🔍

Winchelsea

VIC 3241 • Rest of VIC

2,456
Population (2021)
$38,948
Median Income
235.97 km²
Area
$295/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricHeritageAffordableQuiet

About Winchelsea

Winchelsea is a historic rural town situated on the Barwon River in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire, approximately 115 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 37 kilometres from Geelong. With a population of 2,456, the town has an established community character with a median age of 41 and a median household income of $1,442 per week. Housing predominantly consists of older freestanding homes on generous blocks, reflecting the town's long agricultural and pastoral heritage dating back to the 1840s.

Winchelsea is home to several heritage-listed landmarks, including the Barwon Park Mansion, the historic Barwon River Bridge, and the Globe Theatre, making it a draw for visitors interested in Victoria's colonial history. The town is served by V/Line passenger rail services on the Warrnambool line, offering direct access to Geelong and Melbourne. Recreational options include the Winchelsea Golf Club and an Australian Rules football club competing in the Geelong and District Football League, while the town's position along the Princes Highway also makes it a gateway to the Great Ocean Road and surf coast.

Winchelsea falls under postcode 3241 and is governed by Surf Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3241
Urban Area
Corangamite - Golden Plains
LGA / Council
Surf Coast
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.23°, 143.95°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
235.97 km²
Elevation
87m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Winchelsea
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach connections — Geelong and Melbourne CBD 35 min to Geelong, ~1h 50min to Melbourne by train

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
~1h 50min to Southern Cross via V/Line Warrnambool Line (change at Geelong)
By Car (Peak)
1h 15min - 1h 35min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 5min - 1h 15min

🛣️ Located on the Princes Highway; Geelong is 37km away and accessible in under 40 minutes by car or train

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands in Winchelsea require a car, though the town centre is walkable for local shops and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$295
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.4%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,954
Census 2021
2,456
▲ 25.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,260
Income 2021
$38,948
▲ 48.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,042
Born Overseas 214

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 69
  • 2. New Zealand 30
  • 3. Philippines 16
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. India 12
  • 6. Indonesia 6
  • 7. Malta 6
  • 8. Scotland 5
  • 9. Thailand 5
  • 10. Ireland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,051
English 1,030
Irish 300
Scottish 283
German 104
Dutch 53
Italian 53
Filipino 27
Australian Aboriginal 25
Maltese 22

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,674
Both parents born in Australia
279
Both parents born overseas
272
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.2%
Christianity
40.7%
Hinduism
0.4%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
171 (7.0%)
5-14 years
261 (10.6%)
15-19 years
126 (5.1%)
20-24 years
107 (4.4%)
25-34 years
347 (14.1%)
35-44 years
313 (12.7%)
45-54 years
267 (10.9%)
55-64 years
334 (13.6%)
65-74 years
306 (12.5%)
75-84 years
158 (6.4%)
85+ years
65 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winchelsea known for? +

Winchelsea is known for its rich colonial heritage, including the Barwon Park Mansion, the historic Barwon River Bridge opened by Prince Alfred in 1867, and the Globe Theatre. It also serves as a gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the Surf Coast.

How far is Winchelsea from Melbourne CBD? +

Winchelsea is approximately 115 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Does Winchelsea have public transport? +

Yes, Winchelsea has a V/Line railway station served by the Warrnambool Line, offering regular trains to Geelong (around 35 minutes) and Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. It is one of the better-connected regional towns in the area.

What is the population of Winchelsea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Winchelsea has a population of 2,456 residents, making it a small but well-established rural town in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire.

Is Winchelsea a good place to live? +

Winchelsea suits those seeking a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle with genuine heritage character, affordable housing, and reasonable access to both Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. It appeals to families, retirees, and commuters who prefer a small-town feel.

What is the postcode for Winchelsea? +

The postcode for Winchelsea, Victoria is 3241.