Stratford
VIC 3862 • Rest of VIC
About Stratford
Stratford is a historic Gippsland town on the Avon River, 232 kilometres east of Melbourne along the Princes Highway in the Shire of Wellington. With a population of 2,980 (2021 census), showing 13.9% growth since 2016, this service town caters to the surrounding farming community and highway travellers. Named with an association to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, the town has embraced this cultural connection since 1989.
The main street features cafés, a pub, a winery cellar door, design gallery, and model railway shop, giving the town genuine character beyond a typical highway stop. The annual Shakespeare on the River Festival is a cultural highlight, and the Avon River offers swimming, fishing, and gemstone hunting for polished agate. Stratford attracts rural families, retirees, and those working in dairy, agriculture, and the nearby Gippsland oil and gas industry, offering affordable living in a well-serviced country town.
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
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- V/Line Coach — Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and beyond 30-60 min
Commute to Melbourne
🛣️ Direct V/Line train services daily to Melbourne via Traralgon. Sale (18km) is the nearest major town for services.
Town centre and train station walkable; car essential for surrounding farming areas and Sale services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
137 Lind Avenue
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Bengworden Road
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4 Merrick Street
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Wellsford Street
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
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
- 11. United States 4
- 12. Indonesia 3
- 13. Malta 3
- 14. Thailand 3
- 15. Turkey 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)