🔍

Warburton

VIC 3799 • Greater Melbourne

2,020
Population (2021)
$31,148
Median Income
132.54 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
RuralMountainRetiree-HavenBushlandPeaceful

About Warburton

Warburton is a small township nestled in the Upper Yarra Valley, approximately 75 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD within the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Set at an elevation of 579 metres amid forested hills on the banks of the Yarra River, it is one of Victoria's picturesque valley towns, covering a large area of 132 square kilometres that includes surrounding forest and rural land. With a population of around 2,020 and a median age of 50, Warburton has a settled, older community drawn to the region's natural beauty, quieter pace of life, and lower property costs.

Warburton is a popular destination for Melbourne day-trippers and is known for the Warburton Rail Trail, a scenic shared walking and cycling path that follows the old Warburton railway corridor through the valley. The town has a small main street with cafés, antique shops, and local services, and is surrounded by extensive bushwalking and mountain biking opportunities in the Yarra Ranges National Park. While car-dependent and lacking commuter rail, Warburton appeals to retirees, tree-changers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a relaxed mountain-town lifestyle within reach of Melbourne.

Warburton falls under postcode 3799 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Eildon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3799
Urban Area
Yarra Ranges
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Eildon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.73°, 145.71°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
132.54 km²
Elevation
579m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lilydale
35 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • Route 683 — Lilydale Station (rail connection to Melbourne CBD) 50-60 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
No direct train; bus to Lilydale then Lilydale Line to Flinders Street (~2.5 hours total)
By Car (Peak)
1 hour 20 min – 1 hour 50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hour – 1 hour 20 min

🛣️ Warburton Highway connects to Lilydale and the Eastern Freeway into Melbourne; public transport is limited and slow

Walkability Car-Dependent

The main street is walkable but most residents need a car for shopping, services, and commuting to larger centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,400
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
50 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,012
Census 2021
2,020
▲ 0.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,416
Income 2021
$31,148
▲ 17.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,369
Born Overseas 375

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 115
  • 2. New Zealand 48
  • 3. Netherlands 23
  • 4. Germany 17
  • 5. Scotland 15
  • 6. Poland 10
  • 7. Singapore 10
  • 8. Philippines 9
  • 9. Thailand 8
  • 10. United States 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 888
Australian 660
Irish 255
Scottish 235
German 96
Dutch 76
Italian 41
Polish 33
Greek 32
New Zealander 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

977
Both parents born in Australia
479
Both parents born overseas
300
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.3%
Christianity
26.5%
Buddhism
1.9%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
60 (3.0%)
5-14 years
232 (11.5%)
15-19 years
120 (5.9%)
20-24 years
72 (3.6%)
25-34 years
134 (6.6%)
35-44 years
197 (9.8%)
45-54 years
365 (18.1%)
55-64 years
354 (17.5%)
65-74 years
290 (14.4%)
75-84 years
143 (7.1%)
85+ years
58 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warburton known for? +

Warburton is best known for the Warburton Rail Trail — a popular shared walking and cycling path along the former railway corridor — as well as its position as a gateway to the Yarra Ranges National Park. The town is a favourite for Melbourne day-trippers seeking mountain scenery, bushwalking, and a relaxed valley atmosphere.

How far is Warburton from Melbourne CBD? +

Warburton is approximately 75 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, a drive of around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes via the Warburton Highway and Eastern Freeway, depending on traffic.

Does Warburton have public transport? +

Warburton is served by bus route 683, which connects the town to Lilydale train station — from where the Lilydale Line runs to Melbourne CBD. The total journey by public transport takes around 2.5 hours. A car is the most practical option for most residents and commuters.

What is the population of Warburton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Warburton has a population of approximately 2,020 residents across a large township area of 132 square kilometres. The median age of 50 reflects its popularity with retirees and tree-changers.

Is Warburton a good place to live? +

Warburton is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful mountain-town lifestyle with strong natural surroundings, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life. It suits retirees, remote workers, and tree-changers, though the distance from Melbourne and limited public transport mean it is less suited to regular CBD commuters.

What is the postcode for Warburton? +

The postcode for Warburton is 3799.