Anakie

VIC 3213 • Victoria

734
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
181.12 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandFamily-FriendlyAffordableCommuter Belt

About Anakie

Anakie is a small rural town situated in the western fringe of the Greater Geelong region of Victoria, approximately 73 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 20 kilometres north of Geelong across the City of Greater Geelong and Golden Plains Shire local government areas. With a population of 734 at the 2021 Census spread across an expansive 181 square kilometres, the locality is characterised by open farmland, volcanic granite hills, and native bush. The town's name is believed to derive from the Aboriginal 'Anakie Youang', a reference to the distinctive volcanic ridges that rise dramatically from the surrounding Bellarine and You Yangs plains.

Anakie serves as the primary gateway to the You Yangs Regional Park, a popular natural reserve featuring striking volcanic granite outcrops, scenic walking and mountain biking trails, and panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding plains. A general store in the town provides basic day-to-day needs, while the nearby township of Lara — approximately 12 kilometres to the east — offers a broader range of retail, schools, and services. The area attracts birdwatchers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round, and Anakie's position between Geelong and Melbourne makes it a viable option for those seeking rural living with reasonable access to two major Victorian cities via the Princes Freeway.

Anakie falls under postcode 3213 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lara (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3213
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.94°, 144.29°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
181.12 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lara
12 km
N/A (drive only)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service to Anakie — N/A Drive to Lara station required

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
73 km
By Train
Drive to Lara station (~12 km) then V/Line train to Melbourne Southern Cross (~50 min)
By Car (Peak)
55 min - 1h 20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45 min - 1h

🛣️ Princes Freeway (M1) runs nearby via Little River and Lara; Geelong CBD is approx. 20 km south

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A general store serves basic needs, but a car is essential for all significant shopping, schooling, and services — residents typically drive to Lara or Geelong

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
734
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 Anakie known for? +

Anakie is best known as the gateway to the You Yangs Regional Park, a popular outdoor destination featuring dramatic volcanic granite ridges, extensive walking and mountain biking trails, and sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding Victorian plains. The park is a favourite for birdwatchers, hikers, and trail runners from Geelong and Melbourne.

How far is Anakie from Geelong? +

Anakie is approximately 20 kilometres north of Geelong, making it a 20–30 minute drive via the Princes Freeway (M1) and local roads. Melbourne's CBD is approximately 73 kilometres to the north-east.

Does Anakie have public transport? +

Anakie does not have regular bus services or a train station. The nearest rail access is Lara station, approximately 12 kilometres to the east on the Geelong Line, providing V/Line connections to Geelong and Melbourne Southern Cross. A car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Anakie? +

According to the 2021 Census, Anakie has a population of 734 spread across approximately 181 square kilometres, making it a sparsely populated rural locality with a density of fewer than 5 people per square kilometre.

Is Anakie a good place to live? +

Anakie offers a rare combination of genuine rural lifestyle and reasonable proximity to both Geelong and Melbourne, with the added bonus of the You Yangs Regional Park on the doorstep. It suits those who value open space, outdoor recreation, and affordable rural living, and are comfortable with car dependency and a 20–30 minute drive to Geelong for everyday services.

What is the postcode for Anakie? +

The postcode for Anakie is 3213, shared with nearby localities including Little River and parts of the surrounding rural area in the Greater Geelong and Golden Plains Shire regions.