🔍

Blackwood

VIC 3458 • Victoria

387
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
65.39 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricBushlandRuralQuietHeritage
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About Blackwood

Blackwood is a small historic township on the Lerderderg River, approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Melbourne within the Shire of Moorabool. Nestled at an elevation of around 560 metres on the fringes of the Wombat State Forest, it sits roughly 25 kilometres north-west of Bacchus Marsh and 40 kilometres south-east of Ballarat. Established in 1855, Blackwood had a population of 387 at the 2021 Census, and a modest median postcode income of around $41,000 that reflects its alternative-lifestyle, artist, and retiree demographic.

Blackwood is best known for its proximity to the Lerderderg State Park, offering spectacular gorge walks, swimming holes in the Lerderderg River, and abundant wildlife — a magnet for bushwalkers and nature-lovers from Melbourne and beyond. The township itself retains a charming village character, anchored by the historic Blackwood Hotel, a small general store, and a community hall. Artists, weekenders, and those seeking a quiet forested retreat are drawn to Blackwood's heritage character, cool climate, and scenic surrounds. Winter temperatures can drop well below zero and occasional snowfall occurs, giving the township a distinct seasonal appeal.

Blackwood falls under postcode 3458 and is governed by the Moorabool Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Bendigo, while state elections fall under the Macedon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3458
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moorabool
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Macedon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.42°, 144.33°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
65.39 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3458

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3458, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,281
Median 2023–24
$51,960
▲ 25.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$70,354

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3458; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bacchus Marsh
25 km
N/A (drive only)

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Bacchus Marsh station (25 km) then V/Line train to Southern Cross (~1 hr)
By Car (Peak)
75–95 min via Western Ring Road/Western Freeway
By Car (Off-Peak)
60–75 min

🛣️ Access via Bacchus Marsh Road; no direct public transport; Bacchus Marsh V/Line station is the most practical rail option

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily errands; the pub and general store are within walking distance in the village, but all services beyond basics require driving to Bacchus Marsh or beyond

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
387
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
319.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 23.2%
Motor vehicle theft
273 / 100k
2yr Up 22.6% 10yr Up 29.3%
Non-FV assault
201.7 / 100k
2yr Up 21.3% 10yr Up 31.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 19.6%
Steal from vehicle
617.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 17.3%
View all offence subgroups for Moorabool →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackwood known for? +

Blackwood is known for its proximity to the Lerderderg State Park, offering famous gorge walks and swimming holes, as well as its historic township character, the Blackwood Hotel, and a cool, forested atmosphere that has long attracted artists, bushwalkers, and weekenders from Melbourne.

How far is Blackwood from Melbourne CBD? +

Blackwood is approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Melbourne's CBD, typically around a 60–75 minute drive off-peak via Bacchus Marsh Road or the Western Freeway.

Does Blackwood have public transport? +

Blackwood has no direct public transport. The nearest V/Line train station is at Bacchus Marsh (approximately 25 km away) on the Ballarat Line, with services to Southern Cross Station. A private car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Blackwood? +

Blackwood had a population of 387 at the 2021 Census, within the Shire of Moorabool. It is a small community known for its alternative-lifestyle residents, artists, and retirees who value the forested, off-grid character of the area.

Is Blackwood a good place to live? +

Blackwood is ideal for those seeking a quiet, forested lifestyle in a heritage township close to nature. It suits retirees, artists, and lifestyle-seekers, though the distance from services and the need for a car should be factored in. Winter can be cold with occasional frost or snow.

What is the postcode for Blackwood? +

The postcode for Blackwood is 3458.

Is Blackwood a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Blackwood is part of the Moorabool 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.