🔍

Ferny Creek

VIC 3786 • Greater Melbourne

1,524
Population (2021)
$45,500
Median Income
4.51 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
BushlandMountainLeafyFamily-FriendlyEstablished

About Ferny Creek

Ferny Creek is a picturesque mountain suburb nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 35 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD within the Yarra Ranges Shire. Set at an elevation of around 516 metres, the suburb has a population of 1,524 and is characterised by its lush temperate rainforest, fern gullies, and spacious bush blocks. Median household income of around $2,393 per week and a median mortgage of $2,167 per month reflect the suburb's appeal to established professionals and families seeking a tree-change lifestyle within commuting distance of Melbourne.

Ferny Creek is most famous for Grants Picnic Ground — a beloved natural reserve where wild crimson rosellas are hand-fed by visitors — and its proximity to the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with an extensive network of walking and cycling trails through towering mountain ash forests. The village centre along Mt Dandenong Tourist Road offers cafes, galleries, and local shops that draw visitors from across Melbourne, while the area's creative and arts community gives it a distinctive, alternative character. Bus services connect residents to Belgrave station on the Belgrave train line, though most locals rely on a car for daily errands given the mountain terrain.

Ferny Creek falls under postcode 3786 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3786
Urban Area
Yarra Ranges
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.88°, 145.33°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
4.51 km²
Elevation
516m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave
5.5 km
N/A (mountain roads)

Bus Services

  • Route 694 — Belgrave Station 20-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
35 km
By Train
Drive or bus to Belgrave (~20 min), then 70-80 min to Flinders Street via Belgrave Line
By Car (Peak)
55-80 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-55 min

🛣️ Mountain roads and Burwood Highway connect to the freeway network; limited bus service means most residents drive to Belgrave station

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Mountain terrain and dispersed settlement mean a car is essential; local cafes and shops are accessible but most errands require driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
45 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,518
Census 2021
1,524
▲ 0.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$38,116
Income 2021
$45,500
▲ 19.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,200
Born Overseas 273

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 89
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. Germany 16
  • 4. Scotland 13
  • 5. United States 11
  • 6. Malaysia 10
  • 7. China 9
  • 8. Chile 8
  • 9. Netherlands 8
  • 10. South Africa 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 661
Australian 588
Irish 209
Scottish 191
German 100
Dutch 64
Italian 55
Chinese 30
Polish 25
Greek 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

783
Both parents born in Australia
385
Both parents born overseas
296
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
61.7%
Christianity
29.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Judaism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
76 (5.0%)
5-14 years
189 (12.4%)
15-19 years
97 (6.4%)
20-24 years
82 (5.4%)
25-34 years
112 (7.3%)
35-44 years
188 (12.3%)
45-54 years
260 (17.1%)
55-64 years
241 (15.8%)
65-74 years
174 (11.4%)
75-84 years
76 (5.0%)
85+ years
15 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ferny Creek known for? +

Ferny Creek is best known for Grants Picnic Ground, where wild crimson rosellas are hand-fed, and for its stunning setting in the Dandenong Ranges with fern gullies, mountain ash forests, and scenic walking trails through Dandenong Ranges National Park.

How far is Ferny Creek from Melbourne CBD? +

Ferny Creek is approximately 35 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 40–80 minute drive depending on traffic and the route taken through the Dandenong Ranges.

Does Ferny Creek have public transport? +

Ferny Creek is served by Route 694 bus connecting to Belgrave station, where the Belgrave train line provides rail access into the Melbourne CBD in around 70–80 minutes. A car is recommended for most residents due to the mountain terrain and infrequent bus services.

What is the population of Ferny Creek? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ferny Creek has a population of 1,524 residents, with a median age of 45, reflecting the established nature of this sought-after mountain community.

Is Ferny Creek a good place to live? +

Ferny Creek is ideal for those seeking a tree-change lifestyle with rainforest surroundings, a creative and artistic community, and proximity to Melbourne's hiking and nature tourism amenity — though its remoteness and mountain roads mean a car is essential for everyday life.

What is the postcode for Ferny Creek? +

The postcode for Ferny Creek is 3786.