🔍

Barwon Downs

VIC 3243 • Victoria

136
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
130.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietAgricultural
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About Barwon Downs

Barwon Downs is a small township in Victoria's Colac Otway Shire, nestled in the foothills of the Otway Ranges approximately 151 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 30 kilometres south-east of Colac. With a population of approximately 136 residents across more than 130 square kilometres, the community has an intimate rural character shaped by its location amid towering Otway forest and surrounding farmland. The township was proclaimed in 1910 and retains a quiet heritage feel, with a public hall serving as a centrepiece of community life.

Agriculture — particularly dairying and beef grazing — forms the foundation of the local economy, set against a backdrop of impressive Otway hardwood and softwood forest. The locality is close to Forrest, a popular destination for mountain bike enthusiasts offering world-class trail networks, and the coastal town of Lorne is accessible around 30 kilometres to the south via winding ranges roads. Colac to the north provides residents with schools, supermarkets, medical services, and other everyday amenities. A private vehicle is essential, as there is no rail or regular public bus service connecting Barwon Downs to the wider region.

Barwon Downs falls under postcode 3243 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3243
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.36°, 143.83°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
130.73 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3243

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3243 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$51,845
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$61,209

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3243; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Colac 30–40 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
151 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Colac station then V/Line to Southern Cross (~2 hr 30 min total)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 40 min – 1 hr 55 min

🛣️ Via Colac–Ballarat Road and Princes Freeway. Colac is the gateway town for services.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No local commercial services remain; residents drive to Colac or Forrest for all shopping and services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
136
▲ 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 Barwon Downs. 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 Barwon Downs known for? +

Barwon Downs is known for its location in the foothills of the Otway Ranges, surrounded by dairy farmland and tall native forest. The locality's heritage public hall is a community landmark, and the nearby town of Forrest attracts mountain bike riders from across Australia.

How far is Barwon Downs from Melbourne? +

Barwon Downs is approximately 151 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, making it around a 1 hour 50 minute to 2 hour 15 minute drive via the Princes Freeway and Colac.

Does Barwon Downs have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport service to Barwon Downs. The nearest V/Line train station is in Colac, approximately 30 kilometres to the north-west. A private vehicle is essential for all travel.

What is the population of Barwon Downs? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of approximately 136 in Barwon Downs, making it one of the smaller localities in Colac Otway Shire.

Is Barwon Downs a good place to live? +

Barwon Downs offers a peaceful rural lifestyle in the scenic Otway Ranges, well-suited to those who love the outdoors and value space over urban convenience. The coast is within easy reach, but residents need to travel to Colac for schools, shopping, and healthcare.

What is the postcode for Barwon Downs? +

The postcode for Barwon Downs is 3243.

Is Barwon Downs a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Barwon Downs 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.