Darlington
VIC 3271 • Victoria
About Darlington
Darlington is a small rural locality in the Western District of Victoria, situated on the banks of Mount Emu Creek within the Corangamite Shire, approximately 194 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 28 kilometres north of Camperdown. With a 2021 census population of 84 residents spread across 161 square kilometres, this is one of the Shire's smallest and most sparsely settled localities. The surrounding landscape comprises flat to undulating cleared plains dominated by fine wool pastoral estates and mixed farming properties, many with deep historical roots dating back to the region's earliest European settlement in the late 1830s.
Darlington's character is shaped by its rich pastoral heritage, with the historic Elephant Bridge Hotel — believed to be one of Victoria's oldest continuously licensed establishments — serving as a landmark of the district since the 1840s. The historic abutments of the Elephant Bridge are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, reflecting the locality's significance as an early river crossing and settlement node. Residents rely largely on nearby Camperdown for everyday services, schools, and shopping, while the pastoral and agricultural lifestyle defines the rhythm of daily life in this quiet rural community.
Darlington falls under postcode 3271 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Limited community transport — Camperdown Approx. 30 min by car
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Located on the Hamilton Highway; car is the primary mode of transport
A remote rural locality with no village centre; all daily errands require a car
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.