Shelford

VIC 3329 • Victoria

263
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
178.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralSemi-RuralQuietAgriculturalCommuter Belt

About Shelford

Shelford is a small rural locality in Victoria's Golden Plains Shire, situated approximately 40 kilometres west of Geelong and 106 kilometres west of Melbourne. With a population of 263 at the 2021 Census, the community is spread across a substantial 178 square kilometres of rolling agricultural land. Housing stock is predominantly rural residential, with modest holdings interspersed through the gentle pastoral landscape of the region between Geelong and Ballarat.

The locality is anchored by the historic Shelford Hotel, a well-regarded local dining spot and community gathering point. The annual Shelford Duck Race, held at the Shelford Recreation Reserve on the last Sunday of February, draws visitors from across the region and serves as a cherished community fundraiser. Shelford suits those seeking a quiet semi-rural lifestyle within reasonable driving distance of Geelong's services, schools, and employment.

Shelford falls under postcode 3329 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3329
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.98°, 143.91°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
178.16 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Geelong Approx. 45-60 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
106 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Geelong then V/Line train to Melbourne (approx. 1h 45 min total)
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Car is essential; Princes Highway and Hamilton Highway provide access to Geelong and Ballarat

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; there are no footpath networks or walkable retail precincts in this rural locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
263
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 Shelford known for? +

Shelford is known for its rural character, the historic Shelford Hotel, and the annual Shelford Duck Race — a popular community fundraiser held at the Recreation Reserve on the last Sunday of February.

How far is Shelford from Melbourne? +

Shelford is approximately 106 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 75–120 minute drive depending on traffic and route via the Princes or Hamilton Highway.

Does Shelford have public transport? +

Shelford has very limited public transport options and no rail service. Residents rely on private vehicles for most travel, with Geelong the nearest major centre approximately 40 kilometres east.

What is the population of Shelford? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shelford has a population of 263 residents, making it a small rural locality within Golden Plains Shire.

Is Shelford a good place to live? +

Shelford suits those who value a quiet, agricultural lifestyle away from city noise, with a close-knit community and affordable rural properties. It is best suited to those who work locally or are willing to commute to Geelong or Ballarat.

What is the postcode for Shelford? +

The postcode for Shelford, Victoria is 3329.