Mount Beauty

VIC 3699 • Victoria

910
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
53.80 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
MountainTourism HubOutdoor LifestylePeacefulHistoric

About Mount Beauty

Mount Beauty is a picturesque alpine town in north-eastern Victoria, nestled alongside the Kiewa River at the junction of the Kiewa Valley Highway and Bogong High Plains Road, within the Alpine Shire local government area. With a population of approximately 910 residents, the town sits at an elevation of around 366 metres and lies 346 kilometres from Melbourne, 32 kilometres from the popular town of Bright, and 133 kilometres from Wangaratta. The town was originally established in 1949 by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to house workers on the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme, giving it a distinctive planned character among Victoria's alpine settlements.

Mount Beauty is a gateway to some of Victoria's finest alpine experiences, serving as the main launch point for visits to the Falls Creek ski resort, approximately 32 kilometres away, and the spectacular Bogong High Plains. The town is well equipped with ski hire shops, eateries, and bus connections to Falls Creek during the snow season. Year-round, the area draws visitors for bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding, gliding, and fishing along the Kiewa River and nearby Lake Hume. A monthly Saturday market, an annual music festival, and a mountain bike competition give Mount Beauty a vibrant community life that makes it appealing far beyond ski season.

Mount Beauty falls under postcode 3699 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3699
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.84°, 147.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
53.80 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Dyson Bus Services (seasonal) — Falls Creek ski resort ~45 min to Falls Creek

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
346 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Wangaratta (~133km), then V/Line to Southern Cross (~2.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hrs

🛣️ Kiewa Valley Highway connects north to Wodonga; Great Alpine Road links south to Bright and east to Omeo

Walkability Car-Dependent

Mount Beauty township has a central area with some shops and services accessible on foot, but a car is needed for most errands and for accessing the wider alpine region

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
910
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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Beauty known for? +

Mount Beauty is best known as the gateway to the Falls Creek ski resort and the Bogong High Plains, offering excellent skiing, snowboarding, bushwalking, mountain biking, and fishing. The town also has a rich history as a planned community built for workers on the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme.

How far is Mount Beauty from Melbourne? +

Mount Beauty is approximately 346 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, roughly a 3 to 4.5 hour drive via the Hume Freeway and Kiewa Valley Highway.

Does Mount Beauty have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Mount Beauty; the nearest train station is at Wangaratta, approximately 133 kilometres away. During the ski season, Dyson Bus Services operates regular coaches to Falls Creek. A car is essential for getting around the region.

What is the population of Mount Beauty? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Beauty has a population of approximately 910 residents, making it one of the larger towns in the Alpine Shire.

Is Mount Beauty a good place to live? +

Mount Beauty offers a spectacular alpine lifestyle with access to world-class outdoor recreation, a close-knit community, and affordable property relative to metro areas. It suits those who value nature, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed pace of life, though the distance from major cities requires planning.

What outdoor activities are near Mount Beauty? +

Mount Beauty is surrounded by exceptional outdoor opportunities including skiing and snowboarding at Falls Creek, bushwalking on the Bogong High Plains, mountain biking, gliding, horse riding, fishing in the Kiewa River, and four-wheel driving on local tracks.