🔍

Toodyay

WA 6566 • Rest of WA

1,362
Population (2021)
$29,536
Median Income
61.60 km²
Area
$280/wk
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageRuralRetiree-HavenQuiet

About Toodyay

Toodyay is a historic urban locality in Western Australia's picturesque Avon Valley, situated approximately 85 kilometres north-east of Perth within the Shire of Toodyay. With a population of 1,362 at the 2021 Census, Toodyay has a notably older demographic — the median age is 56 — reflecting its long-standing popularity as a tree-change and semi-retirement destination for Perth residents seeking a heritage lifestyle in a rural setting. Predominantly of Anglo-Australian and British heritage, the community is well-established with the majority of residents owning their homes.

Toodyay is one of Western Australia's best-preserved colonial towns, with a main street of heritage buildings, the historic Newcastle Gaol, Connors Mill Museum, and the scenic Avon River flowing through town. The township supports local shops, cafes, a hotel, and essential community services, and is a popular destination for Perth day-trippers and weekend visitors. The surrounding jarrah and wandoo woodland, along with the valley's natural beauty and regular heritage events, give Toodyay a distinctive, unhurried character that continues to attract lifestyle seekers valuing history, open space, and community connection.

Toodyay falls under postcode 6566 and is governed by Toodyay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Central Wheatbelt electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6566
Urban Area
Avon - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Toodyay
Federal Electorate
Bullwinkel
State Electorate
Central Wheatbelt
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-31.57°, 116.42°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
61.60 km²
Elevation
154m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular public bus service to Perth — Limited regional services only N/A

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
85 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
75-95 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-75 min

🛣️ Car is essential; Great Northern Highway and Toodyay Road connect to Perth; no regular public transport to Perth

Walkability Car-Dependent

The heritage main street is walkable for local errands, but a car is needed for most shopping and commuting

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,365
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.1%

12 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,408
Census 2021
1,362
▼ 3.3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,480
Income 2021
$29,536
▲ 15.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 943
Born Overseas 281

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 136
  • 2. New Zealand 37
  • 3. Scotland 12
  • 4. Netherlands 11
  • 5. Germany 8
  • 6. Ireland 7
  • 7. South Africa 6
  • 8. Wales 6
  • 9. France 5
  • 10. Papua New Guinea 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 635
Australian 513
Irish 158
Scottish 137
Australian Aboriginal 58
German 45
Dutch 28
Italian 18
Welsh 18
New Zealander 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

683
Both parents born in Australia
306
Both parents born overseas
225
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.9%
Christianity
40.2%
Buddhism
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
44 (3.2%)
5-14 years
143 (10.5%)
15-19 years
50 (3.7%)
20-24 years
49 (3.6%)
25-34 years
112 (8.2%)
35-44 years
126 (9.3%)
45-54 years
138 (10.1%)
55-64 years
250 (18.4%)
65-74 years
279 (20.5%)
75-84 years
129 (9.5%)
85+ years
39 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toodyay known for? +

Toodyay is known as one of Western Australia's most intact colonial heritage towns, featuring preserved 19th-century buildings along its main street, the historic Newcastle Gaol, Connors Mill Museum, and the scenic Avon River. It's a popular weekend destination for Perth residents and a beloved tree-change location.

How far is Toodyay from Perth? +

Toodyay is approximately 85 kilometres north-east of Perth, making it about a 60–75 minute drive via the Great Northern Highway or Toodyay Road under normal traffic conditions.

Does Toodyay have public transport? +

Toodyay has very limited public transport, with no regular bus services connecting it to Perth. There is no passenger rail service; a car is essential for commuting and daily travel.

What is the population of Toodyay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Toodyay has a population of 1,362 residents. The town has a notably older demographic with a median age of 56, reflecting its appeal as a tree-change and retirement destination.

Is Toodyay a good place to live? +

Toodyay is an excellent choice for those seeking a heritage lifestyle in a scenic rural setting within reach of Perth. It suits retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle seekers, though daily commuters to Perth will find the distance and lack of public transport a significant consideration.

What is the postcode for Toodyay? +

The postcode for Toodyay, Western Australia is 6566.