🔍

Heyfield

VIC 3858 • Rest of VIC

2,050
Population (2021)
$27,560
Median Income
75.68 km²
Area
$210/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalPeacefulEstablished

About Heyfield

Heyfield is a small rural town in the Wellington Shire of Victoria's Gippsland region, located approximately 210 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD and 40 kilometres north of Sale. With a population of 2,050, the town has a modest footprint within its 75.7 square kilometre locality and a median age of 47, reflecting a largely established, family-oriented community with deep ties to the surrounding agricultural and forestry industries. The median household income of around $52,000 per year is below the Victorian average, consistent with the town's rural economic base.

Heyfield is well known locally for Lake Glenmaggie, a popular freshwater reservoir nearby offering fishing, water sports, and camping, as well as the Heyfield Wetlands, a significant habitat for waterbirds. The town has a heritage-listed timber mill that has been central to the local economy for generations. Essential services including schools, a supermarket, medical facilities, and sporting clubs serve the community. There is no passenger rail service to Heyfield; residents typically drive to Traralgon or Sale for broader services, making a private vehicle essential for everyday life.

Heyfield falls under postcode 3858 and is governed by Wellington Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3858
Urban Area
Wellington (Vic.)
LGA / Council
Wellington
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.97°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
75.68 km²
Elevation
64m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Traralgon
55 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services — Traralgon / Sale 40-60 min to Traralgon

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
210 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Traralgon (55km) then ~1.5 hrs train to Melbourne Flinders Street
By Car (Peak)
2.25-2.75 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hrs

🛣️ Princes Highway connects Heyfield via Sale and Traralgon to Melbourne

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre has basic walkable services but a car is essential for most daily needs and accessing larger centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$210
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,088
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.4%

11 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,993
Census 2021
2,050
▲ 2.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,948
Income 2021
$27,560
▲ 6.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,667
Born Overseas 158

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 47
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. Scotland 10
  • 4. Germany 9
  • 5. Netherlands 9
  • 6. Cambodia 7
  • 7. Italy 6
  • 8. China 4
  • 9. Croatia 4
  • 10. France 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 890
English 813
Irish 264
Scottish 190
German 63
Dutch 54
Australian Aboriginal 39
Italian 36
Polish 27
New Zealander 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,438
Both parents born in Australia
220
Both parents born overseas
165
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.4%
Christianity
39.4%
Buddhism
0.7%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
78 (3.8%)
5-14 years
250 (12.2%)
15-19 years
153 (7.5%)
20-24 years
71 (3.5%)
25-34 years
213 (10.4%)
35-44 years
199 (9.7%)
45-54 years
234 (11.4%)
55-64 years
288 (14.0%)
65-74 years
331 (16.1%)
75-84 years
173 (8.4%)
85+ years
68 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heyfield VIC known for? +

Heyfield is known for its proximity to Lake Glenmaggie, a popular reservoir for fishing and water sports, and the Heyfield Wetlands, which attract birdwatchers from across Gippsland. The town also has a long heritage in the timber industry, with a historic mill that has been a cornerstone of the local economy.

How far is Heyfield from Melbourne? +

Heyfield is approximately 210 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway through Traralgon and Sale.

Does Heyfield have public transport? +

Heyfield is served by V/Line coach services connecting to Sale and Traralgon, where passengers can access the Bairnsdale train line to Melbourne. There is no railway station in Heyfield itself, and a car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Heyfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Heyfield has a population of 2,050 residents. The town's population has remained relatively stable, consistent with its role as a small rural service centre in Wellington Shire.

Is Heyfield a good place to live? +

Heyfield suits those who enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle in Gippsland. The town offers affordable housing, access to nature at Lake Glenmaggie and the wetlands, and a close-knit community feel, though residents need to be comfortable with limited services and reliance on private transport.

What is the postcode for Heyfield? +

The postcode for Heyfield is 3858.