🔍

Cockatoo

VIC 3781 • Greater Melbourne

4,408
Population (2021)
$103,532
Median Household Income
28.22 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
Hills-TownSemi-RuralCommunity-OrientedAffordableScenic

About Cockatoo

Cockatoo is a charming hills town nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 48 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD within the Shire of Cardinia. With a population of around 4,400, it retains a semi-rural, village atmosphere surrounded by tall eucalyptus forests and lush fern gullies. The town sits at an elevation of 158 metres and is named after Cockatoo Creek, which meanders through the area. Cockatoo has a strong community spirit and a distinct character that sets it apart from typical suburban Melbourne.

The town centre features a small strip of local shops, a post office, and community facilities along McBride Street. The iconic Puffing Billy heritage railway passes through Cockatoo daily, adding to the area's tourism appeal. Residents are drawn to the affordable housing, peaceful bush setting, and active community groups. The local primary school, kindergarten, and sporting facilities serve families well, while nearby Emerald and Belgrave offer additional dining and shopping options.

Cockatoo falls under postcode 3781 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3781
Urban Area
Cardinia
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.93°, 145.51°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
28.22 km²
Elevation
232m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$685K
9 sales · ▲ 1.9% 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.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,742
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
36 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave
17 km
N/A (drive 20 min)
Beaconsfield
22 km
N/A (drive 25 min)
Pakenham
25 km
N/A (drive 25 min)

Bus Services

  • 695 — Belgrave Station (via Emerald, Gembrook) 25-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
48 km
By Train
70-80 min (drive to Belgrave + Belgrave Line)
By Bus
90+ min (bus to Belgrave then train)
By Car (Peak)
60-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-55 min

🛣️ Most commuters drive to Belgrave or Beaconsfield station; limited direct public transport

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most errands; the town centre has basic shops but larger services require driving to Emerald or Pakenham

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cardinia Local Government Area, which contains Cockatoo. 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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,256
Census 2021
4,408
▲ 3.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,088
Personal Income 2021
$44,356
▲ 22.9% 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
$44,356 / yr
$853/wk
Household
$103,532 / yr
$1991/wk
Family
$114,192 / yr
$2196/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,491
Born Overseas 535

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 179
  • 2. New Zealand 59
  • 3. Netherlands 24
  • 4. Scotland 23
  • 5. Poland 16
  • 6. United States 16
  • 7. Italy 14
  • 8. Germany 13
  • 9. Thailand 13
  • 10. Philippines 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,923
English 1,773
Irish 475
Scottish 426
German 198
Dutch 171
Italian 160
New Zealander 60
Polish 44
Greek 40

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,465
Both parents born in Australia
841
Both parents born overseas
724
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
61.8%
Christianity
26.3%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
339 (7.7%)
5-14 years
659 (15.0%)
15-19 years
281 (6.4%)
20-24 years
209 (4.7%)
25-34 years
597 (13.5%)
35-44 years
644 (14.6%)
45-54 years
626 (14.2%)
55-64 years
578 (13.1%)
65-74 years
336 (7.6%)
75-84 years
100 (2.3%)
85+ years
31 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cockatoo known for? +

Cockatoo is a charming hills town nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 48 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD within the Shire of Cardinia. The town centre features a small strip of local shops, a post office, and community facilities along McBride Street.

How far is Cockatoo from Melbourne CBD? +

Cockatoo is approximately 48 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 58-86 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Cockatoo have public transport? +

Cockatoo is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Cockatoo? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cockatoo has a population of approximately 4,408 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Cardinia (Shire) local government area.

Is Cockatoo a good place to live? +

Cockatoo 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 Cockatoo? +

The postcode for Cockatoo, VIC is 3781. This postcode covers Cockatoo and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Cockatoo? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cockatoo is about $853 per week (around $44,400 per year). The median household income is $1,991 per week and the median family income is $2,196 per week.

What is the median house price in Cockatoo? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $685,000, up 1.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Cockatoo? +

The median age in Cockatoo is 36. The largest age group is 5–14 (659 residents, around 15%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 11% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cockatoo a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cockatoo 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.

How much is rent in Cockatoo? +

In Cockatoo, the median weekly rent is $370, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,742 (2021 Census).