🔍

Olinda

VIC 3788 • Greater Melbourne

1,773
Population (2021)
$44,668
Median Income
17.75 km²
Area
$398/wk
Median Rent
LeafyHeritageCafé CultureTourist HubAffluent

About Olinda

Olinda is a picturesque hillside town set within the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 41 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD in the Shire of Yarra Ranges local government area. The suburb sits at an elevation of around 538 metres and recorded a population of 1,773 at the 2021 Census, with a median age of 45 and a predominantly established demographic of families and mature residents. The median household income of $1,995 per week is above the Melbourne average, reflecting the area's appeal to professionals and affluent lifestyle seekers who value its unique natural setting.

Olinda is celebrated across Melbourne for its lush gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and charming café strip along the main village street. The R.J. Hamer Arboretum and the Cloudehill Garden are among the area's most visited attractions, alongside walking trails through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The suburb attracts artists, weekend visitors, and long-term residents drawn by its cool, misty climate and strong sense of creative community. There is no direct rail service; most residents drive, with the nearest Belgrave station on the Belgrave Line approximately 14 kilometres south. The area is extremely popular with day-trippers from Melbourne, contributing to a vibrant local hospitality scene.

Olinda falls under postcode 3788 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3788
Urban Area
Yarra Ranges
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.85°, 145.38°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
17.75 km²
Elevation
538m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave Station
14 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • Route 694, 695 (Yarra Ranges Bus) — Belgrave / Monbulk 30-40 min to Belgrave

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
41 km
By Train
Drive or bus to Belgrave (~30-40 min), then ~65 min on Belgrave Line to Flinders Street
By Car (Peak)
60-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-55 min

🛣️ No direct rail to Olinda; car is the most practical option for commuters; Monash Freeway accessible via Belgrave

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The village centre and surrounding trails are very walkable; car needed for larger shopping trips to Belgrave or Boronia

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$398
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
45 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,738
Census 2021
1,773
▲ 2.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$38,064
Income 2021
$44,668
▲ 17.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,360
Born Overseas 330

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 114
  • 2. New Zealand 22
  • 3. South Africa 18
  • 4. Germany 15
  • 5. United States 13
  • 6. China 9
  • 7. Scotland 9
  • 8. Sri Lanka 8
  • 9. Netherlands 6
  • 10. Thailand 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 790
Australian 653
Scottish 244
Irish 231
German 105
Italian 51
Dutch 38
French 32
Polish 24
Chinese 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

936
Both parents born in Australia
415
Both parents born overseas
331
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
59.6%
Christianity
28.5%
Buddhism
2.1%
Judaism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
87 (4.9%)
5-14 years
230 (13.0%)
15-19 years
94 (5.3%)
20-24 years
73 (4.1%)
25-34 years
154 (8.7%)
35-44 years
224 (12.6%)
45-54 years
300 (16.9%)
55-64 years
265 (14.9%)
65-74 years
244 (13.8%)
75-84 years
80 (4.5%)
85+ years
14 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olinda VIC known for? +

Olinda is renowned for its lush gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and charming café culture set among the cool, forested Dandenong Ranges. The R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Cloudehill Garden, and surrounding Dandenong Ranges National Park walking trails are among its most popular drawcards.

How far is Olinda from Melbourne CBD? +

Olinda is approximately 41 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD. The drive typically takes 45–55 minutes off-peak and 60–90 minutes during peak hour.

Does Olinda have public transport? +

Olinda has limited bus services connecting to Belgrave and Monbulk (Routes 694 and 695). There is no direct train service; the nearest station is Belgrave, approximately 14 km away on the Belgrave Line. Most residents and visitors drive.

What is the population of Olinda? +

According to the 2021 Census, Olinda has a population of 1,773. The suburb has an older demographic with a median age of 45, and a high proportion of families and established residents.

Is Olinda a good place to live? +

Olinda is an exceptional lifestyle destination for those who value natural beauty, community character, and a creative, village atmosphere. The cool climate, stunning gardens, and proximity to national park walking trails make it highly desirable, though the lack of direct public transport means a car is essential for daily commuting.

What is the postcode for Olinda? +

The postcode for Olinda, Victoria is 3788.