🔍

Big Hill (Greater Bendigo - Vic.)

VIC 3231 • Victoria

281
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
11.07 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalScenicGreat Ocean RoadRuralQuiet
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About Big Hill (Greater Bendigo - Vic.)

Big Hill is a small coastal locality in the Surf Coast Shire of Victoria, situated along the Great Ocean Road between Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven, approximately 100 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Named after the prominent hill through which the Great Ocean Road was carved by returned soldiers in 1920–21, the area covers around 11 square kilometres of coastal hinterland terrain. With a 2021 Census population of 281, it is a quiet, sparsely settled locality within one of Australia's most celebrated coastal corridors.

Big Hill sits within the broader Surf Coast region, offering spectacular coastal scenery, bushwalking, and proximity to the renowned Surf Coast beaches including Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet. The Great Ocean Road passing through the locality provides access to Lorne, Apollo Bay, and the Twelve Apostles beyond. The area appeals to nature lovers, sea-changers, and holiday home owners drawn by its scenic setting, proximity to the coast, and the relaxed lifestyle of Victoria's south-west.

Big Hill (Greater Bendigo - Vic.) falls under postcode 3231 and is governed by the Surf Coast 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
3231
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Surf Coast
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.48°, 144.01°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
11.07 km²
Population Density
25 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3231

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3231 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$49,261
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$93,393

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3231; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Geelong Railway Station
70 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Buslines / Great Ocean Road services (seasonal) — Geelong / Lorne Varies — 1h 15min to Geelong

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Geelong (~70km) then Geelong Line train to Melbourne (total ~2h)
By Car (Peak)
1h 20min – 1h 50min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 10min – 1h 25min

🛣️ Great Ocean Road to Geelong, then Princes Freeway to Melbourne; scenic but winding road

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote coastal locality with no walkable commercial centre; Aireys Inlet and Lorne provide the nearest shops and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
281
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Surf Coast Local Government Area, which contains Big Hill (Greater Bendigo - Vic.). Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
135.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 71.3%
Motor vehicle theft
98.6 / 100k
2yr Up 84.6% 10yr Down 57.1%
Non-FV assault
128.2 / 100k
2yr Up 14.5% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 62.4%
Steal from vehicle
347.7 / 100k
2yr Up 15.8% 10yr Down 46.5%
View all offence subgroups for Surf Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Hill known for? +

Big Hill is known for its place along the iconic Great Ocean Road, which was carved through the hill itself by returned soldiers in 1920–21. The locality sits within the Surf Coast Shire, offering dramatic coastal and hinterland scenery between Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven.

How far is Big Hill from Melbourne? +

Big Hill is approximately 100 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD, around a 1 hour 10 minute to 1 hour 30 minute drive via the Princes Freeway and Great Ocean Road through Geelong.

Does Big Hill have public transport? +

Public transport to Big Hill is very limited, with occasional Great Ocean Road bus services operating primarily in peak tourist season. The nearest practical train access is at Geelong, approximately 70 kilometres away, making a car essential for residents.

What is the population of Big Hill? +

According to the 2021 Census, Big Hill has a population of 281 residents. The locality covers around 11 square kilometres along the Surf Coast and includes both permanent residents and holiday properties.

Is Big Hill a good place to live? +

Big Hill offers a beautiful and peaceful coastal lifestyle on one of Australia's most scenic drives, appealing to sea-changers and nature lovers. The nearby towns of Aireys Inlet and Lorne provide cafes, shops, schools, and community facilities, while Melbourne remains accessible within about 90 minutes.

What is the postcode for Big Hill? +

The postcode for Big Hill (Surf Coast Shire) is 3231, shared with nearby localities including Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, and Moggs Creek.

Is Big Hill a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Big Hill is part of the Surf Coast 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.