🔍

Buffalo River

VIC 3737 • Victoria

285
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
82.91 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalBushlandPeacefulSemi-Rural
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About Buffalo River

Buffalo River is a quiet rural locality in north-east Victoria, nestled in an agriculturally rich valley on the western side of the Mount Buffalo plateau, approximately 8 kilometres south of Myrtleford within the Alpine Shire. With a population of around 285, it is a small, tightly settled farming community spread across 83 square kilometres of valley and foothills. The Buffalo River itself flows northwards from alpine reaches between Mounts Despair and Selwyn, joining the Ovens River near Myrtleford, and has supported grazing and irrigated horticulture in the region since the 1870s.

The locality has strong agricultural roots, with hop growing, tobacco, and mixed farming historically defining the valley, now largely given over to grazing and viticulture. Myrtleford is the nearest town offering shops, schools, medical services, and community facilities. The area is well placed for outdoor recreation, with Mount Buffalo National Park a short drive away, drawing visitors for hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. Buffalo River suits those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle within easy reach of north-east Victoria's renowned alpine and food-and-wine country.

Buffalo River falls under postcode 3737 and is governed by the Alpine Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Indi, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3737
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Alpine
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.55°, 146.83°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
82.91 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3737

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3737, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,646
Median 2023–24
$49,332
▲ 18.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$58,241

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3737; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Myrtleford Railway Station (heritage/closed)
8 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) via Wangaratta Approx 3–3.5 hours

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct train; V/Line coach from Myrtleford to Melbourne (approx 3.5 hours)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 10 min – 3 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 50 min – 3 hr 15 min

🛣️ Wangaratta is the nearest large regional city (50 km north). Hume Freeway accessible via Myrtleford.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with no retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
285
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
83.2 / 100k
2yr Down 35.5% 10yr Down 34.6%
Motor vehicle theft
121 / 100k
2yr Up 127.8% 10yr Up 660.9%
Non-FV assault
136.1 / 100k
2yr Down 18.4% 10yr Down 25.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
249.5 / 100k
2yr Up 17.5% 10yr Up 213.9%
View all offence subgroups for Alpine →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo River known for? +

Buffalo River is known for its scenic agricultural valley at the foot of the Mount Buffalo plateau, with a history of hop growing, tobacco farming, and grazing. The locality is also a gateway to Mount Buffalo National Park, popular for hiking, skiing, and sightseeing.

How far is Buffalo River from Melbourne? +

Buffalo River is approximately 280 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, around a 3-hour drive via the Hume Freeway and Great Alpine Road.

Does Buffalo River have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Buffalo River. The nearest public transport is a V/Line coach connection from Myrtleford, approximately 8 kilometres away, with services to Wangaratta and Melbourne. A car is effectively essential.

What is the population of Buffalo River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Buffalo River has a population of approximately 285 residents, spread across an 83 square kilometre rural valley area.

Is Buffalo River a good place to live? +

Buffalo River suits those who value a peaceful rural lifestyle in a beautiful alpine setting. It is well placed for outdoor recreation and north-east Victoria's food and wine region, though residents will need a car for all daily services, with Myrtleford and Wangaratta as the nearest service centres.

What is the postcode for Buffalo River? +

The postcode for Buffalo River, VIC is 3737.

Is Buffalo River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Buffalo River is part of the Alpine 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.