🔍

Silvan

VIC 3795 • Greater Melbourne

1,323
Population (2021)
$41,860
Median Income
30.17 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
RuralOrchard CountryFamily-FriendlySemi-RuralLeafy

About Silvan

Silvan is a scenic rural locality in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 40 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD within the Shire of Yarra Ranges local government area. With a population of 1,323 and an elevation of around 217 metres, the town sits amid fertile soils and a cool, lush landscape well suited to horticulture. The median household income of $2,158 per week and an average household size of 3.0 reflect the family-oriented character of the community, which has notable Italian and Dutch heritage — a legacy of generations of horticultural settlement in the area.

Silvan is celebrated for its pick-your-own orchards, berry farms, and market gardens, and is the namesake of the silvanberry — a cultivated blackberry hybrid developed in the region. The nearby Silvan Reservoir is one of Melbourne's major water catchments and lends additional natural beauty to the surroundings. Lilydale, approximately 12 kilometres away, offers the nearest train station (Lilydale Station on the Lilydale Line) for commuters heading into Melbourne, while the Warburton Highway provides the main road connection. The area draws families, hobby farmers, and those seeking a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle within easy reach of the Yarra Valley's wineries and the wider Dandenong Ranges.

Silvan falls under postcode 3795 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3795
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.83°, 145.44°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
30.17 km²
Elevation
274m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lilydale Station
12 km
Requires car

Bus Services

  • Yarra Valley Bus Lines — Lilydale Station Approx. 20-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
Drive to Lilydale Station then train to Flinders Street; approx. 70-80 min total
By Car (Peak)
55-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-60 min

🛣️ Warburton Highway is the main road; Mount Dandenong Tourist Road also provides access; parking at Lilydale Station available

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with very limited local shops; a car is essential for all daily errands and commuting to Lilydale or beyond

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,246
Census 2021
1,323
▲ 6.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,892
Income 2021
$41,860
▲ 20.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,074
Born Overseas 202

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 45
  • 2. Netherlands 41
  • 3. Italy 27
  • 4. New Zealand 12
  • 5. Germany 11
  • 6. Ireland 8
  • 7. Thailand 8
  • 8. France 5
  • 9. South Africa 4
  • 10. Sri Lanka 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 545
Australian 483
Italian 171
Dutch 122
Scottish 122
Irish 114
German 65
Greek 11
Hungarian 10
Croatian 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

715
Both parents born in Australia
335
Both parents born overseas
221
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.7%
Christianity
44.3%
Buddhism
1.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
70 (5.3%)
5-14 years
185 (14.0%)
15-19 years
76 (5.7%)
20-24 years
74 (5.6%)
25-34 years
152 (11.5%)
35-44 years
165 (12.5%)
45-54 years
185 (14.0%)
55-64 years
188 (14.2%)
65-74 years
131 (9.9%)
75-84 years
82 (6.2%)
85+ years
21 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silvan known for? +

Silvan is known for its pick-your-own orchards, berry farms, and market gardens, as well as being the namesake of the silvanberry — a cultivated blackberry hybrid developed in the area. The nearby Silvan Reservoir is also a notable local landmark.

How far is Silvan from Melbourne? +

Silvan is approximately 40 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 45–75 minutes depending on traffic via the Warburton Highway or through Lilydale.

Does Silvan have public transport? +

Silvan is served by limited Yarra Valley Bus Lines connecting to Lilydale Station (approx. 12 km away), which is on the Lilydale train line to Melbourne CBD. A car is strongly recommended for most trips, particularly outside peak hours.

What is the population of Silvan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Silvan has a population of 1,323 people, with a median age of 41 and a notably high average household size of 3.0, reflecting the area's family-oriented community.

Is Silvan a good place to live? +

Silvan is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle close to Melbourne, particularly those who value outdoor space, orchard visits, and the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. The trade-off is car dependency and a commute to Melbourne that can be lengthy during peak hours.

What is the postcode for Silvan? +

The postcode for Silvan is 3795.