Coongulla

VIC 3860 • Victoria

229
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
32.30 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideRuralQuietRetiree-Haven
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About Coongulla

Coongulla is a small lakeside locality in Victoria's Gippsland region, situated on the shores of Lake Glenmaggie within the Shire of Wellington, approximately 180 kilometres east of Melbourne. The town is positioned near the town of Heyfield, with the expansive freshwater lake forming its defining natural feature. With a population of around 229, Coongulla is a tight-knit community with a relaxed holiday and retirement character shaped by the lake and its surrounds.

Lake Glenmaggie is the centrepiece of local life, offering boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming that draw both permanent residents and weekenders from across Gippsland and Melbourne. The town has a general store and basic facilities, with the service centre of Heyfield just a short drive away for schools, supermarkets, and medical services. Coongulla appeals to those seeking a lake lifestyle away from the city, particularly retirees and families looking for affordable waterfront living in a peaceful Gippsland setting.

Coongulla falls under postcode 3860 and is governed by the Wellington Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3860
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.57°, 146.81°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
32.30 km²
Population Density
7 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3860

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3860, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$43,216
Median 2023–24
$51,420
19.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,216

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3860; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Heyfield / Maffra ~10 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
180 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via the Princes Highway through Traralgon then north via Heyfield Road

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Coongulla has minimal local services; residents rely on a car to access Heyfield for groceries and amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
229
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
494.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
191.9 / 100k
Non-FV assault
432.8 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
577.8 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coongulla known for? +

Coongulla is best known for its location on the shores of Lake Glenmaggie, a large freshwater lake popular for boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. It attracts weekenders and retirees from across Gippsland and Melbourne seeking affordable waterfront living.

How far is Coongulla from Melbourne CBD? +

Coongulla is approximately 180 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway and through Heyfield.

Does Coongulla have public transport? +

Coongulla has no rail service. The nearest train station is in Traralgon, approximately 70 kilometres to the south-east. Public bus services are very limited, and a car is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Coongulla? +

Coongulla has a small permanent population of approximately 229 residents according to the 2021 Census, though the town sees additional visitors and short-term residents during peak holiday periods.

Is Coongulla a good place to live? +

Coongulla suits those seeking a relaxed lakeside lifestyle in a quiet Gippsland setting, particularly retirees and recreational enthusiasts. The lack of urban services and public transport makes it most suitable for those with a car and a love of the outdoors.

What is the postcode for Coongulla? +

The postcode for Coongulla, VIC is 3860.

Is Coongulla a safe area? +

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