🔍

The Patch

VIC 3792 • Greater Melbourne

1,046
Population (2021)
$45,448
Median Income
3.98 km²
Area
$415/wk
Median Rent
LeafyBushlandFamily-FriendlyQuietSemi-Rural

About The Patch

The Patch is a small, elevated suburb nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 39 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD within the Shire of Yarra Ranges local government area. Set at an elevation of around 309 metres, the suburb covers nearly 4 square kilometres of forested hillside and recorded a population of 1,046 at the 2021 Census. With a median age of 46 and a predominantly English and Australian ancestry, The Patch attracts those seeking a leafy, semi-rural lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of Melbourne. Housing is characterised by generous bush block properties set among tall eucalypts and mountain ash.

The suburb takes its name from a stand of mountain ash trees noted by early settlers in the 1860s, and that bushland character remains its defining feature today. Residents enjoy access to the Dandenong Ranges National Park and walking trails, while the nearby township of Belgrave (around 7 kilometres away) provides the closest train connection via the Belgrave Line and a small shopping village. The area is popular with families and tree-changers who appreciate the peaceful, nature-immersed environment, though a car is essential for most daily errands. The Patch sits within a broader community of Dandenong Ranges villages including Kallista, Selby, and Olinda.

The Patch falls under postcode 3792 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3792
Urban Area
Yarra Ranges
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.89°, 145.41°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
3.98 km²
Elevation
309m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave
7 km
N/A — drive required

Bus Services

  • Route 694 — Belgrave Station via Kallista 20-25 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
39 km
By Train
~70 min to Flinders Street via Belgrave Line from Belgrave Station (7km drive to station)
By Car (Peak)
55-80 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-60 min

🛣️ Car required to reach Belgrave Station; Monash Freeway provides the main route to the CBD

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The Patch has no local shops or services; a car is essential for all daily needs including groceries and errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$415
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,085
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
46 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,065
Census 2021
1,046
▼ 1.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$37,024
Income 2021
$45,448
▲ 22.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 838
Born Overseas 189

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 51
  • 2. New Zealand 21
  • 3. Germany 13
  • 4. Netherlands 9
  • 5. South Africa 9
  • 6. Scotland 8
  • 7. United States 8
  • 8. Fiji 7
  • 9. India 7
  • 10. Vietnam 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 477
Australian 376
Scottish 180
Irish 141
German 61
Dutch 48
Italian 31
Maltese 17
Polish 16
Welsh 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

599
Both parents born in Australia
256
Both parents born overseas
167
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
62.8%
Christianity
30.2%
Buddhism
1.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
55 (5.3%)
5-14 years
149 (14.2%)
15-19 years
59 (5.6%)
20-24 years
33 (3.2%)
25-34 years
81 (7.7%)
35-44 years
122 (11.7%)
45-54 years
162 (15.5%)
55-64 years
159 (15.2%)
65-74 years
154 (14.7%)
75-84 years
50 (4.8%)
85+ years
17 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Patch known for? +

The Patch is known for its tranquil bushland setting in the Dandenong Ranges, with tall mountain ash and eucalypt forest covering much of the suburb. It takes its name from a stand of mountain ash noted by early settlers in the 1860s, and the natural environment remains its defining character.

How far is The Patch from Melbourne CBD? +

The Patch is approximately 39 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 45–60 minutes off-peak or 55–80 minutes during peak hour via the Monash Freeway.

Does The Patch have public transport? +

Public transport is limited. The nearest train station is Belgrave (approximately 7 km away) on the Belgrave Line, requiring a car to access. A local bus route (Route 694) connects The Patch to Belgrave Station via Kallista.

What is the population of The Patch? +

The Patch had a population of 1,046 at the 2021 Census, spread across approximately 4 square kilometres of hilly, forested terrain in the Dandenong Ranges.

Is The Patch a good place to live? +

The Patch is ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed lifestyle close to the Dandenong Ranges National Park. It suits families and tree-changers who value bushland living, though a car is essential and urban amenities require a drive to Belgrave or beyond.

What is the postcode for The Patch? +

The postcode for The Patch is 3792, which covers the suburb and some surrounding localities in the Dandenong Ranges.