🔍

Barrabool

VIC 3221 • Victoria

247
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
29.79 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralSemi-RuralLeafyFamily-FriendlySurf Coast Hinterland
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About Barrabool

Barrabool is a small rural locality in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire, nestled in the rolling Barrabool Hills south-west of Geelong, approximately 15 kilometres from the Geelong CBD. The area covers nearly 30 square kilometres of undulating pastoral land, an area first settled by European squatters in the late 1830s when the Barrabool Parish lands were first opened for sale. With a 2021 Census population of around 247 residents, Barrabool maintains a quiet agricultural character, attracting those who seek a semi-rural lifestyle within comfortable reach of the Geelong urban area and the celebrated Surf Coast.

The Barrabool Hills provide a scenic backdrop of farmland, native bush, and vineyard country, popular with those who enjoy bushwalking and exploring the rural hinterland west of Geelong. Residents are well-placed between the full services of Geelong to the north-east and the celebrated Surf Coast townships of Torquay and Anglesea to the south. While Barrabool has no town centre of its own, the locality's proximity to the Princes Highway corridor ensures access to major retail, schools, and health services within a short drive. Larger land parcels, leafy surrounds, and the tranquil semi-rural atmosphere continue to attract families and lifestyle seekers from the Geelong region.

Barrabool falls under postcode 3221 and is governed by the Surf Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the South Barwon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3221
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Surf Coast
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
South Barwon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.18°, 144.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
29.79 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3221

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3221 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$58,927
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$92,552

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3221; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Marshall Station
14 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Limited outer Geelong bus services — Geelong CBD ~25-35 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
Drive to Marshall or Geelong (~15 min), then train to Southern Cross (~55 min)
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
65-80 min

🛣️ Princes Highway and Princes Freeway provide arterial access to Geelong; car essential within the locality

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A fully car-dependent rural locality with no walkable amenities; all services require driving to Geelong or Surf Coast townships

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
247
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
135.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 71.3%
Motor vehicle theft
98.6 / 100k
2yr Up 84.6% 10yr Down 57.1%
Non-FV assault
128.2 / 100k
2yr Up 14.5% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 62.4%
Steal from vehicle
347.7 / 100k
2yr Up 15.8% 10yr Down 46.5%
View all offence subgroups for Surf Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barrabool known for? +

Barrabool is known for its scenic Barrabool Hills landscape of rolling farmland, native bush, and vineyard country. The area has deep pastoral history dating to the 1830s and is prized for its semi-rural lifestyle between Geelong and the Surf Coast.

How far is Barrabool from Geelong? +

Barrabool is approximately 15 kilometres south-west of the Geelong CBD, a drive of around 15–20 minutes along the Princes Highway corridor.

Does Barrabool have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited in Barrabool. The nearest train station is at Marshall, approximately 14 kilometres away on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines. A car is essential for daily living.

What is the population of Barrabool? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of around 247 residents in Barrabool, consistent with its character as a small rural locality spread across nearly 30 square kilometres of pastoral land.

Is Barrabool a good place to live? +

Barrabool is ideal for those seeking a quiet semi-rural lifestyle close to Geelong, with the added bonus of proximity to the Surf Coast. It suits families and lifestyle buyers who value space and natural scenery and don't mind being car-dependent.

What is the postcode for Barrabool? +

The postcode for Barrabool, Victoria is 3221.

Is Barrabool a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Barrabool is part of the Surf Coast 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.