What is Kernot known for?

Kernot is known for its railway heritage — a former station on the now-closed Wonthaggi line — and the historic Kernot Food and Wine Store, established in 1911, which remains a community landmark. The town also has a long local football history dating back to the early 1900s.

How far is Kernot from Melbourne?

Kernot is approximately 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, typically a 1.5 to 2 hour drive via South Gippsland Highway.

Does Kernot have public transport?

Kernot does not have rail service — the former Kernot station closed in 1978. Limited regional coach services connect the area to nearby Wonthaggi, but a car is the primary mode of transport for most residents.

What is the population of Kernot?

Kernot has a population of approximately 118 residents according to the 2021 Census, making it one of the smaller towns in the Bass Coast Shire.

Is Kernot a good place to live?

Kernot offers a peaceful rural lifestyle in South Gippsland, with easy access to Bass Coast beaches, Phillip Island, and the services of Wonthaggi. It suits those who appreciate a quiet community atmosphere and are comfortable relying on a car for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Kernot?

The postcode for Kernot is 3979.

Kernot

VIC 3979 • Victoria

118

Population (2021)

N/A

Median Income

25.76 km²

Area

N/A

Median Rent

RuralHistoricQuietSemi-Rural

About Kernot

Kernot is a small rural town in the Bass Coast Shire, located in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. With a population of around 118, the town covers roughly 26 square kilometres of gently rolling agricultural land between Wonthaggi and the Bass Coast hinterland. Kernot has a quiet rural character and a history tied to the former Wonthaggi railway line, which once served the locality before its closure in 1978.

The locality has a strong sense of local history, and the Kernot Food and Wine Store — established in 1911 — remains a gathering point for the small community. Residents enjoy proximity to the scenic South Gippsland coastline, including Phillip Island, Cape Paterson, and Inverloch, all within a short drive. The area suits those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle within reach of Bass Coast's beaches and the services of Wonthaggi, the nearest major town.

Kernot falls under postcode 3979 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State

Victoria

Postcode

3979

Urban Area

N/A

LGA / Council

N/A

Federal Electorate

Monash

State Electorate

Bass (Eastern Victoria)

Type

Locality

Timezone

Melbourne (UTC+10)

Coordinates

-38.45°, 145.59°

Statistical Area

N/A

Area

25.76 km²

Elevation

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

Limited regional coach services — Wonthaggi, Korumburra Approx. 20–30 min to Wonthaggi

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance

115 km

By Train

No direct train service; drive to Pakenham or Dandenong for V/Line connections

By Car (Peak)

1.5–2.5 hr

By Car (Off-Peak)

1.5–2 hr

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway provides the main road connection; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Kernot has minimal local facilities; a car is required for virtually all shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

Census 2021

118

▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016

N/A

Income 2021

N/A

▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021