🔍

Gembrook

VIC 3783 • Greater Melbourne

2,559
Population (2021)
$42,380
Median Income
202.34 km²
Area
$360/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricVillage FeelPeacefulBushland

About Gembrook

Gembrook is a rural locality and historic country town at the eastern fringe of Greater Melbourne, situated within the Cardinia Shire approximately 70 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. Spread across a substantial 202 square kilometres of hilly terrain at 180 metres elevation, the area has a population of 2,559 and retains a distinctly rural character despite falling within Melbourne's broader metropolitan boundary. The community is predominantly of Anglo-Celtic heritage and has a median age of 41, with moderate household incomes reflecting its mix of farming families, lifestyle-block residents, and local workers.

Gembrook is best known as the terminus of the Puffing Billy Railway, the beloved heritage steam train that winds through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave — making it a popular day-trip destination from Melbourne. The township offers a small village centre with cafes, a general store, and local services catering to residents and visitors alike. With no regular commuter rail service, most residents rely on private vehicles for the journey to Melbourne, and the area strongly appeals to those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle, hobby farmers, and families who value open space, bushland, and a close-knit community well away from the urban sprawl.

Gembrook falls under postcode 3783 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3783
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Narracan (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.94°, 145.64°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
202.34 km²
Elevation
180m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional bus services — Pakenham and surrounding Cardinia communities 40-50 min to Pakenham

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Pakenham then ~70 min on Pakenham Line
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-75 min

🛣️ Cardinia Road and Princes Highway provide main road access westward; Gembrook is strongly car-dependent

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural and semi-rural character means a private vehicle is essential for almost all daily activities beyond the small village centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$360
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,907
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,350
Census 2021
2,559
▲ 8.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,060
Income 2021
$42,380
▲ 24.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,995
Born Overseas 287

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 117
  • 2. New Zealand 29
  • 3. Germany 19
  • 4. Italy 13
  • 5. South Africa 13
  • 6. United States 11
  • 7. Netherlands 9
  • 8. Ireland 7
  • 9. Chile 5
  • 10. Malaysia 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,059
Australian 1,055
Scottish 273
Irish 257
Italian 142
German 110
Dutch 84
Australian Aboriginal 39
Welsh 27
Greek 20

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,505
Both parents born in Australia
440
Both parents born overseas
322
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
54.7%
Christianity
31.3%
Buddhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
135 (5.3%)
5-14 years
386 (15.1%)
15-19 years
161 (6.3%)
20-24 years
149 (5.8%)
25-34 years
265 (10.4%)
35-44 years
294 (11.5%)
45-54 years
385 (15.0%)
55-64 years
384 (15.0%)
65-74 years
251 (9.8%)
75-84 years
125 (4.9%)
85+ years
29 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gembrook known for? +

Gembrook is best known as the terminus of the Puffing Billy Railway, a beloved heritage steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave. The township is also valued for its rural character, bushland scenery, and relaxed semi-rural lifestyle on Melbourne's eastern fringe.

How far is Gembrook from Melbourne CBD? +

Gembrook is approximately 70 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 60–75 minutes off-peak and 80–100 minutes during peak hour via the Princes Highway and Cardinia Road.

Does Gembrook have public transport? +

Gembrook has no regular commuter rail service — the Puffing Billy Railway is a heritage tourist train, not a commuter service. Limited bus routes connect to Pakenham, where Metro Trains services run to Melbourne. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Gembrook? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gembrook has a population of 2,559 residents across a large rural locality of 202 square kilometres, giving it a very low population density.

Is Gembrook a good place to live? +

Gembrook is ideal for those seeking a genuine rural lifestyle with bushland surroundings and a village community, though the long commute to Melbourne makes it better suited to remote workers, retirees, hobby farmers, and those who can work locally.

What is the postcode for Gembrook? +

The postcode for Gembrook, Victoria is 3783.