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Happy Valley (Golden Plains - Vic.)

VIC 3351 • Victoria

87
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
20.24 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricPeacefulAgricultural
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About Happy Valley (Golden Plains - Vic.)

Happy Valley is a small rural locality in the Golden Plains Shire, approximately 28 kilometres south-west of Ballarat in western Victoria. With a population of just 87 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, it is a quiet pastoral community spread across roughly 20 square kilometres of rolling farmland. The locality carries a rich gold-mining heritage dating to the 1850s, when diggers flooded the region in search of alluvial gold, giving the settlement its characteristically optimistic name.

Today, Happy Valley retains a deeply rural character, with the surrounding land given over to sheep, cattle, and mixed agriculture typical of the Golden Plains district. The nearest service centre is Smythesdale, approximately 7 kilometres to the north-east, which offers basic amenities, while Ballarat to the north-east provides a full range of retail, health, and educational services. Life here suits those seeking a quiet, affordable country lifestyle within reasonable reach of regional Victoria's conveniences.

Happy Valley (Golden Plains - Vic.) falls under postcode 3351 and is governed by the Golden Plains Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3351
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Golden Plains
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.76°, 143.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
20.24 km²
Population Density
4 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3351

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3351, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,935
Median 2023–24
$53,972
▲ 17.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,900

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3351; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat Station
28 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus service — Smythesdale or Ballarat (nearest services) N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
105 km
By Train
No direct service — drive to Ballarat Station, then V/Line train approximately 1 hour to Melbourne
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr - 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Car essential; nearest rail access at Ballarat approximately 28 km away

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This is a dispersed rural locality with no shops, footpaths, or services — a car is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
87
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Golden Plains Local Government Area, which contains Happy Valley (Golden Plains - Vic.). Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
189.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 57.4%
Motor vehicle theft
130.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 13.1%
Non-FV assault
63.3 / 100k
2yr Up 16.6% 10yr Down 22.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
174.9 / 100k
2yr Up 29.0% 10yr Down 31.2%
View all offence subgroups for Golden Plains →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Happy Valley (Golden Plains) known for? +

Happy Valley is known for its gold-mining heritage dating to the 1850s, when prospectors discovered alluvial gold in the area, inspiring the optimistic name. Today it is a quiet pastoral locality in the Golden Plains Shire, surrounded by sheep and cattle farmland.

How far is Happy Valley (Golden Plains) from Ballarat? +

Happy Valley in the Golden Plains Shire is approximately 28 kilometres south-west of Ballarat, a drive of around 25–35 minutes via local rural roads.

Does Happy Valley (Golden Plains) have public transport? +

Public transport in Happy Valley is extremely limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to larger centres such as Ballarat require a journey via nearby townships. A car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Happy Valley (Golden Plains)? +

According to the 2021 Census, Happy Valley (Golden Plains) has a population of 87 residents, making it one of the smallest localities in the Golden Plains Shire.

Is Happy Valley (Golden Plains) a good place to live? +

Happy Valley suits those seeking a peaceful, deeply rural lifestyle close to the Golden Plains landscape. It is best suited to farming families and those who value space and quiet over urban convenience, with Ballarat accessible for everyday needs.

What is the postcode for Happy Valley (Golden Plains)? +

The postcode for Happy Valley in the Golden Plains Shire is 3351.

Is Happy Valley a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Happy Valley is part of the Golden Plains 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 Happy Valley? +

Happy Valley had a population of 87 at the 2021 Census.