🔍

Rochester

VIC 3561 • Rest of VIC

3,154
Population (2021)
$30,316
Median Income
86.36 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordableRetiree-HavenAgricultural

About Rochester

Rochester is a rural town in the Shire of Campaspe, Victoria, situated approximately 179 kilometres north of Melbourne on the Campaspe River, positioned between Bendigo (63 km to the south-west) and Shepparton (66 km to the east). The town covers a substantial 86 square kilometres and had a population of 3,154 at the 2021 Census. With a median age of 53 and median household income of around $1,073 per week, Rochester has an older, well-established community with predominantly Australian, English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry reflecting generations of agricultural settlement in the Campaspe irrigation district.

Rochester's town centre features a range of local shops, hotels, schools, and the historic Rochester Shire Hall, providing essential services for the town and surrounding farming communities. The Campaspe River and nearby irrigation channels support the region's dairy, grain, and horticulture industries that form the economic backbone of the area. V/Line regional bus services connect Rochester to Echuca (29 km north) and Bendigo, though a private vehicle is essential for most travel in this rural setting. The town suits those seeking an affordable, community-focused lifestyle in productive regional Victoria, with low property prices and a relaxed pace of life attracting retirees and those with ties to the agricultural sector.

Rochester falls under postcode 3561 and is governed by Campaspe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray Plains (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3561
Urban Area
Campaspe - West
LGA / Council
Campaspe
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Murray Plains (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.36°, 144.69°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
86.36 km²
Elevation
119m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line Bus (Bendigo–Echuca route) — Bendigo (for rail connections to Melbourne) Approx. 1 hr to Bendigo

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
179 km
By Train
No direct service. V/Line bus to Bendigo then train to Melbourne (~3hr total)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 50 min - 2 hr

🛣️ Midland Highway (B75) is the main route to Bendigo and Melbourne. Most residents drive

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre is accessible on foot for basic errands, but a car is necessary for travel beyond the immediate centre and surrounding rural areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
53 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,113
Census 2021
3,154
▲ 1.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,208
Income 2021
$30,316
▲ 15.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,719
Born Overseas 181

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 52
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. Malaysia 21
  • 4. Scotland 13
  • 5. Italy 11
  • 6. Philippines 11
  • 7. Thailand 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. Cambodia 5
  • 10. Fiji 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,393
English 1,383
Irish 399
Scottish 346
German 108
Australian Aboriginal 61
Italian 59
Dutch 28
Chinese 20
New Zealander 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,421
Both parents born in Australia
235
Both parents born overseas
228
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.4%
No Religion
41.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
122 (3.9%)
5-14 years
320 (10.1%)
15-19 years
161 (5.1%)
20-24 years
142 (4.5%)
25-34 years
244 (7.7%)
35-44 years
266 (8.4%)
45-54 years
388 (12.3%)
55-64 years
496 (15.7%)
65-74 years
480 (15.2%)
75-84 years
364 (11.5%)
85+ years
167 (5.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rochester known for? +

Rochester is known as the service centre for Victoria's Campaspe irrigation district, surrounded by productive dairy, grain, and horticultural farmland. The town is also noted for its well-preserved heritage buildings including the Shamrock Hotel, Rochester Shire Hall, and the historic post office, reflecting its prosperous agricultural past.

How far is Rochester from Melbourne? +

Rochester is approximately 179 kilometres north of Melbourne, with a typical drive time of around 2 hours via the Hume Highway and Midland Highway through Bendigo.

Does Rochester have public transport? +

Rochester is served by V/Line regional bus services connecting it to Bendigo (approximately 1 hour), where passengers can connect to V/Line trains to Melbourne. There is no passenger rail directly to Rochester. A private vehicle is the most practical way to get around the town and surrounding area.

What is the population of Rochester? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rochester has a population of 3,154 residents. The community is older, with a median age of 53, reflecting the demographic profile typical of established regional Victorian towns with strong agricultural economies.

Is Rochester a good place to live? +

Rochester offers very affordable housing, a strong sense of community, and a relaxed rural lifestyle in productive regional Victoria. It suits retirees, agricultural workers, and families with ties to the region, though those needing regular access to Melbourne or large city services should factor in the 2-hour drive.

What is the postcode for Rochester? +

The postcode for Rochester, Victoria is 3561.