Nelson

VIC 3292 • Victoria

191
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
225.21 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteRuralQuietTourist Hub

About Nelson

Nelson is a small coastal town in south-western Victoria, located at the mouth of the Glenelg River where it flows into Discovery Bay, just a few kilometres from the South Australian border and approximately 422 kilometres west of Melbourne. The town sits at the western terminus of the Great Ocean Road touring route and falls within the Glenelg Shire council area. With a 2021 Census population of 191 people spread across an extensive 225 square kilometres, Nelson is one of Victoria's most remote and naturally spectacular small localities.

Nelson is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, the Glenelg River system, and exceptional fishing, canoeing, and camping opportunities. The town has a general store, a caravan park, and serves as a base for exploring the Lower Glenelg National Park and its network of river gorges and limestone caves. Visitors come from across Australia to kayak the Glenelg River Canoe Trail, and the close-knit permanent community is augmented by holidaymakers and seasonal tourists throughout summer.

Nelson falls under postcode 3292 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3292
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.04°, 141.05°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
225.21 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — Portland (nearest major town, ~90km) ~1h by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
422 km
By Train
No direct train service. Nearest rail at Warrnambool (~260km east), then V/Line train to Melbourne.
By Car (Peak)
4h 30min - 5h 15min
By Car (Off-Peak)
4h 15min - 4h 45min

🛣️ Extremely remote; Portland (~90km) is the nearest town with services. Mount Gambier SA is also ~90km.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A tiny remote coastal settlement — basic supplies available locally but all major errands require driving to Portland or Mount Gambier.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
191
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 Nelson known for? +

Nelson is known for its spectacular natural setting at the mouth of the Glenelg River and Discovery Bay, its excellent fishing, and as the gateway to the Lower Glenelg National Park. It marks the western end of the Great Ocean Road touring route and is popular for canoeing, camping, and river exploration.

How far is Nelson from Melbourne? +

Nelson is approximately 422 kilometres west of Melbourne, making it a 4.5 to 5-hour drive via the Princes Highway and through Portland. It is closer to Mount Gambier in South Australia (~90km) than to any major Victorian city.

Does Nelson have public transport? +

Nelson has no public transport services. There is no rail or bus connection to the town, and the nearest railway stations are in Warrnambool (approximately 260km east) or Mount Gambier in South Australia. A car is essential.

What is the population of Nelson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nelson had a population of 191 people across its surrounding locality. The permanent population is small but swells significantly during school holidays and summer when campers and holiday visitors arrive.

Is Nelson a good place to live? +

Nelson suits those seeking an extremely quiet, nature-immersed coastal lifestyle far from urban centres. It is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and people who value solitude and pristine natural environments, though the remote location means limited services and long drives for everyday needs.

What is the postcode for Nelson? +

The postcode for Nelson, Victoria is 3292. Note that this is the Victorian Nelson near Discovery Bay — not to be confused with Nelson in New South Wales or New Zealand.