Bete Bolong

VIC 3888 • Victoria

84
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
135.64 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteRiversideAgricultural
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About Bete Bolong

Bete Bolong is a sparsely settled rural locality in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, situated near the Snowy River and approximately 4 kilometres from the town of Orbost, within the East Gippsland Shire Council area. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 84 across the locality's 136 square kilometres, reflecting the very low-density nature of this remote farming and forestry area. The locality serves as a geographic reference point in the region, marking the junction of the Snowy River with Stony Creek, and the district has a long history tied to agriculture, forestry, and the waterways of far eastern Victoria.

The landscape is dominated by cattle farming, forestry operations, and the dramatic natural scenery of the Snowy River corridor, with the town of Orbost providing the nearest shops, schools, hospital, and services. East Gippsland's natural environment draws visitors and residents alike with national parks, river fishing, and the wild coastline at Marlo and Cape Conran just a short drive away. The area falls within the federal electorate of Gippsland and is approximately 390 kilometres east of Melbourne. A private vehicle is essential for daily life in Bete Bolong, with no public transport serving the locality directly.

Bete Bolong falls under postcode 3888 and is governed by the East Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3888
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.39°, 148.66°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
135.64 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3888

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3888, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$37,969
Median 2023–24
$45,098
18.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,214

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3888; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach (from Orbost) — Bairnsdale / Melbourne Bairnsdale approx. 2 hr; Melbourne approx. 5-6 hr

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
390 km
By Train
No direct train service; V/Line train to Bairnsdale then coach connection to Orbost
By Car (Peak)
4 hr 30 min - 5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
4 hr - 4 hr 30 min

🛣️ Extremely remote; Princes Highway is the main route west; car is essential for all travel

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is absolutely essential; there are no local shops or services, and the nearest town of Orbost is several kilometres away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
84
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
295.4 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
146.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
462.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
379.8 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bete Bolong known for? +

Bete Bolong is known for its location alongside the Snowy River in far East Gippsland, and as a geographic marker at the junction of the Snowy River and Stony Creek near Orbost. The locality is characterised by cattle farming, forestry, and the remote natural landscape of eastern Victoria.

How far is Bete Bolong from Melbourne? +

Bete Bolong is approximately 390 kilometres east of Melbourne, making it around a 4 to 5 hour drive via the Princes Highway. The nearest service town is Orbost, which is approximately 4 kilometres away.

Does Bete Bolong have public transport? +

Public transport in Bete Bolong is extremely limited. There is no rail service in the far east of East Gippsland; the nearest train station is Bairnsdale, approximately 100 kilometres west, served by V/Line. V/Line coaches connect Orbost to Bairnsdale, but a car is essential for local travel.

What is the population of Bete Bolong? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bete Bolong has a population of 84 residents. The locality covers approximately 136 square kilometres, making it very sparsely settled, with agriculture and forestry the dominant land uses.

Is Bete Bolong a good place to live? +

Bete Bolong suits those drawn to a remote rural lifestyle in one of Victoria's most scenic regions, with the Snowy River, national parks, and a rugged natural environment on the doorstep. The trade-off is limited local services and a significant distance from major urban centres.

What is the postcode for Bete Bolong? +

The postcode for Bete Bolong, Victoria is 3888.

Is Bete Bolong a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bete Bolong is part of the East Gippsland 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.