🔍

Tongala

VIC 3621 • Rest of VIC

1,973
Population (2021)
$34,112
Median Income
112.01 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalDairy RegionAffordableQuiet

About Tongala

Tongala is a small rural town in Victoria's Campaspe Shire, situated approximately 195 kilometres north of Melbourne in the heart of the Goulburn Valley dairy region. With a population of 1,973 and a median age of 41 — relatively young for a rural Victorian town — Tongala has maintained an active, working community centred on agriculture across a broad area of 112 square kilometres. The median household income of $1,220 per week reflects steady employment in the agricultural sector and associated industries.

Tongala is closely associated with the dairy industry, and the town's economy has long been anchored by milk processing and mixed farming across the Goulburn Valley's fertile flats. The town provides schools, local shops, sporting clubs, and the community facilities that sustain a self-sufficient rural centre. Echuca, the nearest major regional town and a popular Murray River tourism destination, is approximately 30 kilometres to the north and offers hospitals, larger retail, and connections to the Bendigo rail line, while Melbourne is reachable in under two and a half hours by car, making Tongala a viable base for those seeking affordable country living within range of the city.

Tongala falls under postcode 3621 and is governed by Campaspe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray Plains (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3621
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Campaspe
Federal Electorate
Nicholls
State Electorate
Murray Plains (Northern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.24°, 144.96°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
112.01 km²
Elevation
104m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Echuca Station
30 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach service — Echuca / Melbourne (Southern Cross) ~2.5-3 hours to Melbourne

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
195 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Echuca then V/Line coach/train ~3.5 hours total
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hours

🛣️ Midland Highway south to Bendigo, then onto the Calder Freeway to Melbourne

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most needs; the compact town centre handles basic daily errands on foot

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,127
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.2%

6 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,926
Census 2021
1,973
▲ 2.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$27,404
Income 2021
$34,112
▲ 24.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,698
Born Overseas 152

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 30
  • 2. New Zealand 27
  • 3. Philippines 26
  • 4. India 17
  • 5. Netherlands 15
  • 6. Scotland 7
  • 7. Lebanon 6
  • 8. Wales 6
  • 9. Thailand 5
  • 10. United States 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 953
English 792
Scottish 220
Irish 194
German 63
Australian Aboriginal 59
Dutch 45
Italian 42
Filipino 38
Indian 18

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,506
Both parents born in Australia
184
Both parents born overseas
148
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.4%
Christianity
42.8%
Islam
0.7%
Hinduism
0.4%
Buddhism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
120 (6.1%)
5-14 years
280 (14.2%)
15-19 years
114 (5.8%)
20-24 years
98 (5.0%)
25-34 years
226 (11.5%)
35-44 years
190 (9.6%)
45-54 years
235 (11.9%)
55-64 years
249 (12.6%)
65-74 years
255 (12.9%)
75-84 years
131 (6.6%)
85+ years
69 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tongala known for? +

Tongala is known for its strong dairy farming heritage and its central role in the Goulburn Valley's milk production industry. The town has historically been connected to major dairy processing operations that have shaped its economy for generations.

How far is Tongala from Melbourne? +

Tongala is approximately 195 kilometres north of Melbourne, a drive of around 2 to 2.5 hours via the Midland Highway and Calder Freeway.

Does Tongala have public transport? +

Tongala does not have a passenger rail station. The nearest rail connection is at Echuca, approximately 30 kilometres north, which is served by V/Line coach services from Melbourne and Bendigo. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Tongala? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tongala has a population of 1,973, with a relatively young median age of 41 for a rural Victorian town, reflecting the agricultural workforce.

Is Tongala a good place to live? +

Tongala appeals to those drawn to affordable rural living in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, with proximity to Echuca and the Murray River region for recreation. It is best suited to those who work locally in agriculture or are happy to commute regionally.

What is the postcode for Tongala? +

The postcode for Tongala, Victoria is 3621.