🔍

Buchan South

VIC 3885 • Victoria

102
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
430.34 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteBushlandRuralQuietHeritage
Advertisement

About Buchan South

Buchan South is a remote rural locality in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, situated just south of the township of Buchan, approximately 350 kilometres east of Melbourne. With a population of 102 at the 2021 Census spread across a vast 430 square kilometres of heavily forested country, it is one of East Gippsland's most sparsely settled areas. The locality sits within the broader Buchan district, renowned for its limestone geology and proximity to the Snowy River.

The area is a gateway to some of Victoria's most dramatic natural landscapes, including the Buchan Caves Reserve with its spectacular Royal Cave and Fairy Cave, and the Snowy River National Park to the north. A notable black marble outcrop at Stonehenge adds geological interest to the locality. Buchan South appeals to those drawn to a secluded bush lifestyle, with white-water rafting on the Snowy River, bushwalking, and wildlife observation among the local activities. Essential services are available in the nearby town of Buchan and the regional centre of Bairnsdale, approximately 65 kilometres to the south-west.

Buchan South falls under postcode 3885 and is governed by the East Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3885
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.29°, 148.12°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
430.34 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3885

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3885 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,941
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,840

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3885; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
65 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Bairnsdale 60-70 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
350 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Bairnsdale (65 km away) on the V/Line Gippsland Line
By Car (Peak)
4 hours 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
4 hours

🛣️ Via Princes Highway to Bairnsdale then Buchan Road; Bairnsdale is the nearest regional centre

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or services within the locality; residents drive to Buchan township or Bairnsdale for all needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
102
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
295.4 / 100k
2yr Up 17.1% 10yr Down 31.6%
Motor vehicle theft
146.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 147.7%
Non-FV assault
462.2 / 100k
2yr Up 10.3% 10yr Up 26.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
379.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 37.0%
View all offence subgroups for East Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buchan South known for? +

Buchan South is known for its proximity to the Buchan Caves Reserve, featuring the spectacular Royal Cave and Fairy Cave, as well as the Snowy River. A notable black marble outcrop at Stonehenge within the locality adds further geological interest.

How far is Buchan South from Melbourne? +

Buchan South is approximately 350 kilometres east of Melbourne, a 4 to 4.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway and Buchan Road.

Does Buchan South have public transport? +

Limited V/Line coach services connect the nearby town of Buchan to Bairnsdale railway station, 65 kilometres away. There is no rail service in the area and a private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Buchan South? +

Buchan South had a population of 102 people at the 2021 Census, spread across 430 square kilometres of predominantly forested country in East Gippsland.

Is Buchan South a good place to live? +

Buchan South is ideal for those seeking a very secluded bush lifestyle surrounded by national parks, caves, and rivers, though all services require travel to Buchan township or the regional centre of Bairnsdale.

What is the postcode for Buchan South? +

The postcode for Buchan South is 3885.

Is Buchan South a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Buchan South is part of the East Gippsland 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.