Garfield
VIC 3814 • Greater Melbourne
About Garfield
Garfield is a small town in the Shire of Cardinia, located 79 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD along the Princes Freeway. Named after US President James A. Garfield, the town recorded a population of 2,114 at the 2021 census. Originally known as Cannibal Creek, Garfield retains a rural village character with a growing residential community drawn by its affordable housing and country atmosphere.
The town centre features a main street with local shops, a primary school, community hall, and sporting facilities. Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, Garfield offers a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle while still being within commuting distance of Melbourne via the V/Line train. The town appeals to families and first-home buyers looking for space and affordability on Melbourne's outer fringe.
Garfield falls under postcode 3814 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Local school bus — Drouin / Warragul 20-30 min
Commute to Melbourne
🛣️ V/Line Gippsland services stop at Garfield station; Princes Freeway/M1 for driving
Small town centre is walkable but most daily needs require a car; limited public transport beyond V/Line.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Railway Avenue
Housing 2021 Census
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 58
- 2. New Zealand 23
- 3. Netherlands 17
- 4. Scotland 9
- 5. Germany 7
- 6. Ireland 6
- 7. Philippines 6
- 8. United States 6
- 9. Croatia 4
- 10. Greece 4
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)