🔍

Cape Woolamai

VIC 3925 • Rest of VIC

2,301
Population (2021)
$76,492
Median Household Income
6.12 km²
Area
$340/wk
Median Rent
CoastalSurfingNature-OrientedRetirement-FriendlyHoliday Destination

About Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai sits at the southeastern tip of Phillip Island, approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. With a population of around 2,300 residents, this coastal gem is part of the Bass Coast Shire and offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle. The suburb features a mix of permanent residents, retirees, and holiday homeowners drawn by its stunning natural beauty and relatively affordable coastal living compared to similar Victorian coastal areas.

Life in Cape Woolamai revolves around the beach and nature. The Cape Woolamai Surf Beach is renowned for excellent surf conditions, while the Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve offers spectacular walking trails with panoramic ocean views. The suburb has a strong community spirit with local events and a laid-back atmosphere. Nearby San Remo and Cowes provide additional shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities, while the famous Phillip Island penguin parade is just a short drive away.

Cape Woolamai falls under postcode 3925 and is governed by Bass Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3925
Urban Area
Bass Coast
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.54°, 145.34°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
6.12 km²
Elevation
23m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
43 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line Coach — Melbourne CBD via Cowes 2h 30min
  • Phillip Island local bus — Cowes, San Remo 15-20 mins

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
140 km
By Bus
2h 30min via V/Line coach
By Car (Peak)
2h
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 30min

🛣️ No direct train access. Most residents drive or use V/Line coach services via Cowes.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Local shops within walking distance of central area, but most errands require a car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
385.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 18.3%
Motor vehicle theft
160.2 / 100k
2yr Up 66.9% 10yr Up 41.1%
Non-FV assault
259.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 62.3%
Steal from vehicle
349.7 / 100k
2yr Up 24.5% 10yr Down 13.3%
View all offence subgroups for Bass Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,676
Census 2021
2,301
▲ 37.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,628
Personal Income 2021
$38,064
▲ 24.3% 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
$38,064 / yr
$732/wk
Household
$76,492 / yr
$1471/wk
Family
$101,348 / yr
$1949/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,729
Born Overseas 304

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 87
  • 2. New Zealand 29
  • 3. Philippines 20
  • 4. Italy 15
  • 5. Germany 13
  • 6. South Africa 11
  • 7. United States 10
  • 8. Greece 9
  • 9. Ireland 9
  • 10. Malta 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 910
Australian 872
Irish 267
Scottish 266
German 105
Italian 76
Dutch 73
Australian Aboriginal 31
Filipino 31
New Zealander 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,290
Both parents born in Australia
410
Both parents born overseas
304
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.7%
Christianity
29.4%
Buddhism
0.9%
Judaism
0.3%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
138 (6.0%)
5-14 years
294 (12.8%)
15-19 years
133 (5.8%)
20-24 years
99 (4.3%)
25-34 years
238 (10.3%)
35-44 years
311 (13.5%)
45-54 years
344 (15.0%)
55-64 years
349 (15.2%)
65-74 years
274 (11.9%)
75-84 years
99 (4.3%)
85+ years
18 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Woolamai known for? +

Cape Woolamai sits at the southeastern tip of Phillip Island, approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Life in Cape Woolamai revolves around the beach and nature.

How far is Cape Woolamai from Melbourne CBD? +

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

Does Cape Woolamai have public transport? +

Cape Woolamai 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 Cape Woolamai? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cape Woolamai has a population of approximately 2,301 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Bass Coast (Shire) local government area.

Is Cape Woolamai a good place to live? +

Cape Woolamai is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Cape Woolamai? +

The postcode for Cape Woolamai, VIC is 3925. This postcode covers Cape Woolamai and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Cape Woolamai? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cape Woolamai is about $732 per week (around $38,100 per year). The median household income is $1,471 per week and the median family income is $1,949 per week.

What is the age profile of Cape Woolamai? +

The median age in Cape Woolamai is 43. The largest age group is 55–64 (349 residents, around 15%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cape Woolamai a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cape Woolamai is part of the Bass Coast 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 Cape Woolamai? +

In Cape Woolamai, the median weekly rent is $340, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,500 (2021 Census).