Ruffy

VIC 3666 • Victoria

164
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
118.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteBushlandAgriculturalHistoric

About Ruffy

Ruffy is a small rural locality in north-central Victoria, straddling the border of the Shire of Strathbogie and the Shire of Murrindindi, approximately 175 kilometres north of the state capital, Melbourne. With a population of 164 spread across a large area of around 119 square kilometres, the locality is defined by rolling hills, grazing country, and bushland in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Ruffy holds a notable place in Australian military history as the childhood home of Leslie Cecil Maygar, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Second Boer War.

Life in Ruffy is deeply rural, with a small and close-knit community that has traditionally centred around the community hall and the local landscape of farms and bushland. The locality experienced a significant setback in January 2026 when a bushfire caused widespread damage, destroying the community centre, the historic old school building, the telephone exchange, and other structures. The nearest towns of Yea and Mansfield — each roughly 35 to 45 kilometres away — provide access to schools, supermarkets, medical services, and other essentials. Ruffy appeals to those seeking large rural landholdings, peace and quiet, and a genuine bush lifestyle well removed from suburban life.

Ruffy falls under postcode 3666 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Euroa (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3666
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.79°, 145.57°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
118.73 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

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

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
175 km
By Train
Drive to Yea Station (~35km), then V/Line to Southern Cross (~1 hr 30 min); total approx. 2 hrs
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 min via Hume Freeway or Melba Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 50 min – 2 hrs 10 min

🛣️ Hume Freeway via Yea is the main route; Melba Highway via Yea is an alternative; Yea is the nearest service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Ruffy is a dispersed rural locality with no shops or services; residents drive to Yea or Mansfield for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
164
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 Ruffy known for? +

Ruffy is known as the childhood home of Leslie Cecil Maygar, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Second Boer War. The locality is also known for its scenic rolling hills, grazing farmland, and peaceful rural character in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. In January 2026, Ruffy was significantly impacted by a bushfire that destroyed the community centre and other historic structures.

How far is Ruffy from Melbourne? +

Ruffy is approximately 175 kilometres north of Melbourne, typically a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Hume Freeway and Yea or through the Melba Highway.

Does Ruffy have public transport? +

There is no public bus service to Ruffy and no rail connection. The nearest V/Line train station is at Yea, approximately 35 kilometres to the south-west, with services to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. A car is essential for living in Ruffy.

What is the population of Ruffy? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ruffy has a population of approximately 164 residents across a large rural area of around 119 square kilometres, reflecting its sparsely settled farming character.

Is Ruffy a good place to live? +

Ruffy suits those seeking a quiet, semi-remote rural lifestyle in beautiful Victorian countryside. It is ideal for hobby farmers, lifestyle block owners, and those who appreciate wide open spaces and a small community atmosphere, while being mindful of the distance to services and the risk of bushfire.

What is the postcode for Ruffy? +

The postcode for Ruffy is 3666, which it shares with Strathbogie and surrounding rural localities in north-central Victoria.