🔍

Cape Schanck

VIC 3939 • Victoria

569
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
31.27 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralQuietTourist Hub
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About Cape Schanck

Cape Schanck is a coastal locality at the southernmost tip of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, approximately 72 kilometres south of Melbourne's CBD, within the Shire of Mornington Peninsula. With a population of 569, it is a small but scenic community characterised by rugged ocean coastline, low-density holiday homes, and permanent residences spanning roughly 31 square kilometres of coastal terrain. The locality's wild, wind-swept character distinguishes it from the more resort-oriented towns further up the Peninsula.

Cape Schanck is best known for its historic working lighthouse — a striking white tower perched above the Southern Ocean — and Pulpit Rock, a dramatic basalt sea stack accessible via elevated boardwalks through Mornington Peninsula National Park. The surrounding national park provides excellent coastal walking trails, surf beaches, and diverse birdlife. The nearest township for shopping, services, and schools is Rosebud, approximately 17 kilometres north, while the Peninsula's renowned wine region and beaches are easily accessible for day trips.

Cape Schanck falls under postcode 3939 and is governed by the Mornington Peninsula Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Flinders, while state elections fall under the Nepean (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3939
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mornington Peninsula
Federal Electorate
Flinders
State Electorate
Nepean (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.43°, 144.90°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
31.27 km²
Population Density
18 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Cape Schanck for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$1.37M
8 sales · ▼ 7% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3939

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3939, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,397
Median 2023–24
$49,135
▲ 18.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,775

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3939; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — No scheduled public bus routes to Cape Schanck N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
72 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Car is essential; access via Nepean Highway and Boneo Road; no public transport to the locality

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or services in the locality; all daily errands require driving to Rosebud or Rye

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
569
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
529.6 / 100k
2yr Up 59.3% 10yr Down 17.4%
Motor vehicle theft
277.9 / 100k
2yr Up 159.9% 10yr Up 83.2%
Non-FV assault
221.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
1.7 / 100k
2yr Down 50.5% 10yr Up 181.7%
Steal from vehicle
790 / 100k
2yr Up 77.7% 10yr Up 30.9%
View all offence subgroups for Mornington Peninsula →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Schanck known for? +

Cape Schanck is best known for its historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse — one of Victoria's most photographed maritime landmarks — and the dramatic Pulpit Rock basalt sea stack, both set within Mornington Peninsula National Park. The area draws visitors for coastal walks, surf beaches, and wildlife spotting.

How far is Cape Schanck from Melbourne CBD? +

Cape Schanck is approximately 72 kilometres south of Melbourne's CBD, making it a roughly 75–120 minute drive depending on traffic and the route taken via Nepean Highway.

Does Cape Schanck have public transport? +

There is no regular public bus or train service to Cape Schanck. A car is essential for getting around; the nearest bus connections are at Rosebud, approximately 17 kilometres north.

What is the population of Cape Schanck? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cape Schanck has a population of 569 residents, comprising a mix of permanent residents and holiday home owners.

Is Cape Schanck a good place to live? +

Cape Schanck suits those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle with stunning natural surroundings and easy access to the Mornington Peninsula's beaches and wine country. It is best suited to self-sufficient households as daily services and amenities require a drive to nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Cape Schanck? +

The postcode for Cape Schanck is 3939.

What is the median house price in Cape Schanck? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $1,370,000, down 7% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

Is Cape Schanck a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cape Schanck is part of the Mornington Peninsula 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.