🔍

Faraday

VIC 3451 • Victoria

194
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
23.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordable
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About Faraday

Faraday is a small rural locality in central Victoria, situated approximately 12 kilometres south-east of Castlemaine within the Mount Alexander Shire. With a population of around 194 people, the area sits in the scenic Harcourt Valley and is characterised by rolling farmland, eucalypt bushland, and a patchwork of rural allotments. The locality is named after the famous English scientist Michael Faraday and forms part of the Central Victorian goldfields region, an area steeped in colonial history and natural beauty.

Faraday offers a peaceful rural lifestyle popular with hobby farmers, tree-changers, and those drawn to the creative, alternative culture of the Castlemaine region. The Harcourt Valley is known for apple orchards, cool-climate agriculture, and artisan producers, while Castlemaine itself — a short drive north — provides galleries, cafes, a live music scene, and essential services. Residents enjoy proximity to the Midland Highway and Calder Freeway for access to Bendigo (45 min) and Melbourne (approximately 120 km). The area is popular with those seeking a sustainable rural lifestyle within reach of urban amenities.

Faraday falls under postcode 3451 and is governed by the Mount Alexander Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Bendigo, while state elections fall under the Macedon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3451
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Alexander
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Macedon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.13°, 144.21°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
23.16 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3451

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3451, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$42,632
Median 2023–24
$51,501
▲ 20.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,269

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3451; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Castlemaine Station
12 km
Not walkable

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
~1 hr 45 min via V/Line from Castlemaine Station
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min - 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Drive to Castlemaine for V/Line Bendigo Line services; Calder Freeway provides good car access to Melbourne

Walkability Car-Dependent

Dispersed rural locality; no footpaths or public transport; car essential for all trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
194
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
304.2 / 100k
2yr Up 56.5% 10yr Down 14.6%
Motor vehicle theft
118.8 / 100k
2yr Up 22.2% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
232.9 / 100k
2yr Up 65.2% 10yr Up 20.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
313.7 / 100k
2yr Up 43.4% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Mount Alexander →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Faraday VIC located? +

Faraday is a small rural locality about 12 km south-east of Castlemaine in the Mount Alexander Shire, central Victoria. It sits in the Harcourt Valley of the central Victorian goldfields region.

What is the population of Faraday VIC? +

Faraday has a population of approximately 194 people, living on rural and semi-rural properties across the locality.

How far is Faraday from Melbourne? +

Faraday is approximately 120 km north-west of Melbourne, about 1 hour 45 minutes by V/Line train from Castlemaine Station or around 1.5 hours by car via the Calder Freeway.

What is the Harcourt Valley known for? +

The Harcourt Valley near Faraday is known for its apple orchards, cool-climate agriculture, artisan food producers, and the annual Harcourt Apple Festival. Castlemaine nearby is celebrated for its arts, culture, and alternative community.

Is Faraday a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Faraday is part of the Mount Alexander 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.

What is the population of Faraday? +

Faraday had a population of 194 at the 2021 Census.