Yarram

VIC 3971 • Rest of VIC

2,136
Population (2021)
$27,196
Median Income
110.91 km²
Area
$225/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalRetiree-HavenRegional Town

About Yarram

Yarram is a rural service town and the largest urban centre in South Gippsland's Wellington Shire, situated approximately 215 kilometres east of Melbourne in Victoria's Gippsland region. The suburb covers an unusually large area of over 110 square kilometres, encompassing the town itself and surrounding farmland. With a population of 2,136 and a median age of 53, Yarram has an older demographic profile typical of many regional agricultural towns, attracting retirees and long-established farming families alongside a modest working-age population.

Yarram serves as the main commercial and service hub for the surrounding South Gippsland dairy and beef farming district, with a Woolworths supermarket, local schools, medical services, and a range of small businesses supporting the community. The town sits near the Tarra-Bulga National Park, offering access to rainforest walks and Strzelecki Ranges scenery within a short drive. Public transport is limited, with bus connections to Traralgon providing onward rail access to Melbourne, though a private vehicle is essential for most daily needs in this rural setting.

Yarram falls under postcode 3971 and is governed by Wellington Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3971
Urban Area
Wellington (Vic.)
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.56°, 146.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
110.91 km²
Elevation
17m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services — Traralgon (for train connections to Melbourne) Approx. 1h 15min to Traralgon

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
215 km
By Train
Coach to Traralgon then Gippsland Line train; total approx. 3h 30min
By Car (Peak)
2h 30min - 3h
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 15min - 2h 45min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway main route west toward Melbourne; a car is the most practical transport for Yarram residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Compact town centre with basic walkable amenities including supermarket and shops, but the broader 110km² suburb boundary requires a car for most travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    17 James Street Yarram 3971 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$225
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
53 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7%

43 state housing + 22 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,135
Census 2021
2,136
0.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,700
Income 2021
$27,196
10.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,706
Born Overseas 223

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 69
  • 2. New Zealand 32
  • 3. Netherlands 21
  • 4. Italy 17
  • 5. India 14
  • 6. Philippines 8
  • 7. Germany 7
  • 8. Vietnam 7
  • 9. United States 6
  • 10. Wales 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 915
Australian 903
Irish 241
Scottish 230
German 91
Italian 61
Dutch 54
Australian Aboriginal 37
Filipino 17
Chinese 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,441
Both parents born in Australia
300
Both parents born overseas
205
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.7%
Christianity
43.1%
Buddhism
0.7%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
85 (4.0%)
5-14 years
215 (10.1%)
15-19 years
118 (5.5%)
20-24 years
98 (4.6%)
25-34 years
183 (8.6%)
35-44 years
191 (8.9%)
45-54 years
233 (10.9%)
55-64 years
322 (15.1%)
65-74 years
352 (16.5%)
75-84 years
233 (10.9%)
85+ years
117 (5.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarram known for? +

Yarram is the main service centre for South Gippsland's farming communities, known for its agricultural surroundings, proximity to Tarra-Bulga National Park, and as a hub for the Wellington Shire's dairy and beef industries.

How far is Yarram from Melbourne CBD? +

Yarram is approximately 215 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. The drive via South Gippsland Highway typically takes 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours depending on traffic.

Does Yarram have public transport? +

Yarram is served by V/Line coach services connecting it to Traralgon, where passengers can join the Gippsland Line train to Melbourne. There is no rail service to Yarram itself, and a private car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Yarram? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yarram has a population of 2,136 residents. The suburb has a median age of 53, reflecting a predominantly older community typical of regional agricultural towns in Victoria.

Is Yarram a good place to live? +

Yarram suits retirees, farmers, and those seeking an affordable rural lifestyle in a close-knit community. Median weekly rent is around $225 — among the most affordable in Victoria — and the town offers essential services and beautiful Gippsland scenery, though it requires acceptance of limited public transport and a significant commute to Melbourne.

What is the postcode for Yarram? +

The postcode for Yarram is 3971, in the Wellington Shire region of Victoria.