🔍

Cardinia

VIC 3978 • Victoria

342
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
27.02 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
Semi-RuralCommuter BeltLeafyFamily-FriendlyPeaceful
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About Cardinia

Cardinia is a semi-rural locality on the outer south-eastern fringe of Melbourne, approximately 55 kilometres from the CBD within the Cardinia Shire Council area. With a population of 342 across around 27 square kilometres, it occupies a small but defined locality in the broader Pakenham growth corridor — one of Victoria's fastest-growing outer suburban regions. The locality retains a rural character with paddocks, hobby farms, and acreage properties set against the backdrop of the nearby Cardinia Reservoir and surrounding hills.

Cardinia sits near the township of Pakenham, which provides the main shopping, schools, and services for the area. The Cardinia Reservoir Park, a scenic green space offering walking trails, picnic areas, and picturesque water views, lies close to the locality and is a highlight for residents and visitors alike. The Pakenham railway station, served by the Pakenham Line into Melbourne CBD, is a short drive away, making the area a viable option for commuters who value space and nature over inner-city density.

Cardinia falls under postcode 3978 and is governed by the Cardinia Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Pakenham (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3978
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Pakenham (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.14°, 145.38°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
27.02 km²
Population Density
13 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3978

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3978, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$51,075
Median 2023–24
$58,136
▲ 13.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,754

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3978; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Pakenham Station
6 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Route 897, 889 — Pakenham Station / Narre Warren 15–25 min to Pakenham

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
55 km
By Train
Approx. 65–80 min from Pakenham Station via Pakenham Line
By Car (Peak)
60–90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45–55 min

🛣️ Access via Princes Freeway (M1). Pakenham is the nearest major rail hub.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Cardinia is a semi-rural locality where a car is needed for virtually all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
342
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
284.4 / 100k
2yr Up 33.2% 10yr Down 46.9%
Motor vehicle theft
277.7 / 100k
2yr Up 91.6% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
193.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 17.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.2 / 100k
2yr Up 65.4% 10yr Up 27.1%
Steal from vehicle
860.6 / 100k
2yr Up 108.1% 10yr Up 21.7%
View all offence subgroups for Cardinia →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardinia known for? +

Cardinia is known for its semi-rural character and its proximity to the Cardinia Reservoir Park, a popular green space offering walking trails and scenic views. It sits within the broader Cardinia Shire — one of Victoria's fastest-growing outer suburban corridors — while retaining a quiet, acreage lifestyle feel.

How far is Cardinia from Melbourne? +

Cardinia is approximately 55 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, around a 45 to 90-minute drive via the Princes Freeway (M1) depending on traffic. The nearest major train hub is Pakenham Station, roughly 6 kilometres away.

Does Cardinia have public transport? +

Cardinia itself has limited local bus services connecting to Pakenham. Pakenham Station on the Pakenham Line provides train services to Melbourne CBD, with a journey of approximately 65–80 minutes. A car is still needed to reach the station from the locality.

What is the population of Cardinia? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cardinia has a population of 342 residents across approximately 27 square kilometres, reflecting its semi-rural, low-density character on Melbourne's south-eastern fringe.

Is Cardinia a good place to live? +

Cardinia suits families and individuals who want acreage space and a rural feel within commuting distance of Melbourne. It offers a peaceful environment close to the Cardinia Reservoir and the growing amenities of nearby Pakenham, though a car is essential for daily life.

What is the postcode for Cardinia? +

The postcode for Cardinia, Victoria is 3978.

Is Cardinia a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cardinia is part of the Cardinia 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.