Willow Grove

VIC 3825 • Victoria

654
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
78.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralLakesideAgriculturalQuiet

About Willow Grove

Willow Grove is a small rural town and farming community nestled in the foothills of the Baw Baw ranges, approximately 142 kilometres east of Melbourne and 19 kilometres north-east of Moe, within the Shire of Baw Baw. The town recorded a population of 654 at the 2021 Census and covers a substantial 78 square kilometres of pastoral and bushland terrain. The median postcode income of approximately $43,300 reflects the rural and agricultural character of the area, with dairy farming being the predominant local industry.

Willow Grove is home to Blue Rock Lake, an artificial reservoir created by the Blue Rock Dam, which was completed in 1984 and offers popular recreational activities including fishing, sailing, swimming, and picnicking. The town has a primary school, kindergarten, general store, CFA station, community hall, and tennis courts, with secondary school students typically travelling to Moe, Trafalgar, or Warragul. The area is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, who come for trail bike riding, four-wheel driving, camping, and hunting in the surrounding bush and farmland.

Willow Grove falls under postcode 3825 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3825
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.98°, 146.34°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
78.29 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited school bus services — Moe / Trafalgar / Warragul 20-35 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
142 km
By Train
Drive to Moe station (19km), then approx. 110 min to Southern Cross on the Bairnsdale line
By Car (Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min - 2 hr

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway (A1); car is the primary mode of transport for daily needs

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural community with minimal walkable services; a car is essential for all but the most basic local needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
654
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willow Grove known for? +

Willow Grove is best known for Blue Rock Lake, a popular recreational reservoir formed by the Blue Rock Dam, which offers fishing, sailing, swimming, and picnicking. The area is also known for its dairy farming heritage and outdoor activities including trail bike riding, camping, and four-wheel driving in the surrounding Baw Baw foothills.

How far is Willow Grove from Melbourne CBD? +

Willow Grove is approximately 142 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, making it about a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour 20 minute drive via the Princes Highway depending on traffic and conditions.

Does Willow Grove have public transport? +

There is no train service directly to Willow Grove. The nearest station is Moe, approximately 19 kilometres away, on the Bairnsdale line. Limited school bus services connect the area to Moe, Trafalgar, and Warragul, making a car essential for most residents.

What is the population of Willow Grove? +

According to the 2021 Census, Willow Grove had a population of 654 residents. The community is a small, tight-knit rural town spread across approximately 78 square kilometres of the Baw Baw shire.

Is Willow Grove a good place to live? +

Willow Grove appeals to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, particularly fishing, camping, and watersports at nearby Blue Rock Lake. It suits families and individuals who value community character, open space, and the peaceful Gippsland countryside, while accepting the trade-off of limited services and a significant commute to Melbourne.

What is the postcode for Willow Grove? +

The postcode for Willow Grove is 3825, shared with several surrounding Baw Baw Shire localities in the Gippsland region of Victoria.