🔍

Rutherglen

VIC 3685 • Rest of VIC

2,579
Population (2021)
$37,544
Median Income
124.54 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRuralTourist HubRetiree-HavenHeritage

About Rutherglen

Rutherglen is a historic wine-country town in north-eastern Victoria, situated approximately 276 kilometres north-east of Melbourne and 45 kilometres west of Wodonga, within the Shire of Indigo. The town lies near the Murray River, which forms the border with New South Wales, and covers a large statistical area of around 124 square kilometres. With a population of 2,579 and a median age of 48, Rutherglen appeals strongly to retirees, established residents, and those seeking a relaxed rural lifestyle; the median household income of $1,306 per week is broadly in line with regional Victorian norms.

Rutherglen is celebrated as one of Australia's premier wine regions, renowned particularly for its fortified wines — Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Tokay — produced by a cluster of iconic family-owned wineries along the Rutherglen Wine Trail. The town's heritage-listed main street features the Victoria Hotel, a range of cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores that attract year-round visitors, with the annual Rutherglen Winery Walkabout festival drawing thousands each October. V/Line bus services connect the town to Wodonga and Wangaratta, though a car is the most practical way to get around. Rutherglen's combination of rich history, world-class wine, and a warm community spirit makes it one of regional Victoria's most appealing small towns.

Rutherglen falls under postcode 3685 and is governed by Indigo Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Benambra (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3685
Urban Area
Alpine - Towong - Indigo
LGA / Council
Indigo
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Benambra (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.06°, 146.48°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
124.54 km²
Elevation
163m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line bus services — Wodonga and Wangaratta 45-60 min to Wodonga

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
276 km
By Train
No direct train from Rutherglen; V/Line train from Wodonga to Melbourne takes approx. 3 hrs 30 min
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 45 min – 3 hr 30 min via Hume Freeway
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr via Hume Freeway

🛣️ Car is essential for day-to-day life. Wodonga is the nearest major centre with train links. Rutherglen is a destination town, not a commuter suburb.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre and main street are walkable for local errands and dining, but the wider area and winery trail require a car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.3%

36 state housing + 9 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,378
Census 2021
2,579
▲ 8.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,668
Income 2021
$37,544
▲ 18.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,281
Born Overseas 186

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 64
  • 2. New Zealand 37
  • 3. Netherlands 16
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. Scotland 8
  • 6. South Africa 6
  • 7. Philippines 4
  • 8. China 3
  • 9. India 3
  • 10. Italy 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,182
Australian 1,097
Irish 413
Scottish 335
German 159
Italian 78
Australian Aboriginal 51
Dutch 36
Chinese 17
Maori 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,036
Both parents born in Australia
228
Both parents born overseas
200
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.4%
No Religion
43.1%
Buddhism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
125 (4.8%)
5-14 years
305 (11.8%)
15-19 years
141 (5.5%)
20-24 years
97 (3.8%)
25-34 years
255 (9.9%)
35-44 years
267 (10.4%)
45-54 years
314 (12.2%)
55-64 years
381 (14.8%)
65-74 years
398 (15.4%)
75-84 years
214 (8.3%)
85+ years
81 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rutherglen known for? +

Rutherglen is internationally renowned as one of Australia's great wine regions, particularly famous for its rich fortified wines — Rutherglen Muscat and Tokay — produced by a cluster of historic family-owned wineries. The heritage-lined main street and the annual Winery Walkabout festival also draw visitors from across the country.

How far is Rutherglen from Melbourne? +

Rutherglen is approximately 276 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a drive of around 2.5–3.5 hours via the Hume Freeway. The nearest major town with V/Line train services to Melbourne is Wodonga, about 45 kilometres to the east.

Does Rutherglen have public transport? +

Rutherglen is served by V/Line bus services connecting to Wodonga and Wangaratta, where V/Line train services to Melbourne are available. There is no direct rail service to Rutherglen; a car is the most practical transport option for residents.

What is the population of Rutherglen? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rutherglen has a population of 2,579 residents with a median age of 48, reflecting the town's strong appeal to retirees and established long-term residents.

Is Rutherglen a good place to live? +

Rutherglen offers an exceptional quality of life for those drawn to a relaxed rural setting, rich history, and world-class wine culture. It is ideally suited to retirees, lifestyle seekers, and those working remotely, though its distance from major cities means most services and employment are found in Wodonga or Wangaratta.

What is the postcode for Rutherglen? +

The postcode for Rutherglen is 3685.