The Basin

VIC 3154 • Greater Melbourne

4,497
Population (2021)
$42,328
Median Income
5.75 km²
Area
$365/wk
Median Rent
BushlandFamily-FriendlySemi-RuralNatureTree-Change

About The Basin

The Basin is a semi-rural suburb nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne's outer east, located approximately 32 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD within the Yarra Ranges local government area. Bordered by the Dandenong Ranges National Park, it offers a tree-change lifestyle with leafy streets, large residential blocks, and a strong sense of community among its roughly 3,000 residents. The suburb sits within postcode 3154 alongside neighbouring Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully. Its elevated, forested setting gives it a quiet, semi-rural character despite its relative proximity to Melbourne.

The Basin is beloved for its relaxed, bushland lifestyle and strong local identity, centred around community facilities including The Basin Triangle shopping strip, community centre, primary school, and local sporting clubs. The suburb borders the Dandenong Ranges National Park, offering exceptional walking trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas that attract visitors from across Melbourne. It appeals to families, nature lovers, and those looking for an affordable alternative to inner suburbs without sacrificing liveability. A short drive connects residents to Ferntree Gully Station and the Belgrave line for train access into the city.

The Basin falls under postcode 3154 and is governed by Knox Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3154
Urban Area
Wantrina - Rowville - Ferntree Gully
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.86°, 145.32°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
5.75 km²
Elevation
171m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ferntree Gully
2.5 km
~30 min or short drive
Upper Ferntree Gully
3 km
~35 min or short drive

Bus Services

  • 688 — Ferntree Gully Station via The Basin ~10 min to station
  • 691 — Knox City via Bayswater ~30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
32 km
By Train
~60–70 min via Belgrave Line from Ferntree Gully (bus connection required)
By Bus
Bus 688 to Ferntree Gully then train — approx. 70 min total
By Car (Peak)
~55–70 min via Burwood Hwy / Eastlink
By Car (Off-Peak)
~40 min via Burwood Hwy / Eastlink

🛣️ No train station within the suburb; bus connection to Ferntree Gully or Upper Ferntree Gully is required

Walkability Car-Dependent

The Basin Triangle provides a walkable local centre for nearby residents, but most transport and services require a car or bus

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$365
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
40 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,416
Census 2021
4,497
1.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,764
Income 2021
$42,328
15.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,580
Born Overseas 765

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 227
  • 2. Germany 90
  • 3. New Zealand 53
  • 4. China 36
  • 5. Netherlands 34
  • 6. Sri Lanka 28
  • 7. Scotland 23
  • 8. Philippines 19
  • 9. Italy 17
  • 10. Iran 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,947
Australian 1,711
Scottish 547
Irish 494
German 312
Italian 182
Dutch 175
Chinese 94
Welsh 51
Australian Aboriginal 46

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,589
Both parents born in Australia
1,023
Both parents born overseas
666
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.3%
Christianity
36.7%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
256 (5.7%)
5-14 years
612 (13.6%)
15-19 years
276 (6.1%)
20-24 years
220 (4.9%)
25-34 years
525 (11.7%)
35-44 years
599 (13.3%)
45-54 years
661 (14.7%)
55-64 years
569 (12.7%)
65-74 years
435 (9.7%)
75-84 years
222 (4.9%)
85+ years
115 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs