🔍

Cape Bridgewater

VIC 3305 • Victoria

151
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
78.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteTourist HubBeachsideBushland
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About Cape Bridgewater

Cape Bridgewater is a coastal locality in the Shire of Glenelg in south-western Victoria, situated approximately 21 kilometres south-west of Portland and around 383 kilometres west of Melbourne. With a population of 151 residents scattered across 78 square kilometres of dramatic coastal landscape, it is one of Victoria's most scenic and geologically remarkable localities. Named by Lieutenant James Grant aboard the Lady Nelson in 1800 after the Duke of Bridgewater, the area was later settled in the 1860s by the pioneering Henty family.

Cape Bridgewater is celebrated for its extraordinary natural attractions: a resident colony of up to 650 Australian fur seals, the highest coastal cliffs in Victoria, a large natural blowhole, a petrified forest, and karst solution pipes. The locality falls within the Discovery Bay Coastal Park and is adjacent to Mount Richmond National Park. Southern right whales can be spotted from the clifftops in winter and spring. A popular walking trail links the blowholes to the seal colony viewing platform, making Cape Bridgewater a destination for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and travellers exploring Victoria's remote south-west coast. Portland provides the nearest services and supplies.

Cape Bridgewater falls under postcode 3305 and is governed by the Glenelg Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3305
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Glenelg
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.24°, 141.44°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
78.29 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3305

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3305, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$44,169
Median 2023–24
$52,479
▲ 18.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,554

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3305; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus service — Portland Approx. 25 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
383 km
By Train
No direct train; coach to Hamilton then V/Line to Melbourne (approx. 4.5–5 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
4 hrs – 4.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5 – 4 hrs

🛣️ Portland (~21 km east) is the nearest service town; car is essential; Princes Highway and Hamilton Highway provide long-distance road access

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote coastal locality with no local shops or services; all daily needs require driving to Portland approximately 21 km away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
151
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
499.5 / 100k
2yr Up 170.3% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
294.7 / 100k
2yr Up 195.0% 10yr Up 123.9%
Non-FV assault
334.6 / 100k
2yr Up 28.8% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
679.3 / 100k
2yr Up 338.7% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Glenelg →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Bridgewater known for? +

Cape Bridgewater is famous for its resident colony of up to 650 Australian fur seals, Victoria's highest coastal cliffs, a dramatic natural blowhole, a petrified forest, and stunning coastal walking trails within Discovery Bay Coastal Park. Southern right whales can be observed from the clifftops in winter and spring.

How far is Cape Bridgewater from Portland? +

Cape Bridgewater is approximately 21 kilometres south-west of Portland, the nearest service town, making it roughly a 25-minute drive via local roads.

Does Cape Bridgewater have public transport? +

There is no public transport servicing Cape Bridgewater. There is no rail connection to the area, and bus services are not available locally. A private vehicle is essential; Portland is the nearest town with services approximately 21 kilometres away.

What is the population of Cape Bridgewater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cape Bridgewater has a population of 151 residents spread across approximately 78 square kilometres of coastal landscape in south-western Victoria.

Is Cape Bridgewater a good place to live? +

Cape Bridgewater suits those drawn to remote coastal living with extraordinary natural beauty — seal colonies, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches on the doorstep. The tradeoff is very limited local services; Portland supplies most daily needs. It's ideal for nature lovers, retirees, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-track lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Cape Bridgewater? +

The postcode for Cape Bridgewater, Victoria is 3305.

Is Cape Bridgewater a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cape Bridgewater is part of the Glenelg 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.