Drysdale

VIC 3222 • Rest of VIC

4,976
Population (2021)
$66,196
Median Household Income
42.47 km²
Area
$340/wk
Median Rent
Retiree-HavenPeacefulEstablishedSemi-RuralRegional

About Drysdale

Drysdale is an urban locality on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, situated approximately 24 kilometres south-east of Geelong and within the City of Greater Geelong local government area. Covering a substantial 42.5 square kilometres, it serves as the principal service town for the surrounding peninsula communities. With a population of 4,976 and a median age of 52, Drysdale is a favoured destination for retirees and semi-retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle away from the city.

The town offers essential everyday amenities including both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, local shops, schools, and cafés, making it a practical hub for Bellarine Peninsula residents. Its predominantly Anglo-Australian population reflects a long-established community with deep English, Irish, and Scottish heritage roots. Drysdale is well-positioned for access to the region's wineries, coastal townships such as Portarlington and Queenscliff, and the broader Bellarine Peninsula lifestyle, appealing to those seeking a quieter pace of life in a scenic regional setting.

Drysdale falls under postcode 3222 and is governed by Greater Geelong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bellarine (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3222
Urban Area
Geelong - Queenscliff
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.17°, 144.59°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
42.47 km²
Elevation
88m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$745K
13 sales · ▼ 2.6% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$550K
6 sales · ▲ 0.9% 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)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Geelong Station
26 km
varies

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Geelong CBD 72-96 min

Commute to Geelong CBD

Distance
24 km
By Train
60-90 min to Melbourne CBD via V/Line Geelong Line
By Car (Peak)
22-29 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
18-24 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport for most residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Some local services are accessible; car needed for most errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    26-32 Murradoc Road Drysdale 3222 VIC
  • Woolworths
    16 Wyndham Street Drysdale 3222 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
357.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
236.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
291.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
1.4 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
772.7 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,275
Census 2021
4,976
16.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,652
Personal Income 2021
$33,540
17.1% 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
$33,540 / yr
$645/wk
Household
$66,196 / yr
$1273/wk
Family
$92,508 / yr
$1779/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,022
Born Overseas 729

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 306
  • 2. New Zealand 61
  • 3. Netherlands 36
  • 4. Scotland 33
  • 5. Germany 29
  • 6. South Africa 25
  • 7. India 20
  • 8. Italy 19
  • 9. Philippines 19
  • 10. Canada 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,399
Australian 1,891
Irish 668
Scottish 646
German 217
Italian 191
Dutch 136
Maltese 44
Australian Aboriginal 42
Polish 41

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,177
Both parents born in Australia
967
Both parents born overseas
605
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.2%
No Religion
41.6%
Buddhism
0.3%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
170 (3.4%)
5-14 years
576 (11.6%)
15-19 years
277 (5.6%)
20-24 years
212 (4.3%)
25-34 years
357 (7.2%)
35-44 years
459 (9.2%)
45-54 years
568 (11.4%)
55-64 years
698 (14.0%)
65-74 years
853 (17.1%)
75-84 years
543 (10.9%)
85+ years
254 (5.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drysdale known for? +

Drysdale is an urban locality on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, situated approximately 24 kilometres south-east of Geelong and within the City of Greater Geelong local government area. The town offers essential everyday amenities including both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, local shops, schools, and cafés, making it a practical hub for Bellarine Peninsula residents.

How far is Drysdale from Melbourne CBD? +

Drysdale is approximately 24 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 29-43 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Drysdale have public transport? +

Drysdale is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) buses within the Greater Geelong network. Geelong Station also provides V/Line train services to Melbourne CBD, approximately 60 minutes away. Local buses connect suburbs to Geelong CBD and surrounding areas.

What is the population of Drysdale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Drysdale has a population of approximately 4,976 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Greater Geelong (City) local government area.

Is Drysdale a good place to live? +

Drysdale 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 Drysdale? +

The postcode for Drysdale, VIC is 3222. This postcode covers Drysdale and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Drysdale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Drysdale is about $645 per week (around $33,500 per year). The median household income is $1,273 per week and the median family income is $1,779 per week.

What is the median house price in Drysdale? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $745,000, down 2.6% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $550,000, up 0.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Drysdale? +

The median age in Drysdale is 52. The largest age group is 65–74 (853 residents, around 17%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 33% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Drysdale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Drysdale is part of the Greater Geelong 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 Drysdale? +

In Drysdale, the median weekly rent is $340, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).