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Amherst

VIC 3371 • Victoria

63
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
34.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricHeritagePeaceful
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About Amherst

Amherst is a small historic locality in central Victoria's Central Goldfields Shire, situated approximately 166 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and 15 kilometres south of Maryborough. Covering around 34 square kilometres, the area recorded a population of 63 at the 2021 Census. Originally established as the Daisy Hill goldfield in 1849, the settlement was surveyed and renamed Amherst in 1855 in honour of Lord Amherst, and retains its connection to Victoria's gold rush heritage.

Amherst Winery, located within the locality, is a well-regarded producer in the Bendigo wine region and draws visitors to this quiet rural corner of the Goldfields. The Pyrenees Ranges to the west offer bushwalking, camping, and birdwatching opportunities. Maryborough serves as the nearest service town with schools, supermarkets, and a hospital, while Castlemaine and Ballarat provide larger regional centre facilities. The locality suits those drawn to the heritage and pastoral character of Victoria's historic goldfields country.

Amherst falls under postcode 3371 and is governed by the Central Goldfields Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3371
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Central Goldfields
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.20°, 143.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
34.00 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3371

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3371 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$42,473
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$49,787

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3371; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Maryborough Station
15 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • No regular local bus service — Maryborough N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
166 km
By Train
V/Line from Maryborough (~15km away) to Melbourne Southern Cross, approx. 2.5 hrs
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 2 to 2.5 hrs via Midland Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 1.75 to 2 hrs

🛣️ Midland Highway connects to Melbourne via Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No walkable local services; all errands require driving to Maryborough approximately 15km away.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
63
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Central Goldfields Local Government Area, which contains Amherst. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
290.1 / 100k
2yr Up 45.8% 10yr Down 28.4%
Motor vehicle theft
152.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 26.2%
Non-FV assault
500.4 / 100k
2yr Up 74.2% 10yr Up 63.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
304.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 13.3%
View all offence subgroups for Central Goldfields →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amherst known for? +

Amherst is known for its gold rush heritage dating to 1849, the Amherst Winery which produces award-winning wines in the Bendigo region, and the nearby Pyrenees Ranges offering bushwalking and nature experiences.

How far is Amherst from Melbourne? +

Amherst is approximately 166 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, a drive of around 2 hours via the Midland Highway.

Does Amherst have public transport? +

Amherst itself has no public transport, but Maryborough station approximately 15 kilometres away provides V/Line train services to Melbourne Southern Cross in about 2.5 hours.

What is the population of Amherst? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 63 in Amherst, with the predominant age group being 60–69 years, reflecting a settled older demographic in this historic locality.

Is Amherst a good place to live? +

Amherst suits those who value historical character, rural tranquility, and proximity to the Goldfields wine and natural heritage trail, within 2 hours of Melbourne.

What is the postcode for Amherst? +

The postcode for Amherst, Victoria is 3371.

Is Amherst a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Amherst is part of the Central Goldfields LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.