🔍

Bessiebelle

VIC 3304 • Victoria

113
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
203.97 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalRemoteQuiet
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About Bessiebelle

Bessiebelle is a small rural locality in the Shire of Moyne in western Victoria, situated approximately 311 kilometres west of Melbourne and 70 kilometres north-west of Warrnambool. The locality sits on the Eumeralla River adjacent to the Mount Eccles National Park (also known as Budj Bim National Park), a place of significant cultural and geological importance to the Gunditjmara people. With a 2021 Census population of 113 residents spread across a large area of nearly 204 square kilometres, Bessiebelle has a sparsely settled pastoral character typical of the Western District.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by grazing farmland and volcanic plains, with the nearby Budj Bim National Park offering visitors access to ancient lava flows, crater lakes including Lake Surprise, and World Heritage-listed Aboriginal aquaculture sites. The locality has a quiet, self-sufficient character with a strong agricultural heritage dating back to the pastoral era of the 1840s. Residents rely on Macarthur, approximately 17 kilometres to the north, and Heywood to the south for everyday services, while Warrnambool is the nearest regional centre for larger shopping and medical needs.

Bessiebelle falls under postcode 3304 and is governed by the Moyne Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3304
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moyne
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.18°, 141.95°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
203.97 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3304

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3304, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$42,617
Median 2023–24
$46,717
▲ 9.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$53,752

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3304; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Macarthur / Warrnambool Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
311 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min - 3 hr 45 min

🛣️ Via Hamilton Highway and Western Highway. Car is essential.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily errands; no local shops or services within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
113
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
191.1 / 100k
2yr Up 12.2% 10yr Down 37.3%
Motor vehicle theft
84.3 / 100k
2yr Up 35.0% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
118 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 26.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
264.2 / 100k
2yr Up 45.4% 10yr Up 63.8%
View all offence subgroups for Moyne →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bessiebelle known for? +

Bessiebelle is known for its location adjacent to Budj Bim National Park (Mount Eccles), a site of World Heritage significance for its ancient Aboriginal aquaculture systems and volcanic landscape. The area has a long pastoral history dating back to the 1840s and is set in the scenic Western District of Victoria.

How far is Bessiebelle from Melbourne? +

Bessiebelle is approximately 311 kilometres west of Melbourne CBD, making it roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the Hamilton and Western Highways.

Does Bessiebelle have public transport? +

Public transport in Bessiebelle is extremely limited. There is no rail service, and a private car is the most practical means of transport. The nearest regional centre is Warrnambool, approximately 70 kilometres to the south-east.

What is the population of Bessiebelle? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bessiebelle has a population of 113 residents across its large 204 square kilometre area, reflecting its sparse, rural character.

Is Bessiebelle a good place to live? +

Bessiebelle suits those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle in a scenic part of western Victoria. Its proximity to the Budj Bim National Park and the Eumeralla River offers natural amenity, though residents must travel to nearby towns for all services and shopping.

What is the postcode for Bessiebelle? +

The postcode for Bessiebelle is 3304, shared with surrounding localities in the Shire of Moyne.

Is Bessiebelle a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bessiebelle is part of the Moyne 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.