🔍

Barongarook

VIC 3249 • Victoria

458
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
43.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralQuietBushlandSemi-Rural
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About Barongarook

Barongarook is a rural locality in south-western Victoria, situated within the Colac Otway Shire approximately 15 kilometres south of Colac and around 130 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The locality lies in a lush, elevated landscape on the edge of the Otway Ranges, characterised by rolling farmland, remnant bushland, and dairy country typical of the region. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 458 residents spread across 43 square kilometres, giving the area a low population density. Barongarook shares postcode 3249 with the broader Colac district, reflecting its close relationship with that regional town.

Barongarook is a quiet, semi-rural community with a strong farming heritage, surrounded by the green pastures and state forests that define the Otway hinterland. Residents typically travel to Colac for shopping, schooling, and health services, while the broader Colac Otway Shire offers access to the natural attractions of the Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park to the south. The locality has historically supported a small primary school community, though Barongarook Primary School closed in 2009. The area appeals to those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle close to the natural beauty of south-west Victoria, within a comfortable drive of both Colac and Geelong.

Barongarook falls under postcode 3249 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3249
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.39°, 143.56°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
43.29 km²
Population Density
11 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3249

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3249 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$49,010
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,254

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3249; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Colac Railway Station
15 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Limited local/school bus services — Colac 20–25 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
Drive to Colac (15km) then V/Line to Melbourne Southern Cross (~2h 30min)
By Car (Peak)
1h 40min–2h
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 30min

🛣️ Colac (15km) is the primary service hub; Geelong (80km) for larger retail and services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Barongarook is a dispersed rural locality with no local shops; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
458
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Down 23.5%
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.6% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k
2yr Up 67.8% 10yr Up 11.8%
View all offence subgroups for Colac Otway →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barongarook known for? +

Barongarook is a quiet rural locality known for its lush pastoral landscape on the edge of the Otway Ranges in south-west Victoria. The area is part of the broader Colac Otway Shire, which is renowned for its dairy farming, state forests, and proximity to the Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park.

How far is Barongarook from Melbourne? +

Barongarook is approximately 130 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, making it around a 1.5–2 hour drive. The nearest regional town, Colac, is about 15 kilometres to the north.

Does Barongarook have public transport? +

Barongarook has no public transport services within the locality itself. The nearest train station is at Colac (approximately 15km away), which is served by V/Line's Warrnambool Line to Melbourne Southern Cross. Residents rely almost entirely on private vehicles.

What is the population of Barongarook? +

According to the 2021 Census, Barongarook has a population of 458 residents spread across approximately 43 square kilometres. It is a lightly populated rural locality within the Colac Otway Shire.

Is Barongarook a good place to live? +

Barongarook suits those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle in the scenic Otway hinterland, with access to nature, open farmland, and a quiet community atmosphere. It is best suited to those who are self-sufficient with transport, as daily services are located in Colac, and the Great Ocean Road attractions are within an easy drive.

What is the postcode for Barongarook? +

The postcode for Barongarook, VIC is 3249, which it shares with the Colac township and several surrounding localities.

Is Barongarook a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Barongarook is part of the Colac Otway 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.