Yanakie

VIC 3960 • Victoria

283
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
90.75 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalRemotePeaceful

About Yanakie

Yanakie is a small rural locality on the South Gippsland coast of Victoria, situated approximately 186 kilometres south-east of Melbourne — around a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway. The locality covers a sweeping 90.7 square kilometres of peninsula landscape at the gateway to Wilsons Promontory National Park, the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. With a population of just 283, Yanakie is one of the last settled communities before the Prom's national park entrance gate, lending it a distinctly remote and rural character.

Yanakie is best known as the staging point for visits to Wilsons Promontory National Park, attracting bushwalkers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts year-round. The area is dotted with hobby farms, rural retreats, and a handful of tourist accommodation properties catering to Prom visitors. There are minimal local services — residents rely on nearby Foster or Leongatha for shopping, schools, and amenities — making a car essential for daily life. Those who choose to live here value the extraordinary natural surroundings, wildlife, and peaceful off-grid lifestyle that coastal Gippsland provides.

Yanakie falls under postcode 3960 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3960
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-39.14°, 146.36°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
90.75 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Foster / Leongatha 30-50 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
186 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2.5–3.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5–3 hrs

🛣️ Via South Gippsland Highway; remote locality with very limited public transport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Yanakie has no local shops or services — a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
283
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 Yanakie known for? +

Yanakie is best known as the gateway to Wilsons Promontory National Park — the southernmost tip of mainland Australia — attracting thousands of bushwalkers and campers each year. The area is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas commonly spotted around the locality.

How far is Yanakie from Melbourne CBD? +

Yanakie is approximately 186 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, making it a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Yanakie have public transport? +

Public transport in Yanakie is extremely limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections are sparse. A private vehicle is the only practical way to access the locality and surrounding areas.

What is the population of Yanakie? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yanakie has a population of 283 residents, making it a very small and lightly settled rural locality.

Is Yanakie a good place to live? +

Yanakie suits those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed lifestyle close to one of Australia's great national parks. It is not suitable for those needing urban amenities or daily commuters, but for nature lovers and remote-work residents, the lifestyle is exceptional.

What is the postcode for Yanakie? +

The postcode for Yanakie is 3960.