🔍

Goughs Bay

VIC 3723 • Victoria

328
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
37.46 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideRuralTourist HubPeacefulBushland
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About Goughs Bay

Goughs Bay is a small rural locality in the Mansfield Shire of Victoria, nestled on the shores of Lake Eildon approximately 180 kilometres north-east of Melbourne CBD. With a 2021 Census population of 328 residents spread across 37.5 square kilometres, it is a lightly settled community known for its relaxed lakeside character. The Delatite River winds past the township on its way to the lake, adding to the locality's natural appeal in the Victorian High Country foothills.

Lake Eildon is the centrepiece of life in Goughs Bay, drawing visitors and residents alike for boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports, with more than eight boat ramps accessible around the lake. The area is renowned for its trout fishing — rainbow and brown trout are regularly caught in the lake and surrounding rivers — and mountain bikers can explore the singletrack trails within the Delatite Arm Revegetation area nearby. Picnic Point and Brack's Bridge along the Delatite River offer further spots for relaxation, making Goughs Bay a popular holiday destination as well as a peaceful permanent home for those embracing the High Country lifestyle.

Goughs Bay falls under postcode 3723 and is governed by the Mansfield Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Indi, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3723
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mansfield
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.89°, 146.26°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
37.46 km²
Population Density
9 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3723

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3723 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$42,391
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,569

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3723; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Mansfield / Melbourne Approx 2 hr 30 min to Melbourne (via Mansfield)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
180 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Seymour (~100 km) for V/Line train to Melbourne (~2 hr)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 20 min

🛣️ Maroondah Highway and Mansfield–Bonnie Doon Road provide main access; largely car-dependent

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Goughs Bay has minimal local services; residents drive to Mansfield township for shops, schools, and amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
328
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
118.5 / 100k
2yr Down 21.9% 10yr Down 51.1%
Motor vehicle theft
72.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 20.9%
Non-FV assault
209.7 / 100k
2yr Up 16.4% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
182.3 / 100k
2yr Up 28.2% 10yr Down 43.5%
View all offence subgroups for Mansfield →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goughs Bay known for? +

Goughs Bay is best known for its stunning position on the shores of Lake Eildon, offering excellent trout fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports. The Delatite River and nearby mountain bike trails add to its appeal as a popular High Country retreat.

How far is Goughs Bay from Melbourne? +

Goughs Bay is approximately 180 kilometres north-east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Maroondah Highway through Alexandra and Mansfield.

Does Goughs Bay have public transport? +

Goughs Bay has no rail service; the nearest train station is Seymour, about 100 km away. Limited regional coach services connect Mansfield township (approximately 15 km away) to Melbourne, but a car is essential for daily life in Goughs Bay.

What is the population of Goughs Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Goughs Bay has a population of 328 residents across approximately 37.5 square kilometres, reflecting its character as a small, sparsely settled rural and holiday community.

Is Goughs Bay a good place to live? +

Goughs Bay is ideal for those seeking a quiet lakeside lifestyle in Victoria's High Country, with Lake Eildon on the doorstep and Mansfield township nearby for services. It particularly suits retirees, holiday-home owners, and outdoor enthusiasts who value natural beauty over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Goughs Bay? +

The postcode for Goughs Bay in Victoria is 3723.

Is Goughs Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Goughs Bay is part of the Mansfield 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.