🔍

Wonthaggi

VIC 3995 • Rest of VIC

5,215
Population (2021)
$26,780
Median Income
53.38 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyCoastalHistoricRetireesRural

About Wonthaggi

Wonthaggi is a regional town on Victoria's Bass Coast, located approximately 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne near the edge of the South Gippsland coastline. With a population of around 5,200, it serves as the main service centre for the Bass Coast Shire, providing healthcare, retail, and education facilities to surrounding communities. The town has strong historical roots as a former State Coal Mine, which operated from 1909 to 1968 and shaped much of Wonthaggi's early character and layout.

Today, Wonthaggi offers a relaxed coastal-rural lifestyle that attracts families, retirees, and sea-changers from Melbourne. The town is well-serviced with supermarkets, medical facilities, schools, and a popular outdoor swimming pool, while nearby Cape Paterson and Inverloch provide ocean beach access within a short drive. The State Coal Mine historic reserve is a popular tourist attraction, and the broader Bass Coast area is celebrated for its scenic coastline, surf beaches, and the renowned Phillip Island close by.

Wonthaggi falls under postcode 3995 and is governed by Bass Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3995
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.62°, 145.59°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
53.38 km²
Elevation
50m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station) approx. 2 hr 15 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
No direct train; V/Line coach to Southern Cross takes approx. 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min - 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via South Gippsland Highway or Bass Highway; most residents drive to Melbourne

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre is walkable for everyday errands; outer residential areas require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    2 Biggs Drive Wonthaggi 3995 VIC
  • Woolworths
    Cnr Murray & Billson Street Wonthaggi 3995 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,198
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
55 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.7%

122 state housing + 36 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,965
Census 2021
5,215
▲ 5.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,232
Income 2021
$26,780
▲ 10.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,036
Born Overseas 757

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 265
  • 2. New Zealand 67
  • 3. Italy 64
  • 4. India 42
  • 5. Scotland 39
  • 6. Germany 31
  • 7. Netherlands 31
  • 8. Philippines 25
  • 9. United States 18
  • 10. China 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,249
Australian 2,047
Scottish 666
Irish 535
Italian 365
German 213
Dutch 127
Australian Aboriginal 108
Indian 56
Chinese 49

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,163
Both parents born in Australia
1,016
Both parents born overseas
599
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.8%
Christianity
43.4%
Buddhism
1.1%
Hinduism
0.7%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
186 (3.6%)
5-14 years
482 (9.2%)
15-19 years
231 (4.4%)
20-24 years
194 (3.7%)
25-34 years
471 (9.0%)
35-44 years
479 (9.2%)
45-54 years
564 (10.8%)
55-64 years
778 (14.9%)
65-74 years
936 (17.9%)
75-84 years
606 (11.6%)
85+ years
292 (5.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Wonthaggi from Melbourne? +

Wonthaggi is approximately 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic, via the South Gippsland or Bass Highways.

Is there a train to Wonthaggi? +

There is no direct train service to Wonthaggi. V/Line operates a coach service connecting Wonthaggi to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

What is Wonthaggi known for? +

Wonthaggi is known for its coal mining history — the State Coal Mine operated there from 1909 to 1968 and is now a heritage tourist attraction. The town is also the main service hub for Victoria's Bass Coast and is close to beaches at Cape Paterson and Inverloch.

What schools are in Wonthaggi? +

Wonthaggi has several schools including Wonthaggi Primary School, Wonthaggi North Primary School, Bass Coast College (secondary), and Bass Valley Primary School in the surrounding area.

What is the population of Wonthaggi? +

Wonthaggi has a population of approximately 5,200, making it the largest town in the Bass Coast Shire.