🔍

Stratford

VIC 3862 • Rest of VIC

2,980
Population (2021)
$37,388
Median Income
153.70 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordableQuietFamily-Friendly

About Stratford

Stratford is a historic rural township on the Avon River in Victoria's Gippsland region, situated approximately 232 kilometres east of Melbourne along the Princes Highway within the Wellington Shire. With a population of 2,980 at the 2021 Census — up 13.9% from 2016 — the town has attracted steady growth from families and retirees seeking a relaxed country lifestyle with convenient highway access. The community is predominantly Anglo-Australian with a median household income of approximately $1,419 per week, and housing is characterised by established quarter-acre properties and rural residential allotments spread across the township's generous 154 square kilometre area.

Positioned along the Princes Highway between the larger Gippsland centres of Sale (approximately 55 kilometres west) and Bairnsdale (approximately 43 kilometres east), Stratford benefits from its strategic location while retaining a quiet country town character. The V/Line Bairnsdale train line stops in Stratford, offering a connection to Melbourne for those who need city access. Residents enjoy the scenic Avon River parklands, the town's historic streetscape, local primary and secondary schools, a hotel, and essential shops, with a strong community spirit that makes it popular with families and those seeking an affordable regional lifestyle in the heart of Gippsland.

Stratford falls under postcode 3862 and is governed by Wellington Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3862
Urban Area
Wellington (Vic.)
LGA / Council
Wellington
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.95°, 147.12°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
153.70 km²
Elevation
47m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Stratford
0.3 km
5 min

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach connections — Sale, Bairnsdale 45-60 min to Sale or Bairnsdale

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
232 km
By Train
Approx. 2 hr 45 min to Southern Cross Station via V/Line Bairnsdale Line
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min to 3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min to 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Located on the Princes Highway (M1). V/Line train stops in town. Practical for occasional Melbourne visits; most residents work locally or in Sale/Bairnsdale.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The small town centre is walkable for basic needs, but most errands and larger shopping require driving to Sale or Bairnsdale.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,308
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
39 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,617
Census 2021
2,980
▲ 13.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,044
Income 2021
$37,388
▲ 20.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,630
Born Overseas 239

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 86
  • 2. New Zealand 38
  • 3. Netherlands 14
  • 4. Scotland 12
  • 5. South Africa 10
  • 6. Philippines 9
  • 7. Germany 8
  • 8. Ireland 6
  • 9. Wales 6
  • 10. Canada 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,423
English 1,314
Scottish 342
Irish 341
German 113
Dutch 78
Italian 54
Australian Aboriginal 45
Polish 23
New Zealander 22

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,234
Both parents born in Australia
320
Both parents born overseas
288
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.1%
Christianity
42.1%
Buddhism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
195 (6.5%)
5-14 years
400 (13.4%)
15-19 years
163 (5.5%)
20-24 years
169 (5.7%)
25-34 years
391 (13.1%)
35-44 years
338 (11.3%)
45-54 years
329 (11.0%)
55-64 years
381 (12.8%)
65-74 years
397 (13.3%)
75-84 years
165 (5.5%)
85+ years
48 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stratford VIC known for? +

Stratford is known as a quiet historic township on the Avon River in Victoria's Gippsland region. The town is situated on the Princes Highway and has a charming country character, with the river parklands, a heritage streetscape, and its convenient position between Sale and Bairnsdale making it popular with families seeking an affordable regional lifestyle.

How far is Stratford VIC from Melbourne? +

Stratford is approximately 232 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD via the Princes Highway (M1). The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and V/Line trains on the Bairnsdale line also stop at Stratford station, with the journey to Southern Cross Station taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Does Stratford VIC have public transport? +

Yes — Stratford has its own V/Line railway station on the Bairnsdale line, providing passenger rail services between Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) and Bairnsdale. V/Line coach connections also link the town to Sale and surrounding communities.

What is the population of Stratford VIC? +

According to the 2021 Census, Stratford has a population of 2,980. This represents strong growth of 13.9% since 2016 when the population was 2,617, reflecting increasing interest in regional Gippsland townships.

Is Stratford VIC a good place to live? +

Stratford suits those seeking an affordable, relaxed country lifestyle in the Gippsland corridor. The town offers good community facilities, V/Line train access, and a beautiful riverside setting, though residents typically need to travel to Sale or Bairnsdale for major shopping, specialist services, and employment.

What is the postcode for Stratford VIC? +

The postcode for Stratford, Victoria is 3862.