🔍

Yarra Junction

VIC 3797 • Greater Melbourne

2,875
Population (2021)
$31,876
Median Income
17.52 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralLeafyFamily-FriendlyBushlandCommuter Belt

About Yarra Junction

Yarra Junction is a small rural township in the Yarra Ranges Shire, situated approximately 65 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD along the Warburton Highway. With a population of 2,875 residents and a median age of 43, the town serves as an important service hub for the surrounding Yarra Valley region. Housing is predominantly detached family homes and rural properties, reflecting its semi-rural character and the lifestyle appeal of the Upper Yarra Valley.

The township is well-known as a gateway to Warburton and the Upper Yarra Valley, offering access to scenic bushwalking trails, the Yarra River, and the Warburton Rail Trail — a popular cycling and walking path that follows the route of the old railway line. A Woolworths supermarket, local cafes, schools, and essential services make Yarra Junction a practical base for families and those seeking a quieter life within reach of Melbourne. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts, hobby farmers, and those looking to escape city life while staying connected to Melbourne via the Warburton Highway and Maroondah Highway.

Yarra Junction falls under postcode 3797 and is governed by Yarra Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Eildon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3797
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Yarra Ranges
Federal Electorate
Casey
State Electorate
Eildon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.80°, 145.63°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
17.52 km²
Elevation
166m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lilydale Station
30 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Route 683, 685 — Lilydale Station (connecting to Melbourne CBD) 35-45 min to Lilydale

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
65 km
By Train
No direct train; bus to Lilydale then Lilydale Line (~1h 40 min total)
By Car (Peak)
65-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-70 min

🛣️ Warburton Highway is the primary route to Melbourne; most residents drive

Walkability Car-Dependent

Basic shopping and services are walkable within the town centre, but most errands and commuting require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    82-84 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction 3797 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,800
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

9 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,549
Census 2021
2,875
▲ 12.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,260
Income 2021
$31,876
▲ 21.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,283
Born Overseas 352

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 157
  • 2. New Zealand 31
  • 3. Netherlands 24
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. Scotland 12
  • 6. Vietnam 10
  • 7. Italy 8
  • 8. Philippines 7
  • 9. South Africa 7
  • 10. United States 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,261
English 1,238
Irish 323
Scottish 284
German 131
Dutch 97
Italian 71
Australian Aboriginal 27
Polish 22
New Zealander 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,784
Both parents born in Australia
487
Both parents born overseas
360
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.8%
Christianity
34.8%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
164 (5.7%)
5-14 years
379 (13.2%)
15-19 years
156 (5.4%)
20-24 years
144 (5.0%)
25-34 years
314 (10.9%)
35-44 years
331 (11.5%)
45-54 years
370 (12.9%)
55-64 years
337 (11.7%)
65-74 years
359 (12.5%)
75-84 years
216 (7.5%)
85+ years
99 (3.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarra Junction known for? +

Yarra Junction is known as the gateway to the Upper Yarra Valley and Warburton, offering access to the Warburton Rail Trail, Yarra River walks, and the scenic Yarra Ranges. It serves as a service and shopping hub for the surrounding rural community.

How far is Yarra Junction from Melbourne CBD? +

Yarra Junction is approximately 65 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 55–90 minute drive along the Warburton Highway depending on traffic.

Does Yarra Junction have public transport? +

Yarra Junction is served by bus routes connecting to Lilydale Station on the Metro Trains Lilydale Line, though the journey to Melbourne CBD is lengthy and most residents rely on private vehicles.

What is the population of Yarra Junction? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yarra Junction has a population of 2,875, up from 2,549 in 2016, reflecting steady growth in the Yarra Valley region.

Is Yarra Junction a good place to live? +

Yarra Junction suits those who value a rural lifestyle in beautiful bushland surroundings, with access to supermarkets, schools, and community services. It appeals to families, retirees, and nature lovers who are willing to commute or work locally.

What is the postcode for Yarra Junction? +

The postcode for Yarra Junction is 3797.