🔍

Boolarra

VIC 3870 • Rest of VIC

1,023
Population (2021)
$62,400
Median Household Income
42.45 km²
Area
$218/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricTree-ChangeArts CommunityAffordable

About Boolarra

Boolarra is a small, characterful township in the Latrobe Valley of central Gippsland, Victoria, within the Latrobe City local government area. With a population of around 1,000 and a notably older demographic (average age of 50), Boolarra sits at the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, surrounded by lush farmland and native forest. The township experienced population decline through the mid-20th century but has seen renewed interest since the 1970s from people attracted to its rural lifestyle. Boolarra retains a strong sense of community identity and artistic spirit.

The annual Boolarra Folk Festival, held each March, is the town's signature event, attracting musicians and visitors from across Gippsland and beyond. The township features a general store, primary school, community hall, and pub, with larger shopping and services available in Churchill (10 minutes) and Morwell (20 minutes). The surrounding Strzelecki Ranges offer excellent bushwalking, and the Grand Ridge Rail Trail passes through town. Boolarra appeals to artists, retirees, hobby farmers, and those seeking an affordable tree-change with genuine small-town community life.

Boolarra falls under postcode 3870 and is governed by Latrobe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3870
Urban Area
Traralgon - Churchill
LGA / Council
Latrobe
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.38°, 146.27°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
42.45 km²
Elevation
97m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$218
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.5%

10 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Morwell
20 km
N/A - drive required
Traralgon
30 km
N/A - drive required

Bus Services

  • Route 4 (Churchill - Boolarra via Yinnar) — Churchill, connecting to Morwell 1h 15min to Morwell (via Churchill)

Commute to Melbourne

Distance
150 km
By Train
N/A direct - drive to Morwell then 2h by V/Line
By Bus
Limited - Route 4 to Churchill then connections
By Car (Peak)
2h
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 45min

🛣️ Most residents commute to Morwell or Traralgon (20-30 min drive) as regional centres. Bus service is infrequent. Car essential for daily life

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small township centre with basic amenities is walkable for nearby residents, but car needed for all major services and employment.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
634.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 28.8%
Motor vehicle theft
412.9 / 100k
2yr Up 78.3% 10yr Up 35.7%
Non-FV assault
642 / 100k
2yr Up 16.1% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
5 / 100k
2yr Down 21.3% 10yr Up 87.9%
Steal from vehicle
1,065 / 100k
2yr Up 33.2% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Latrobe →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
973
Census 2021
1,023
▲ 5.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,844
Personal Income 2021
$31,148
▲ 20.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$31,148 / yr
$599/wk
Household
$62,400 / yr
$1200/wk
Family
$78,416 / yr
$1508/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 794
Born Overseas 117

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 50
  • 2. New Zealand 11
  • 3. Germany 10
  • 4. Malta 6
  • 5. Thailand 6
  • 6. Scotland 5
  • 7. South Africa 4
  • 8. Zimbabwe 4
  • 9. Netherlands 3
  • 10. Philippines 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 436
Australian 396
Scottish 129
Irish 111
German 57
Dutch 25
Italian 24
Maltese 18
Australian Aboriginal 17
Welsh 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

647
Both parents born in Australia
178
Both parents born overseas
96
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
58.1%
Christianity
28.5%
Buddhism
1.3%
Islam
0.7%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
31 (3.0%)
5-14 years
117 (11.4%)
15-19 years
57 (5.6%)
20-24 years
35 (3.4%)
25-34 years
111 (10.9%)
35-44 years
96 (9.4%)
45-54 years
126 (12.3%)
55-64 years
222 (21.7%)
65-74 years
148 (14.5%)
75-84 years
59 (5.8%)
85+ years
13 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boolarra known for? +

Boolarra is a small, characterful township in the Latrobe Valley of central Gippsland, Victoria, within the Latrobe City local government area. The annual Boolarra Folk Festival, held each March, is the town's signature event, attracting musicians and visitors from across Gippsland and beyond.

How far is Boolarra from Melbourne CBD? +

Boolarra is approximately some distance from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Boolarra have public transport? +

Boolarra has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Boolarra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Boolarra has a population of approximately 1,023 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Latrobe (City) local government area.

Is Boolarra a good place to live? +

Boolarra offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Boolarra? +

The postcode for Boolarra, VIC is 3870. This postcode covers Boolarra and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Boolarra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Boolarra is about $599 per week (around $31,100 per year). The median household income is $1,200 per week and the median family income is $1,508 per week.

What is the age profile of Boolarra? +

The median age in Boolarra is 50. The largest age group is 55–64 (222 residents, around 22%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Boolarra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Boolarra is part of the Latrobe 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.

How much is rent in Boolarra? +

In Boolarra, the median weekly rent is $218, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083 (2021 Census).