Tawonga South

VIC 3698 • Rest of VIC

1,012
Population (2021)
$37,752
Median Income
48.84 km²
Area
$285/wk
Median Rent
MountainRuralPeacefulFamily-FriendlyRetiree-Haven

About Tawonga South

Tawonga South is an elevated rural locality in Victoria's Alpine Shire, nestled in the Upper Kiewa Valley at approximately 673 metres above sea level, roughly 370 kilometres north-east of Melbourne and adjacent to the township of Mount Beauty. With a population of 1,012 spread across 48.8 square kilometres, it occupies a broad, scenic valley surrounded by the Australian Alps, offering a landscape of farms, lifestyle blocks, and mountain vistas that attracts those seeking an alpine way of life. The median age of 50 and a median weekly household income of $1,392 reflect a community of established families, semi-retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who have chosen the mountains over the city.

Tawonga South is well-positioned for year-round outdoor recreation, with Falls Creek alpine resort approximately 30 kilometres away via the scenic Mount Beauty township, and the Bogong High Plains and Alpine National Park providing world-class hiking, mountain biking, and snow sports in season. The broader Mount Beauty area offers primary and secondary schooling, a community health centre, supermarkets, and a range of local services that cater to the valley's residents. The Kiewa River provides excellent trout fishing and kayaking, and the area's natural character — large properties, fresh mountain air, and a slow pace of life — makes Tawonga South appealing to those prioritising space and a strong connection to the natural environment. A car is essential for all aspects of daily life as public transport is very limited.

Tawonga South falls under postcode 3698 and is governed by Alpine Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3698
Urban Area
Alpine - Towong - Indigo
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.77°, 147.14°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
48.84 km²
Elevation
673m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Dyson's Bus Service — Bright, Wangaratta, and Albury Wangaratta ~1.5 hrs; Albury ~2 hrs

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
370 km
By Train
No direct service; would require driving to Wangaratta then V/Line (~3.5 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs 45 min – 4 hrs 30 min via Hume and Great Alpine Road
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hrs 30 min – 4 hrs

🛣️ A car is essential; Wangaratta is the practical regional hub for services and V/Line connections

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is required for virtually everything; all services are accessed via Mount Beauty township or further afield

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$285
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
50 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
862
Census 2021
1,012
17.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,460
Income 2021
$37,752
20.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 755
Born Overseas 187

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 42
  • 2. Germany 16
  • 3. New Zealand 15
  • 4. Netherlands 11
  • 5. India 10
  • 6. Scotland 10
  • 7. Italy 9
  • 8. Canada 6
  • 9. South Africa 6
  • 10. Wales 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 445
Australian 365
Scottish 141
Irish 108
German 63
Italian 47
Dutch 31
Welsh 13
French 10
New Zealander 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

594
Both parents born in Australia
222
Both parents born overseas
127
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.6%
Christianity
31.9%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
43 (4.2%)
5-14 years
111 (11.0%)
15-19 years
56 (5.5%)
20-24 years
17 (1.7%)
25-34 years
81 (8.0%)
35-44 years
124 (12.3%)
45-54 years
138 (13.6%)
55-64 years
153 (15.1%)
65-74 years
178 (17.6%)
75-84 years
93 (9.2%)
85+ years
29 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tawonga South known for? +

Tawonga South is known for its stunning alpine setting in the Upper Kiewa Valley, its proximity to Falls Creek ski resort and the Alpine National Park, and the excellent trout fishing on the Kiewa River. It is part of the broader Mount Beauty community, a popular base for alpine outdoor recreation year-round.

How far is Tawonga South from Melbourne? +

Tawonga South is approximately 370 kilometres north-east of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes via the Hume Freeway and Great Alpine Road, depending on conditions and the season.

Does Tawonga South have public transport? +

Public transport is very limited. Dyson's Bus Service provides some connections to Bright, Wangaratta, and Albury, but there is no rail service to the area. A car is essential for all daily needs in Tawonga South.

What is the population of Tawonga South? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tawonga South has a population of 1,012 residents. The median age of 50 reflects its appeal to established families, semi-retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who have chosen the alpine lifestyle.

Is Tawonga South a good place to live? +

Tawonga South is an excellent choice for those who value mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and a quiet rural lifestyle. It suits retirees, hobby farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts particularly well. The relative isolation and limited services mean it is better suited to those who have made a deliberate lifestyle move rather than commuters.

What is the postcode for Tawonga South? +

The postcode for Tawonga South, Victoria is 3698.