Metung

VIC 3904 • Rest of VIC

1,899
Population (2021)
$32,084
Median Income
27.61 km²
Area
$346/wk
Median Rent
LakesideRetiree-HavenCoastalQuietTourist Hub

About Metung

Metung is a picturesque lakeside village in East Gippsland, perched on a narrow peninsula between Lake King and Bancroft Bay approximately 315 kilometres east of Melbourne within the East Gippsland Shire. With a population of around 1,899, the locality has a pronounced retiree character — its median age of 60 reflects generations of sea-changers and holiday homeowners who have made the waterfront village their permanent home. Incomes are relatively modest, consistent with the semi-retired demographic, and housing spans waterfront cottages, holiday shacks, and newer residential developments on the peninsula's edge.

Metung is widely known as the 'Riviera of the South' for its calm, sheltered waters and relaxed boating culture — the village's marina and yacht club are central to community life, and fishing, kayaking, and sailing are everyday pursuits. A small cluster of cafes, galleries, and boutique shops along Metung Road caters to both locals and visitors, while the nearby Tambo River and Mitchell River valleys add to the region's natural appeal. The town sits about 35 kilometres from the regional hub of Bairnsdale, which provides hospitals, supermarkets, and major retail services.

Metung falls under postcode 3904 and is governed by East Gippsland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3904
Urban Area
East Gippsland
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.86°, 147.84°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
27.61 km²
Elevation
26m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
35 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach connection — Bairnsdale (then train to Melbourne) 40-50 min to Bairnsdale

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
315 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Bairnsdale (~35 km) then Gippsland Line to Southern Cross (~3.5 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min

🛣️ Bairnsdale is the regional service hub; Princes Highway provides the main road link west

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most errands; a small village strip provides basic amenities but major shopping requires a trip to Bairnsdale

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$346
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
60 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,449
Census 2021
1,899
31.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,340
Income 2021
$32,084
13.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,441
Born Overseas 334

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 155
  • 2. South Africa 25
  • 3. New Zealand 22
  • 4. Scotland 21
  • 5. Netherlands 17
  • 6. Germany 13
  • 7. Philippines 11
  • 8. Egypt 8
  • 9. United States 6
  • 10. Ireland 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 906
Australian 664
Scottish 265
Irish 232
German 82
Dutch 55
Italian 51
Australian Aboriginal 21
Welsh 20
South African 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,158
Both parents born in Australia
423
Both parents born overseas
204
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.1%
Christianity
40.3%
Judaism
0.4%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
54 (2.8%)
5-14 years
168 (8.8%)
15-19 years
61 (3.2%)
20-24 years
31 (1.6%)
25-34 years
98 (5.2%)
35-44 years
155 (8.2%)
45-54 years
201 (10.6%)
55-64 years
392 (20.6%)
65-74 years
489 (25.8%)
75-84 years
205 (10.8%)
85+ years
31 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metung known for? +

Metung is known as the 'Riviera of the South' for its sheltered Gippsland Lakes waterways, its vibrant boating and fishing culture, and the charming village marina and cafes along the foreshore. It is one of East Gippsland's most popular holiday and retirement destinations.

How far is Metung from Melbourne? +

Metung is approximately 315 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, making it a 3 to 4 hour drive via the Princes Highway through Sale and Bairnsdale.

Does Metung have public transport? +

Metung does not have a train station; the nearest rail service is at Bairnsdale, about 35 kilometres away, which connects to Melbourne via the Gippsland Line. V/Line coach services link the region, but a car is the most practical way to travel locally.

What is the population of Metung? +

According to the 2021 Census, Metung has a population of approximately 1,899 residents. The suburb has a notably high median age of 60, reflecting its popularity with retirees and permanent holiday residents.

Is Metung a good place to live? +

Metung offers an idyllic waterside lifestyle with calm lakes, a friendly village atmosphere, and easy access to East Gippsland's natural beauty. It suits retirees, lifestyle seekers, and those who value a slow-paced coastal existence far from the city.

What is the postcode for Metung? +

The postcode for Metung, VIC is 3904.