How far is Moliagul from Melbourne CBD?

Moliagul is approximately 202 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, a drive of around 2 to 2.5 hours via the Calder Highway through Bendigo.

Does Moliagul have public transport?

There is no public transport service in Moliagul. The nearest access point for V/Line train services is Bendigo, approximately 60 kilometres away. A car is essential for getting around the area.

What is the population of Moliagul?

According to the 2021 Census, Moliagul has a population of 80 residents across its 55 square kilometres, with around 38 dwellings. The locality's population has been small since the end of the gold rush era in the late 19th century.

Is Moliagul a good place to live?

Moliagul suits those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in the Victorian goldfields, particularly those interested in gold prospecting, bush living, or the area's rich history. The nearby towns of Dunolly and Bendigo provide services, but day-to-day life requires a car.

What is the postcode for Moliagul?

The postcode for Moliagul, Victoria is 3472, which it shares with Dunolly and surrounding goldfields localities in central Victoria.

Moliagul

VIC 3472 • Victoria

Population (2021)

N/A

Median Income

54.76 km²

Area

N/A

Median Rent

RuralHistoricGold RushQuiet

About Moliagul

Moliagul is a small historic locality in central Victoria's goldfields region, situated approximately 20 kilometres north of Dunolly and around 202 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. It falls within the Central Goldfields Shire area and covers just under 55 square kilometres of bushland and cleared farmland. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 80 residents, continuing a long pattern of sparse settlement that followed the decline of gold mining in the late 19th century.

Moliagul is internationally renowned as the site where the Welcome Stranger, the world's largest alluvial gold nugget, was unearthed in 1869 by miners John Deason and Richard Oates. The 69-kilogram nugget was found just 3 centimetres below the surface and is commemorated by a monument and a short discovery walk through the surrounding bushland. Today the locality attracts gold prospectors, history enthusiasts, and visitors exploring Victoria's Goldfields region, while the nearby Mount Moliagul Hotel provides a focal point for the small local community.

Moliagul falls under postcode 3472 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State

Victoria

Postcode

3472

Urban Area

N/A

LGA / Council

N/A

Federal Electorate

Mallee

State Electorate

Ripon (Western Victoria)

Type

Locality

Timezone

Melbourne (UTC+10)

Coordinates

-36.86°, 143.66°

Statistical Area

N/A

Area

54.76 km²

Elevation

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

No scheduled local bus — Dunolly / Bendigo Dunolly approx. 20 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance

202 km

By Train

No local service; drive to Bendigo (approx. 60 km) for V/Line trains to Melbourne (approx. 1 hr 45 min)

By Car (Peak)

2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min

By Car (Off-Peak)

2 hr - 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Dunolly and Bendigo are the practical service hubs; Calder Highway provides main road access to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; the locality has no shops or services beyond the local hotel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏫

Dunolly Primary School

Tarnagulla Road

GovernmentPrimaryCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

Census 2021

▲ 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