🔍

Heathcote

VIC 3523 • Rest of VIC

2,962
Population (2021)
$25,480
Median Income
131.06 km²
Area
$255/wk
Median Rent
RuralWine CountryHeritagePeacefulRetiree-Haven

About Heathcote

Heathcote is a charming rural township in central Victoria, situated approximately 115 kilometres north of Melbourne and around 45 kilometres south of Bendigo, within the City of Greater Bendigo local government area. With a population of 2,962, the town has grown modestly since the 2016 Census and draws a predominantly older demographic, with a median age of 57 and strong proportions of retirees and established families. Housing is largely comprised of detached homes set on generous blocks, with the township spread across a gently elevated landscape at 289 metres above sea level.

Heathcote sits at the heart of the celebrated Heathcote wine region, known for its Cambrian-age soils that produce distinctive Shiraz and other cool-climate varieties — winery cellar doors and tasting rooms dot the surrounding countryside. The main street offers a range of local cafes, boutiques, and services, while McIvor Creek and the nearby Heathcote-Graytown National Park provide opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation. The town is popular with weekending Melburnians and those seeking a tree-change lifestyle, with a strong community spirit and a regular programme of local events and farmers markets.

Heathcote falls under postcode 3523 and is governed by Greater Bendigo Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Euroa (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3523
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Greater Bendigo
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Euroa (Northern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.91°, 144.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
131.06 km²
Elevation
289m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Kyneton
40 km
N/A (drive)
Bendigo
45 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Bus Lines regional coach — Bendigo 50 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
No direct train. Drive to Kyneton or Bendigo station, then 80–90 min V/Line to Southern Cross.
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Accessible via the Calder Highway (A79). Car is the primary transport for all daily needs.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The main street has basic services within walking distance, but a car is needed for most shopping and all regional travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$255
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,291
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
57 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,793
Census 2021
2,962
▲ 6.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$22,724
Income 2021
$25,480
▲ 12.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,201
Born Overseas 358

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 119
  • 2. New Zealand 42
  • 3. Germany 23
  • 4. Italy 16
  • 5. Netherlands 15
  • 6. Philippines 14
  • 7. South Africa 13
  • 8. Malta 10
  • 9. China 8
  • 10. Scotland 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,208
Australian 1,061
Irish 408
Scottish 335
German 122
Italian 106
Dutch 50
Australian Aboriginal 37
Greek 30
Maltese 30

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,834
Both parents born in Australia
500
Both parents born overseas
238
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
43.7%
No Religion
40.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
95 (3.2%)
5-14 years
239 (8.1%)
15-19 years
99 (3.3%)
20-24 years
86 (2.9%)
25-34 years
205 (6.9%)
35-44 years
255 (8.6%)
45-54 years
390 (13.2%)
55-64 years
539 (18.2%)
65-74 years
552 (18.6%)
75-84 years
371 (12.5%)
85+ years
120 (4.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heathcote known for? +

Heathcote is best known as the centre of the Heathcote wine region, celebrated for its ancient Cambrian-age soils that produce world-class Shiraz. The area is also noted for its gold rush heritage, the nearby Heathcote-Graytown National Park, and its appeal as a weekend escape from Melbourne.

How far is Heathcote from Melbourne CBD? +

Heathcote is approximately 115 kilometres north of Melbourne's CBD, typically a 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 45 minute drive via the Calder Highway, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Does Heathcote have public transport? +

Heathcote has limited public transport. Regional coach services connect the town to Bendigo, and from there V/Line trains run to Melbourne. There is no direct rail service to Heathcote; a car is the most practical way to commute.

What is the population of Heathcote? +

According to the 2021 Census, Heathcote has a population of 2,962 — a modest increase from 2,793 in 2016. The town has a notably older demographic with a median age of 57.

Is Heathcote a good place to live? +

Heathcote is well-suited to retirees, tree-changers, and those who love wine country living. It offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with genuine community character and easy access to cellar doors and national park bushwalking, though it requires a car for most daily needs and commuting.

What is the postcode for Heathcote? +

The postcode for Heathcote, Victoria is 3523.