🔍

Foster

VIC 3960 • Rest of VIC

2,044
Population (2021)
$29,432
Median Income
114.14 km²
Area
$240/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricCoastal-Hinterland

About Foster

Foster is a rural service town in South Gippsland, Victoria, situated 174 kilometres south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway within the South Gippsland Shire. With a 2021 Census population of 2,044, the town serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding farming district, characterised by dairy and beef grazing operations across its expansive 114 square kilometre area. The median household income of $975 per week reflects the agricultural economy of the region, and a high median age of 59 indicates an established, settled community with strong ties to the land.

Foster sits approximately 20 kilometres north of the Gippsland coastline, making it a popular gateway for visitors heading to Wilsons Promontory National Park, Corner Inlet, and the pristine beaches around Waratah Bay. The town centre along Main Street offers essential retail, healthcare, and hospitality services for both locals and tourists passing through. Foster Primary School and South Gippsland Hospital serve the community, and the surrounding bushland and coastal reserves attract nature lovers, hikers, and holiday-makers year-round.

Foster falls under postcode 3960 and is governed by South Gippsland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3960
Urban Area
South Gippsland
LGA / Council
South Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.68°, 146.21°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
114.14 km²
Elevation
23m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line Coach — Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) Approx. 2.5–3 hr

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
174 km
By Train
No direct train service; V/Line coach available
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 15 min

🛣️ Accessed via South Gippsland Highway; car is the primary mode of transport

Walkability Car-Dependent

Foster's compact main street offers walkable access to shops and services, but a car is needed for most errands and travel to surrounding areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$240
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,348
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
59 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.9%

20 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,842
Census 2021
2,044
▲ 11.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,804
Income 2021
$29,432
▲ 18.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,556
Born Overseas 273

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 87
  • 2. New Zealand 22
  • 3. Italy 17
  • 4. Philippines 15
  • 5. Scotland 15
  • 6. India 12
  • 7. Germany 10
  • 8. Netherlands 10
  • 9. South Africa 10
  • 10. China 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 861
Australian 786
Irish 267
Scottish 250
Italian 66
German 62
Dutch 50
Australian Aboriginal 21
French 14
Welsh 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,284
Both parents born in Australia
343
Both parents born overseas
210
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.8%
Christianity
38.4%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
59 (2.9%)
5-14 years
181 (8.9%)
15-19 years
87 (4.3%)
20-24 years
62 (3.0%)
25-34 years
125 (6.1%)
35-44 years
155 (7.6%)
45-54 years
211 (10.3%)
55-64 years
349 (17.1%)
65-74 years
406 (19.9%)
75-84 years
274 (13.4%)
85+ years
132 (6.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foster known for? +

Foster is known as the commercial hub of South Gippsland and the main gateway town for visitors heading to Wilsons Promontory National Park. It serves the surrounding dairy and beef farming district and is popular with tourists exploring the Gippsland coast, Corner Inlet, and Waratah Bay.

How far is Foster from Melbourne? +

Foster is approximately 174 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, making it roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Foster have public transport? +

Foster is served by V/Line coach services connecting it to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, though services are infrequent. There is no train station in Foster; a car is the most practical way to travel locally.

What is the population of Foster? +

According to the 2021 Census, Foster has a population of 2,044 residents. The town has grown steadily since the 2016 Census count of 1,842, reflecting modest expansion in this South Gippsland service centre.

Is Foster a good place to live? +

Foster suits those who value a relaxed rural lifestyle, close proximity to Wilsons Promontory, and a strong agricultural community. It offers essential services, good schools, and access to the Gippsland coast, though the distance from Melbourne means it is best suited to those who prefer country living.

What is the postcode for Foster? +

Foster's postcode is 3960, shared with surrounding South Gippsland localities.