🔍

Sassafras

VIC 3787 • Victoria

970
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
4.03 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LeafyHinterlandVillage FeelHistoricQuiet

About Sassafras

Sassafras is a charming village nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 40 kilometres east of Melbourne in Victoria's Yarra Ranges local government area. With a population of 970 residents across just over 4 square kilometres of densely wooded hill country, the village sits within the Monbulk state electorate and offers a cool-temperate lifestyle that stands in vivid contrast to Melbourne's suburban sprawl. Its elevated position among mountain ash and fern gullies has made it one of the most distinctive and picturesque localities in metropolitan Victoria.

Sassafras is well known for its charming village strip along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, home to antique stores, galleries, and popular tearooms that draw visitors from across Melbourne every weekend. The Puffing Billy heritage steam railway operates nearby at Menzies Creek, and the surrounding Dandenong Ranges National Park provides extensive bushwalking through cool ferny gullies and towering forests. The community attracts artists, retirees, and nature enthusiasts who value the misty mountain atmosphere, cool-climate gardens, and a genuine village pace of life close to Melbourne.

Sassafras falls under postcode 3787 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3787
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.87°, 145.35°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4.03 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave
12 km
N/A (drive or bus)

Bus Services

  • Yarra Ranges local buses — Belgrave / Olinda / Monbulk Varies; limited frequency

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
No direct rail; drive to Belgrave Station (~12km) then Belgrave Line to Flinders Street; total approx 1h 15min
By Car (Peak)
1h – 1h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45min – 1h

🛣️ Mountain roads; Burwood Highway and Belgrave-Gembrook Road are main routes; Puffing Billy nearby at Menzies Creek

Walkability Car-Dependent

The village strip is walkable for locals but most residents need a car for regular shopping and errands beyond the village centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
970
▲ 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 Sassafras known for? +

Sassafras is famous for its picturesque village strip along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, lined with antique shops, art galleries, and tearooms. The misty Dandenong Ranges setting, cool-climate gardens, and proximity to the Puffing Billy steam railway make it one of Melbourne's most beloved day-trip destinations.

How far is Sassafras from Melbourne? +

Sassafras is approximately 40 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, typically a 45-minute to 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic and route taken through the Dandenong Ranges.

Does Sassafras have public transport? +

Sassafras is served by limited Yarra Ranges local bus routes. The nearest train station is Belgrave (Belgrave Line), approximately 12 kilometres away. A car is the most practical way to get around and commute from the village.

What is the population of Sassafras? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sassafras has a population of approximately 970 residents across a compact area of just over 4 square kilometres in the Dandenong Ranges.

Is Sassafras a good place to live? +

Sassafras is an exceptional choice for those seeking a genuine village lifestyle in a stunning natural setting close to Melbourne. It suits retirees, artists, and nature lovers who appreciate cool summers, lush bushland, and a tight-knit community — though the mountain roads and limited public transport mean car ownership is essential.

What is the postcode for Sassafras? +

The postcode for Sassafras, VIC is 3787, covering the Sassafras village area in the Dandenong Ranges.