🔍

Big Desert

VIC 3490 • Victoria

8
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6072.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteRuralPeaceful
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About Big Desert

Big Desert is a small rural locality in Victoria, located 394 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD within the region. With a population of just 8 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, it is one of the smaller communities in the district. The locality covers approximately 6072.4 square kilometres.

The community has a quiet rural character with limited local services, and residents typically travel to the nearest regional town for shopping, medical care, and education. The surrounding landscape reflects the agricultural and natural character of the broader area. A private vehicle is essential for daily life in Big Desert.

Big Desert falls under postcode 3490 and is governed by the Mildura Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Mallee, while state elections fall under the Mildura (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3490
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mildura
Federal Electorate
Mallee
State Electorate
Mildura (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.62°, 141.48°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6072.41 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3490

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3490, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$43,177
Median 2023–24
$54,987
▲ 27.4% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$67,572

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3490; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited or no scheduled services — Nearest regional town Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
394 km
By Train
No rail service available
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ A private vehicle is essential in this rural locality

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This is a rural or semi-rural locality where virtually all errands require a private vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
8
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
502.2 / 100k
2yr Down 22.9% 10yr Down 46.1%
Motor vehicle theft
314.1 / 100k
2yr Down 24.4% 10yr Up 11.5%
Non-FV assault
445.2 / 100k
2yr Down 10.1% 10yr Up 21.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
3.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 88.6%
Steal from vehicle
633.3 / 100k
2yr Down 12.8% 10yr Down 19.5%
View all offence subgroups for Mildura →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Desert known for? +

Big Desert is a sparsely populated rural locality in VIC. It is primarily recognised as a geographic or administrative area rather than a developed residential suburb.

How far is Big Desert from Melbourne CBD? +

Big Desert is approximately 394 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 1.5+ hours outside peak hours, though most residents use local regional centres rather than commuting to the capital CBD.

Does Big Desert have public transport? +

Public transport in Big Desert is very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to major centres are infrequent or unavailable. A private vehicle is strongly recommended.

What is the population of Big Desert? +

According to the 2021 Census, Big Desert has a population of approximately 8 residents. This makes it one of the smaller localities in VIC.

Is Big Desert a good place to live? +

Big Desert is suited to those seeking a very quiet, remote rural setting. With minimal infrastructure and services, it appeals primarily to those with lifestyle blocks or agricultural interests.

What is the postcode for Big Desert? +

The postcode for Big Desert, VIC is 3490.

Is Big Desert a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Big Desert is part of the Mildura 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.