🔍

Neerim South

VIC 3831 • Rest of VIC

1,599
Population (2021)
$35,256
Median Income
63.78 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyQuietSemi-Rural

About Neerim South

Neerim South is a small rural town in West Gippsland, Victoria, located approximately 110 kilometres east of Melbourne and 20 kilometres north of Warragul, within the Shire of Baw Baw local government area. With a population of 1,599 at the 2021 Census spread across 64 square kilometres, the town has a low population density typical of its agricultural surroundings. The median age of 47 and median household income of around $1,359 per week reflect a settled, working community with strong roots in dairy farming, beef production, and the pastoral industries that define this part of the Gippsland region.

Neerim South has a quiet main street with local shops, a hotel, a primary school, and community facilities serving the wider rural district, framed by the rolling green hills and state forests of the Strzelecki Ranges foothills. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for bushwalking, fishing, and exploring West Gippsland's natural scenery. Public transport is limited — there is no rail service and bus connections to Warragul are infrequent — so a private vehicle is essential, but the town appeals to families, retirees, and lifestyle-seekers drawn by the affordable housing, open space, and strong community spirit at a comfortable distance from Warragul's full range of services.

Neerim South falls under postcode 3831 and is governed by Baw Baw Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3831
Urban Area
Baw Baw
LGA / Council
Baw Baw
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Narracan (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.01°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
63.78 km²
Elevation
221m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited community transport — Warragul 25–35 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
Drive to Warragul station (~20 km), then approx. 70–75 min to Flinders Street via Gippsland Line
By Car (Peak)
120–150 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
90–110 min

🛣️ A car is essential; Princes Highway connects to M1 Freeway via Warragul or Drouin for Melbourne access

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small general store and school are accessible in the town centre, but virtually all shopping and services require a car trip to Warragul or Drouin

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,549
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.2%

7 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,305
Census 2021
1,599
▲ 22.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,744
Income 2021
$35,256
▲ 18.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,281
Born Overseas 164

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 59
  • 2. Germany 14
  • 3. New Zealand 14
  • 4. Scotland 11
  • 5. United States 9
  • 6. Netherlands 8
  • 7. Italy 5
  • 8. Thailand 4
  • 9. Wales 4
  • 10. Philippines 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 699
Australian 674
Irish 217
Scottish 195
Dutch 74
German 72
Italian 40
Australian Aboriginal 19
Welsh 15
Polish 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,037
Both parents born in Australia
224
Both parents born overseas
190
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.7%
Christianity
40.1%
Buddhism
0.9%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
83 (5.2%)
5-14 years
204 (12.8%)
15-19 years
85 (5.3%)
20-24 years
72 (4.5%)
25-34 years
163 (10.2%)
35-44 years
155 (9.7%)
45-54 years
172 (10.8%)
55-64 years
240 (15.0%)
65-74 years
238 (14.9%)
75-84 years
130 (8.1%)
85+ years
53 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neerim South known for? +

Neerim South is known for its quiet rural character, rolling green paddocks, and its position in the dairy and pastoral heartland of West Gippsland. The town also has historical significance as a former railway junction on the Noojee railway line, which closed in 1958.

How far is Neerim South from Melbourne? +

Neerim South is approximately 110 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, making it around a 90–110 minute drive off-peak via the Princes Highway and M1. Train travellers drive to Warragul (20 km) and take the Gippsland Line to the city.

Does Neerim South have public transport? +

Public transport in Neerim South is very limited, with no rail service (the Noojee railway line closed in 1958) and only limited community bus services connecting to Warragul. A private vehicle is essential for residents.

What is the population of Neerim South? +

According to the 2021 Census, Neerim South has a population of 1,599 residents across its 64 square kilometre area, giving it a low rural density of around 25 people per square kilometre.

Is Neerim South a good place to live? +

Neerim South suits those looking for an affordable, spacious rural lifestyle in West Gippsland, within reach of Warragul's full services. It is particularly popular with families, retirees, and those who value open countryside, community spirit, and a quiet pace of life.

What is the postcode for Neerim South? +

The postcode for Neerim South, Victoria is 3831.