Hesket

VIC 3442 • Victoria

178
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
21.05 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralPeacefulSemi-RuralEstablished
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About Hesket

Hesket is a small rural locality on the northern slopes of the Mount Macedon Range in the Macedon Ranges Shire, approximately 68 kilometres north of Melbourne. Sitting at an elevation of around 650 metres, the locality covers just over 21 square kilometres and recorded a population of 178 at the 2021 Census. The area is characterised by large rural holdings, farmland, and bushland typical of the Macedon Ranges, with a median household income of around 2,000 reflecting its modest, working rural community.

Hesket centres on a handful of community institutions including Hesket Primary School (State School 1004) and the Hesket-Kerrie CFA fire station, which serve as the heart of local community life. The locality is flanked by Woodend to the west and Romsey to the east, both approximately 9 kilometres away and offering supermarkets, schools, and services. Residents enjoy the tranquil bushland setting, country drives through the Macedon Ranges, and access to nearby reserves, making it a peaceful retreat for those who love rural Victoria.

Hesket falls under postcode 3442 and is governed by the Macedon Ranges Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of McEwen, while state elections fall under the Macedon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3442
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.33°, 144.55°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
21.05 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3442

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3442, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$52,272
Median 2023–24
$62,634
19.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$88,279

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3442; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Woodend
9 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Woodend or Romsey for connections N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
68 km
By Train
Drive to Woodend station (~9km), then ~60 min to Melbourne Central on V/Line Bendigo Line
By Car (Peak)
75-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-75 min

🛣️ Car essential; Calder Freeway (M79) is the main route to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Hesket is a dispersed rural locality with no shops or services — a car is essential for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
178
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
133.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
166.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
122.8 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
285.9 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hesket known for? +

Hesket is known for its peaceful rural character on the northern slopes of the Mount Macedon Range, with farmland, bushland, and the Macedon Ranges scenery. The locality is home to Hesket Primary School (State School 1004), one of the area's historic community institutions.

How far is Hesket from Melbourne CBD? +

Hesket is approximately 68 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 60–75 minutes via the Calder Freeway in off-peak conditions.

Does Hesket have public transport? +

Hesket has no regular bus service. The nearest train station is Woodend, approximately 9 kilometres to the west, on the V/Line Bendigo Line. A car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Hesket? +

Hesket had a population of 178 at the 2021 Census, making it a small rural locality in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Is Hesket a good place to live? +

Hesket appeals to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle within reach of Melbourne, with the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges on the doorstep. It is best suited to people who value space and tranquillity over urban convenience, and are comfortable relying on a car for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Hesket? +

The postcode for Hesket, VIC is 3442.

Is Hesket a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Hesket is part of the Macedon Ranges 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.