🔍

Leongatha

VIC 3953 • Rest of VIC

5,869
Population (2021)
$33,332
Median Income
41.38 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyHistoricRetirees

About Leongatha

Leongatha is a regional town situated in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. With a population of around 5,869 (2021 Census), it serves as the commercial hub of South Gippsland Shire, offering a full range of services to surrounding rural communities. The town sits at an elevation of 82 metres on a productive dairy farming landscape, and is known as the gateway to the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Leongatha has a predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage, with a median age of 45 reflecting a mature, established community.

Leongatha offers a relaxed country lifestyle with surprisingly strong amenities for a regional town, including a hospital, supermarkets, a swimming centre, and active sporting clubs. The town centre on McCartin Street features local cafes, specialty stores, and a weekly farmers market that reflects its agricultural roots. Families are well served by a range of schooling options from government primary and secondary colleges to Catholic and independent schools. The surrounding South Gippsland countryside — rolling green hills, coastal towns like Inverloch nearby, and proximity to Wilsons Prom — makes Leongatha a popular choice for those seeking a sea change or rural lifestyle within reach of Melbourne.

Leongatha falls under postcode 3953 and is governed by South Gippsland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3953
Urban Area
South Gippsland
LGA / Council
South Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.47°, 145.94°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
41.38 km²
Elevation
82m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Melbourne Southern Cross Station 2.5 hrs

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
135 km
By Train
No direct rail — V/Line coach service ~2.5 hrs
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Leongatha railway station closed to regular passenger services in 1993. V/Line coach is the main public transport option.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most services are accessible in the town centre but surrounding areas require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    1-7 Peart Street Leongatha 3953 VIC

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 2 parks and reserves in Leongatha.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,430
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
45 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.3%

46 state housing + 34 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,654
Census 2021
5,869
▲ 3.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,848
Income 2021
$33,332
▲ 11.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,893
Born Overseas 642

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 155
  • 2. Netherlands 62
  • 3. India 60
  • 4. New Zealand 58
  • 5. Philippines 38
  • 6. Italy 36
  • 7. Germany 27
  • 8. Scotland 25
  • 9. Ireland 24
  • 10. United States 17

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,657
Australian 2,478
Scottish 738
Irish 730
Italian 264
Dutch 232
German 221
Indian 94
Filipino 57
New Zealander 44

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,015
Both parents born in Australia
864
Both parents born overseas
668
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.7%
Christianity
44.5%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
301 (5.1%)
5-14 years
774 (13.2%)
15-19 years
351 (6.0%)
20-24 years
232 (4.0%)
25-34 years
556 (9.5%)
35-44 years
680 (11.6%)
45-54 years
598 (10.2%)
55-64 years
754 (12.8%)
65-74 years
844 (14.4%)
75-84 years
557 (9.5%)
85+ years
217 (3.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Leongatha from Melbourne? +

Leongatha is approximately 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, about a 2-hour drive via South Gippsland Highway or Princes Highway.

Is there a train service to Leongatha? +

Regular passenger rail services to Leongatha ceased in 1993. The main public transport option is V/Line coach services connecting to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, taking about 2.5 hours.

What schools are in Leongatha? +

Leongatha has several schools including Leongatha Primary School, Leongatha Secondary College, St Laurence O'Toole Primary School, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Chairo Christian School, and South Gippsland Specialist School.

What is the median rent in Leongatha? +

According to the 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in Leongatha is approximately $270 per week, making it significantly more affordable than metropolitan Melbourne.

What is Leongatha known for? +

Leongatha is known as the commercial heart of South Gippsland, surrounded by productive dairy farming land. It is also close to Wilsons Promontory National Park and the coastal town of Inverloch. The local Saputo dairy processing plant is a major employer.