🔍

Chiltern

VIC 3683 • Rest of VIC

1,580
Population (2021)
$67,860
Median Household Income
200.26 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRuralHeritageNational ParkAffordable

About Chiltern

Chiltern is a historic gold rush town in northeast Victoria, situated in the Shire of Indigo between Wangaratta and Wodonga, approximately 281 kilometres from Melbourne. With a population of 1,580 at the 2021 census, the town sits at 209 metres elevation surrounded by the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park, which covers nearly 67% of the local area. It is the birthplace of former Prime Minister John McEwen.

Chiltern retains much of its 19th-century character with many National Trust-classified buildings lining its main street, including the famous Grape Vine Hotel with Australia's largest grapevine planted in 1867. The town offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with access to bushwalking, birdwatching, and the literary heritage of author Henry Handel Richardson. It attracts retirees, tree-changers, and history enthusiasts seeking an affordable alternative to nearby Beechworth.

Chiltern falls under postcode 3683 and is governed by Indigo Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Benambra (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3683
Urban Area
Alpine - Towong - Indigo
LGA / Council
Indigo
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Benambra (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.19°, 146.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
200.26 km²
Elevation
210m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Chiltern Station
0.5 km
6 min
Wangaratta Station
24 km
V/Line North East line, major regional hub

Bus Services

  • Regional Transit — Wangaratta via local stops 30-40 min
  • V/Line Coach — Wangaratta Station connection 25 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
281 km
By Train
3h 15min (V/Line to Southern Cross)
By Bus
Not practical
By Car (Peak)
3h 15min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3h

🛣️ V/Line train services run 3 times daily. Nearest major centre is Wangaratta (24 km, 21 min by train).

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The compact town centre is walkable with shops, pub, and services along the main street. A car is needed for trips beyond the town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
134.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 27.5%
Motor vehicle theft
100.6 / 100k
2yr Down 15.4% 10yr Up 441.9%
Non-FV assault
128.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 15.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
307.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 451.9%
View all offence subgroups for Indigo →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,605
Census 2021
1,580
▼ 1.6% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,576
Personal Income 2021
$35,464
▲ 16.0% 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
$35,464 / yr
$682/wk
Household
$67,860 / yr
$1305/wk
Family
$87,568 / yr
$1684/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,298
Born Overseas 163

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 65
  • 2. Germany 15
  • 3. New Zealand 15
  • 4. Scotland 8
  • 5. Wales 7
  • 6. United States 6
  • 7. France 4
  • 8. Italy 3
  • 9. Netherlands 3
  • 10. Papua New Guinea 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 730
English 695
Irish 198
Scottish 171
German 79
Dutch 40
Italian 26
Australian Aboriginal 18
Welsh 17
French 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,110
Both parents born in Australia
198
Both parents born overseas
174
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.9%
Christianity
45.7%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
68 (4.3%)
5-14 years
169 (10.7%)
15-19 years
102 (6.5%)
20-24 years
61 (3.9%)
25-34 years
129 (8.2%)
35-44 years
143 (9.1%)
45-54 years
237 (15.0%)
55-64 years
277 (17.5%)
65-74 years
235 (14.9%)
75-84 years
144 (9.1%)
85+ years
23 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiltern known for? +

Chiltern is a historic gold rush town in northeast Victoria, situated in the Shire of Indigo between Wangaratta and Wodonga, approximately 281 kilometres from Melbourne. Chiltern retains much of its 19th-century character with many National Trust-classified buildings lining its main street, including the famous Grape Vine Hotel with Australia's largest grapevine planted in 1867.

How far is Chiltern from Melbourne CBD? +

Chiltern is approximately 281 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 337-506 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Chiltern have public transport? +

Chiltern 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 Chiltern? +

According to the 2021 Census, Chiltern has a population of approximately 1,580 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Indigo (Shire) local government area.

Is Chiltern a good place to live? +

Chiltern offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Chiltern? +

The postcode for Chiltern, VIC is 3683. This postcode covers Chiltern and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Chiltern? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Chiltern is about $682 per week (around $35,500 per year). The median household income is $1,305 per week and the median family income is $1,684 per week.

What is the age profile of Chiltern? +

The median age in Chiltern is 50. The largest age group is 55–64 (277 residents, around 18%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 25% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Chiltern a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Chiltern is part of the Indigo 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 Chiltern? +

In Chiltern, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).