🔍

Nicholson

VIC 3882 • Rest of VIC

1,322
Population (2021)
$34,684
Median Income
68.26 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideEstablishedPeacefulCar-Dependent

About Nicholson

Nicholson is a rural locality in East Gippsland, Victoria, situated on the Princes Highway approximately 295 kilometres east of Melbourne and 13 kilometres east of Bairnsdale, within the Shire of East Gippsland. The town sits on the banks of the Nicholson River, which flows into the Gippsland Lakes system, giving it a distinctive natural setting between open farming country and coastal waterways. With a population of 1,322 and a median age of 47, the community is predominantly established and long-term in character, with a median household income of $1,390 per week reflecting its rural working and lifestyle demographic.

Nicholson's riverside setting and boat ramp on the Nicholson River make it popular with recreational fishers and boaters accessing the iconic Gippsland Lakes — one of Australia's largest inland waterway systems. The town is well-positioned for day trips to Bairnsdale's shops and services, or east towards Lakes Entrance for tourism and fresh seafood. Life in Nicholson is quiet and nature-connected, appealing to those who value space, riverside recreation, and a genuine East Gippsland lifestyle.

Nicholson falls under postcode 3882 and is governed by East Gippsland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3882
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.81°, 147.75°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
68.26 km²
Elevation
21m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
13 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • No regular local bus services — Car required for all local travel N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
295 km
By Train
Drive to Bairnsdale (~15 min), then V/Line Gippsland Line to Southern Cross (~2.5–3 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs 15 min – 3 hrs 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 min

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route; Bairnsdale is the nearest service hub

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with no footpath network or local shops — a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
47 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,095
Census 2021
1,322
▲ 20.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,532
Income 2021
$34,684
▲ 35.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,111
Born Overseas 143

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 53
  • 2. New Zealand 12
  • 3. Germany 7
  • 4. Philippines 7
  • 5. Scotland 7
  • 6. Netherlands 6
  • 7. Ireland 5
  • 8. Canada 4
  • 9. Italy 4
  • 10. United States 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 618
Australian 583
Scottish 156
Irish 136
German 56
Dutch 42
Italian 27
Australian Aboriginal 16
Filipino 13
Polish 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

957
Both parents born in Australia
176
Both parents born overseas
133
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.6%
Christianity
36.3%
Sikhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (5.2%)
5-14 years
166 (12.6%)
15-19 years
73 (5.5%)
20-24 years
56 (4.2%)
25-34 years
135 (10.2%)
35-44 years
120 (9.1%)
45-54 years
156 (11.8%)
55-64 years
212 (16.0%)
65-74 years
209 (15.8%)
75-84 years
103 (7.8%)
85+ years
24 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nicholson known for? +

Nicholson is known for its scenic position on the Nicholson River and its proximity to the Gippsland Lakes — one of Australia's largest inland waterway systems. The town's boat ramp is popular with recreational fishers and boaters, and the surrounding East Gippsland landscape offers bushwalking, birdwatching, and nature-based activities.

How far is Nicholson from Melbourne? +

Nicholson is approximately 295 kilometres east of Melbourne, a drive of around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Princes Highway. It lies midway between Bairnsdale (13 km west) and Lakes Entrance (24 km east).

Does Nicholson have public transport? +

Nicholson has no local bus services or train station. The nearest railway station is at Bairnsdale, approximately 13 kilometres west, served by V/Line's Gippsland Line to Melbourne. A car is essential for daily life in Nicholson.

What is the population of Nicholson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nicholson has a population of 1,322, with a median age of 47 — reflecting an established, settled community with a significant proportion of older and retired residents.

Is Nicholson a good place to live? +

Nicholson suits those seeking a quiet, nature-connected lifestyle in East Gippsland. It's ideal for retirees, hobby farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts who love fishing, boating, and the Gippsland Lakes, though residents rely on Bairnsdale for schools, hospitals, and major shopping.

What is the postcode for Nicholson? +

Nicholson's postcode is 3882, shared with several localities in the East Gippsland region.