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Darlington

VIC 3271 • Victoria

84
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
161.08 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalQuiet
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About Darlington

Darlington is a small rural locality in the Western District of Victoria, situated on the banks of Mount Emu Creek within the Corangamite Shire, approximately 194 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 28 kilometres north of Camperdown. With a 2021 census population of 84 residents spread across 161 square kilometres, this is one of the Shire's smallest and most sparsely settled localities. The surrounding landscape comprises flat to undulating cleared plains dominated by fine wool pastoral estates and mixed farming properties, many with deep historical roots dating back to the region's earliest European settlement in the late 1830s.

Darlington's character is shaped by its rich pastoral heritage, with the historic Elephant Bridge Hotel — believed to be one of Victoria's oldest continuously licensed establishments — serving as a landmark of the district since the 1840s. The historic abutments of the Elephant Bridge are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, reflecting the locality's significance as an early river crossing and settlement node. Residents rely largely on nearby Camperdown for everyday services, schools, and shopping, while the pastoral and agricultural lifestyle defines the rhythm of daily life in this quiet rural community.

Darlington falls under postcode 3271 and is governed by the Moyne Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3271
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moyne
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.89°, 142.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
161.08 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited community transport — Camperdown Approx. 30 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
194 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest V/Line service at Colac or Warrnambool
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 15 min

🛣️ Located on the Hamilton Highway; car is the primary mode of transport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote rural locality with no village centre; all daily errands require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
84
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
191.1 / 100k
2yr Up 12.2% 10yr Down 37.3%
Motor vehicle theft
84.3 / 100k
2yr Up 35.0% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
118 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 26.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
264.2 / 100k
2yr Up 45.4% 10yr Up 63.8%
View all offence subgroups for Moyne →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darlington known for? +

Darlington is known for its deep pastoral heritage in the Western District, including the historic Elephant Bridge Hotel — believed to be one of Victoria's oldest continuously licensed pubs — and the heritage-listed Elephant Bridge abutments on Mount Emu Creek, dating to the 1840s.

How far is Darlington from Melbourne? +

Darlington is approximately 194 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours via the Hamilton Highway or Western Freeway through Ballarat.

Does Darlington have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Darlington. Community transport connections link the locality to nearby Camperdown, but a private car is the most practical way to get around and travel to larger centres.

What is the population of Darlington? +

According to the 2021 Census, Darlington has a population of 84 residents across a large 161 square kilometre locality, making it one of the smallest and most sparsely settled communities in Corangamite Shire.

Is Darlington a good place to live? +

Darlington suits those who value a quiet, rural lifestyle on Victoria's pastoral plains, with historic character and wide open spaces. Everyday services, schools, and shops are located in Camperdown, around 28 kilometres to the south.

What is the postcode for Darlington? +

The postcode for Darlington, Victoria is 3271.

Is Darlington a safe area? +

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