Tooradin

VIC 3980 • Greater Melbourne

1,722
Population (2021)
$40,768
Median Income
27.73 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRuralQuietFamily-FriendlyCommuter Belt

About Tooradin

Tooradin is a small rural township situated on the shores of Sawtells Inlet off Western Port Bay, approximately 57 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD within the Shire of Cardinia and City of Casey. With a population of 1,722 and a median age of 40, the community draws families and sea-changers attracted to the waterside setting and semi-rural atmosphere. At just 6 metres above sea level, the low-lying locality covers 27.7 square kilometres of coastal flatlands and farming country between Cranbourne and Koo Wee Rup.

Tooradin is best known for its picturesque inlet, boat ramp, and the Tooradin Hotel, a popular stop for day-trippers and recreational boaters exploring Western Port Bay. The area attracts fishing and boating enthusiasts year-round, and the surrounding farmland — including market gardens and dairy properties — gives the township a genuine rural feel despite its position on Greater Melbourne's outer fringe. Residents rely on private vehicles for most daily needs, with Cranbourne (17 km) offering major supermarkets, schools, and health services, while the South Gippsland Highway provides straightforward access to the freeway and Melbourne.

Tooradin falls under postcode 3980 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3980
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.20°, 145.39°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
27.73 km²
Elevation
6m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cranbourne
17 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Limited local bus services — Cranbourne 30-40 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
57 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Cranbourne station (17 km), then 55-65 min to Flinders Street on Cranbourne Line
By Car (Peak)
65-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-65 min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway connects to EastLink freeway; Cranbourne is the nearest major service hub at 17 km

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Tooradin is a small rural township where a car is essential; the hotel, boat ramp, and a handful of local amenities are walkable, but daily shopping requires driving to Cranbourne or Koo Wee Rup

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
40 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,568
Census 2021
1,722
9.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$35,620
Income 2021
$40,768
14.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,392
Born Overseas 180

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 66
  • 2. New Zealand 23
  • 3. Philippines 10
  • 4. Germany 9
  • 5. Netherlands 9
  • 6. Scotland 7
  • 7. India 4
  • 8. Ireland 4
  • 9. Mauritius 4
  • 10. Thailand 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 787
English 672
Irish 141
Scottish 122
German 70
Italian 67
Dutch 62
New Zealander 19
Croatian 18
Australian Aboriginal 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,080
Both parents born in Australia
264
Both parents born overseas
234
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.3%
Christianity
40.9%
Islam
0.3%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
95 (5.5%)
5-14 years
274 (15.9%)
15-19 years
112 (6.5%)
20-24 years
81 (4.7%)
25-34 years
160 (9.3%)
35-44 years
241 (14.0%)
45-54 years
227 (13.2%)
55-64 years
229 (13.3%)
65-74 years
211 (12.3%)
75-84 years
64 (3.7%)
85+ years
22 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tooradin known for? +

Tooradin is best known for its picturesque waterfront setting on Sawtells Inlet off Western Port Bay and its popular boat ramp, which attracts recreational fishers and boaters from across Melbourne's south-east. The Tooradin Hotel is a well-known local landmark and favourite stop for day-trippers.

How far is Tooradin from Melbourne? +

Tooradin is approximately 57 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD, typically a 50–90 minute drive depending on traffic via the South Gippsland Highway and EastLink.

Does Tooradin have public transport? +

Public transport options in Tooradin are very limited. The nearest train station is Cranbourne, approximately 17 kilometres away on the Cranbourne Line; limited bus services connect to Cranbourne. A car is strongly recommended for residents.

What is the population of Tooradin? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tooradin has a population of 1,722 residents. The community has a median age of 40, with a mix of families and older residents drawn to its semi-rural, waterside character.

Is Tooradin a good place to live? +

Tooradin suits those seeking a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle near water on Melbourne's outer fringe, with boating, fishing, and farming surroundings. Residents need a car for most daily needs, with Cranbourne serving as the nearest major service centre approximately 17 kilometres away.

What is the postcode for Tooradin? +

The postcode for Tooradin, Victoria is 3980.