🔍

Bonegilla

VIC 3691 • Victoria

610
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
61.04 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralHeritageLakeside
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About Bonegilla

Bonegilla is a small historic town within the City of Wodonga local government area in north-east Victoria, situated approximately 10 kilometres east of Wodonga and around 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. The town recorded a population of 610 at the 2021 Census, spread across a large 61 square kilometre locality. It sits along the shores of Lake Hume and is part of the broader Albury-Wodonga region, one of Australia's designated inland growth centres.

Bonegilla is best known as the site of Australia's first migrant reception centre, which operated from December 1947 until 1971 and received approximately 320,000 migrants from over 30 countries — making it one of the most significant immigration heritage sites in the country. The former railway line connecting Bonegilla to Wodonga has been transformed into the High Country Rail Trail, a popular cycling and walking track extending to Lake Hume. The locality today is quiet and semi-rural, attracting visitors interested in its immigration heritage and the natural beauty of the Lake Hume foreshore.

Bonegilla falls under postcode 3691 and is governed by the Wodonga Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Farrer, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3691
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wodonga
Federal Electorate
Farrer
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.03°, 147.88°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
61.04 km²
Population Density
10 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3691

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3691, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$50,914
Median 2023–24
$62,499
▲ 22.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$71,034

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3691; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Wodonga
10 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Local council services — Wodonga 15-20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest coach from Wodonga to Melbourne (~3.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 45 min - 3 hr

🛣️ Located on the Hume Highway corridor; Albury-Wodonga is a major regional centre with services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Bonegilla is a rural locality with limited local amenities; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
610
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
468.9 / 100k
2yr Up 22.1% 10yr Up 12.6%
Motor vehicle theft
278.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 114.6%
Non-FV assault
346.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 26.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
793.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 34.8%
View all offence subgroups for Wodonga →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bonegilla known for? +

Bonegilla is best known as the site of Australia's first migrant reception centre, which operated from 1947 to 1971 and received approximately 320,000 migrants from over 30 countries. It is one of Australia's most significant immigration heritage sites and is commemorated with a sculpture and preserved buildings from the original camp.

How far is Bonegilla from Melbourne? +

Bonegilla is approximately 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a drive of around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Hume Highway. The nearby city of Wodonga is just 10 kilometres to the west.

Does Bonegilla have public transport? +

Bonegilla has very limited public transport. There is no regular passenger rail service; the nearest regional coach connections are from nearby Wodonga. A car is essential for most journeys.

What is the population of Bonegilla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bonegilla had a population of 610 people across a large locality of around 61 square kilometres, reflecting its rural and semi-rural character.

Is Bonegilla a good place to live? +

Bonegilla offers a quiet, rural lifestyle close to Lake Hume and within easy reach of the regional city of Wodonga. It suits those who value heritage, open space, and a relaxed pace of life, though daily amenities require a short drive to Wodonga.

What is the postcode for Bonegilla? +

The postcode for Bonegilla, VIC is 3691.

Is Bonegilla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bonegilla is part of the Wodonga 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.