🔍

Forrest

VIC 3236 • Victoria

257
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
42.67 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralNatureMountain BikingTourismTree Change
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About Forrest

Forrest is a small town in the heart of the Otway Ranges, Victoria, located approximately 158 kilometres south-west of Melbourne in the Colac Otway Shire. Set at the northern end of the Otways, the town had a population of just 257 at the 2021 census, making it one of the more intimate communities in regional Victoria. The surrounding landscape is characterised by lush temperate rainforest, fern gullies, and rolling hills, creating a verdant setting unlike most other Victorian towns. Forrest sits at around 300 metres elevation and enjoys a cool, moist climate year-round.

Forrest has reinvented itself as one of Australia's premier mountain-biking destinations, with world-class trail networks drawing visitors from across the country and internationally. Tourism is now the town's primary economic driver, complemented by a general store, cafes, accommodation and a popular local brewery. The nearby Lake Elizabeth is famous for its platypus tours, adding another wildlife drawcard. Forrest suits nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet tree-change lifestyle far from the city.

Forrest falls under postcode 3236 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3236
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.52°, 143.71°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
42.67 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional Coach — Colac (27 km north) – connecting V/Line services to Melbourne ~30 min to Colac

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
158 km
By Train
No direct rail; V/Line coach to Colac then train (~3 hr total)
By Bus
No regular direct bus service
By Car (Peak)
~2 hr via Princes Hwy & Colac–Forrest Rd
By Car (Off-Peak)
~1 hr 50 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport. Nearest major services are in Colac (27 km) and Geelong (84 km).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited walkability for daily needs; most residents rely on a car for shopping and services, though the town centre and trail heads are accessible on foot for locals.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
257
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Down 23.5%
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.6% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k
2yr Up 67.8% 10yr Up 11.8%
View all offence subgroups for Colac Otway →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forrest known for? +

Forrest is a small town in the heart of the Otway Ranges, Victoria, located approximately 158 kilometres south-west of Melbourne in the Colac Otway Shire. Forrest has reinvented itself as one of Australia's premier mountain-biking destinations, with world-class trail networks drawing visitors from across the country and internationally.

How far is Forrest from Melbourne CBD? +

Forrest is approximately 158 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 190-284 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Forrest have public transport? +

Forrest has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Forrest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forrest has a population of approximately 257 residents, a small but recognised locality. The suburb falls within the VIC local government area.

Is Forrest a good place to live? +

Forrest suits those who prefer a quiet rural lifestyle away from urban areas. It offers open spaces and a close-knit community but limited local services — a car is essential for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Forrest? +

The postcode for Forrest, VIC is 3236. This postcode covers Forrest and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

Is Forrest a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Forrest is part of the Colac Otway 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.