Indented Head

VIC 3223 • Rest of VIC

1,391
Population (2021)
$32,032
Median Income
3.17 km²
Area
$346/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRetiree-HavenQuietPeaceful

About Indented Head

Indented Head is a quiet coastal village on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, located approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 30 kilometres from Geelong within the City of Greater Geelong. With a population of 1,391 and a median age of 59, it is firmly established as a retirement and lifestyle destination attracting older residents seeking a relaxed seaside setting. Households tend to be small, and the area has a predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage, reflecting its character as a long-established coastal community.

The suburb sits on Port Phillip Bay, offering sheltered beaches popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with views across the water to the Mornington Peninsula. Indented Head is within easy reach of St Leonards and Portarlington, where local shops, cafes, and services can be found. Transport to Melbourne is mainly by car, with Bellarine Transit bus services connecting the peninsula to Geelong railway station, from where V/Line trains run to Southern Cross Station. The Searoad Ferries terminal at nearby Queenscliff also provides a scenic connection across the bay to Sorrento.

Indented Head falls under postcode 3223 and is governed by Greater Geelong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bellarine (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3223
Urban Area
Geelong - Queenscliff
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.14°, 144.71°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
3.17 km²
Elevation
12m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Bellarine Transit Route 75 — Geelong (Railway Station) Approx. 40–50 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
No direct rail; bus to Geelong station (40–50 min), then V/Line train to Southern Cross (approx. 1 hr)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 20 min

🛣️ Bellarine Highway to Geelong, then Princes Freeway to Melbourne; Searoad Ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento is a scenic alternative

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Indented Head has minimal local shops; a car is needed for almost all daily errands, with the nearest services in St Leonards and Portarlington

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$346
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
59 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,133
Census 2021
1,391
22.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,428
Income 2021
$32,032
26.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,098
Born Overseas 191

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 55
  • 2. Greece 21
  • 3. New Zealand 18
  • 4. Italy 15
  • 5. Croatia 11
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. Canada 6
  • 8. Wales 6
  • 9. Ireland 5
  • 10. Malta 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 556
Australian 495
Irish 210
Scottish 167
Italian 83
German 66
Greek 54
Maltese 31
Croatian 20
Welsh 18

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

845
Both parents born in Australia
311
Both parents born overseas
145
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.9%
No Religion
38.7%
Islam
0.2%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
36 (2.6%)
5-14 years
133 (9.6%)
15-19 years
40 (2.9%)
20-24 years
41 (2.9%)
25-34 years
69 (5.0%)
35-44 years
117 (8.4%)
45-54 years
169 (12.1%)
55-64 years
260 (18.7%)
65-74 years
359 (25.8%)
75-84 years
142 (10.2%)
85+ years
28 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indented Head known for? +

Indented Head is known for its sheltered beaches on Port Phillip Bay, peaceful retirement lifestyle, and stunning views across the water to the Mornington Peninsula. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, and attracts visitors exploring the Bellarine Peninsula.

How far is Indented Head from Melbourne? +

Indented Head is approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, typically a 1 to 1.5-hour drive via the Princes Freeway and Bellarine Highway. An alternative route via the Searoad Ferries crossing from nearby Queenscliff to Sorrento offers a scenic connection to the Mornington Peninsula.

Does Indented Head have public transport? +

Indented Head is served by Bellarine Transit bus routes connecting it to Geelong railway station, from where V/Line trains run to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. There is no direct rail service to the village; the journey to Melbourne via public transport takes approximately 2 hours or more.

What is the population of Indented Head? +

According to the 2021 Census, Indented Head has a population of 1,391 residents. The suburb has a distinctly older profile with a median age of 59, reflecting its established reputation as a retirement and sea-change destination.

Is Indented Head a good place to live? +

Indented Head is ideal for those seeking a quiet coastal retirement lifestyle on the Bellarine Peninsula. Its sheltered bay beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the Geelong region make it attractive to retirees and weekenders — though the limited local amenities and distance from Melbourne mean a car is essential.

What is the postcode for Indented Head? +

The postcode for Indented Head is 3223.