908
52.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,355
Born Overseas 754

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 137
  • 2. England 107
  • 3. Philippines 59
  • 4. New Zealand 49
  • 5. Sri Lanka 43
  • 6. Fiji 28
  • 7. Scotland 27
  • 8. South Africa 20
  • 9. Afghanistan 18
  • 10. Mauritius 17

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,143
Australian 1,129
Scottish 284
Irish 215
Italian 147
Indian 142
German 102
Filipino 86
Dutch 77
Chinese 57

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,584
Both parents born in Australia
1,106
Both parents born overseas
409
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.3%
Christianity
40.0%
Islam
2.7%
Hinduism
2.6%
Sikhism
2.2%
Buddhism
1.8%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
243 (7.5%)
5-14 years
405 (12.5%)
15-19 years
162 (5.0%)
20-24 years
199 (6.1%)
25-34 years
602 (18.6%)
35-44 years
456 (14.1%)
45-54 years
365 (11.3%)
55-64 years
380 (11.7%)
65-74 years
281 (8.7%)
75-84 years
115 (3.5%)
85+ years
22 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cranbourne South known for? +

Cranbourne South is best known for its proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne — home to the internationally acclaimed Australian Garden — and for its semi-rural character, larger residential blocks, and growing family community within Melbourne's expanding south-eastern fringe.

How far is Cranbourne South from Melbourne CBD? +

Cranbourne South is approximately 45 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 45-90 minutes depending on traffic via South Gippsland Highway or the Monash Freeway.

Does Cranbourne South have public transport? +

Public transport options are limited in Cranbourne South. The nearest train station is Cranbourne (approximately 3.5km away) on the Cranbourne Line, providing services to Melbourne CBD in around 65-75 minutes. Local bus routes connect the area to Cranbourne station and nearby facilities.

What is the population of Cranbourne South? +

Cranbourne South had a population of 3,241 at the 2021 Census, with a notably young median age of 35 and a strong presence of young families in newer housing developments.

Is Cranbourne South a good place to live? +

Cranbourne South suits families seeking space, larger blocks, and a semi-rural lifestyle at a more affordable price point than inner Melbourne, with the trade-off of longer commute times and car dependence for most daily tasks.

What is the postcode for Cranbourne South? +

The postcode for Cranbourne South is 3977, shared with neighbouring suburbs Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, and Cranbourne West.