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Bend Of Islands

VIC 3097 • Victoria

267
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.62 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
BushlandEnvironmental LivingLeafyPeacefulYarra Valley
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About Bend Of Islands

Bend of Islands is a distinctive environmental living locality within the Shire of Nillumbik in Victoria, situated approximately 30 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's CBD near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locality is named after a cluster of small islands at a bend in the Yarra River and occupies about 635 hectares zoned as Special Use Zone — Environmental Living, reflecting a deliberate focus on preserving its native bushland character. With a population of 267 across approximately 95 dwellings, it is one of metropolitan Melbourne's most secluded and nature-immersed communities, and is listed within the state electorate of Eltham.

Residents of Bend of Islands live surrounded by native bushland with the Yarra River and walking trails immediately accessible, and the community has a strong tradition of environmental stewardship and low-impact living. The locality attracts those who value tranquillity, self-sufficiency, and a distinctive bush lifestyle while remaining within reach of Melbourne via the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway — typically a 45–60 minute drive. The Yarra Valley's wineries, cafes, and rural attractions are within easy reach, and the nearby Kangaroo Ground area provides a small local community hub.

Bend Of Islands falls under postcode 3097 and is governed by the Nillumbik Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Menzies, while state elections fall under the Eltham (North-Eastern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3097
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Nillumbik
Federal Electorate
Menzies
State Electorate
Eltham (North-Eastern Metropolitan)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.70°, 145.22°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.62 km²
Population Density
40 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3097

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3097, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,477
Median 2023–24
$58,533
▲ 18.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$112,307

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3097; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lilydale Station
14 km
N/A (car required)
Croydon Station
15 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Limited Yarra Valley Bus Lines services — Kangaroo Ground and Eltham area Services are infrequent; car strongly recommended

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
30 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Lilydale (~14 km) then approx. 50 min to Flinders Street via Lilydale Line
By Car (Peak)
50-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-50 min

🛣️ Access via Kangaroo Ground Road to Maroondah Highway or Eltham-Yarra Glen Road; EastLink for faster freeway access

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A bushland locality with no walkable shops or services — car is essential for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
267
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
256.6 / 100k
2yr Up 184.8% 10yr Down 28.1%
Motor vehicle theft
109.5 / 100k
2yr Up 147.4% 10yr Down 22.8%
Non-FV assault
122 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 18.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
14.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Up 803.7%
Steal from vehicle
416.2 / 100k
2yr Up 148.4% 10yr Down 33.4%
View all offence subgroups for Nillumbik →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bend of Islands known for? +

Bend of Islands is known for its unique status as an environmental living zone in Melbourne's outer north-east, where residents live surrounded by native bushland along the Yarra River. The locality is zoned Special Use — Environmental Living, preserving its natural character and attracting a community strongly committed to sustainable, low-impact lifestyles.

How far is Bend of Islands from Melbourne CBD? +

Bend of Islands is approximately 30 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's CBD, typically a 35–50 minute drive in off-peak conditions via the Eastern Freeway or Maroondah Highway.

Does Bend of Islands have public transport? +

Public transport options are limited. The nearest train stations are Lilydale and Croydon, approximately 14–15 kilometres away on the Metro Lilydale Line. Infrequent local bus services connect to Eltham and Kangaroo Ground, but a car is strongly recommended for residents.

What is the population of Bend of Islands? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 267 in Bend of Islands across approximately 95 dwellings. The community is deliberately small due to the environmental living zoning, which limits further development to protect the area's natural values.

Is Bend of Islands a good place to live? +

Bend of Islands is well-suited to those who prioritise a bush lifestyle, environmental sustainability, and seclusion while still being within commuting distance of Melbourne. It suits nature-lovers, remote workers, and those seeking an alternative to suburban living — though limited services and car-dependency are important considerations.

What is the postcode for Bend of Islands? +

The postcode for Bend of Islands, Victoria is 3097.

Is Bend Of Islands a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bend Of Islands is part of the Nillumbik 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.