Hillcrest

VIC 3351 • Victoria

99
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
10.60 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
Semi-RuralQuietAffordableCommuter Belt
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About Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a small semi-rural locality in western Victoria, nestled between the villages of Smythesdale and Snake Valley within the Pyrenees Shire. Located approximately 19 kilometres west of Ballarat, Hillcrest recorded a 2021 Census population of 99 residents across just 10.6 square kilometres. The locality sits on Wadawurrung Country and attracts residents seeking a tree-change lifestyle with proximity to Ballarat's services.

The area is characterised by rolling farmland, scattered bushland, and larger lifestyle blocks that appeal to families and hobby farmers. Smythesdale and Snake Valley provide basic services, while Ballarat offers comprehensive shopping, schools, healthcare, and entertainment. The region is popular for bushwalking, with the Enfield State Park and surrounding forests nearby, and the broader goldfields heritage of central Victoria adds historical character to the area.

Hillcrest falls under postcode 3351 and is governed by the Pyrenees 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
Postcode
3351
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.76°, 143.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
10.60 km²
Population Density
9 /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
19 km
N/A — car required

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
Drive to Ballarat (~19 km), then approx. 1 hr 15 min by V/Line to Southern Cross
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 40 min – 2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 25 min – 1 hr 40 min

🛣️ Car essential for daily travel; Western Freeway via Ballarat is the main route to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural residential locality with no local shops; a car is needed for all errands and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
99
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
386.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
286.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
236.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
510.6 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hillcrest known for? +

Hillcrest is a quiet semi-rural locality between Smythesdale and Snake Valley in the Pyrenees Shire. It is known for its lifestyle blocks, open farmland, and proximity to the goldfields heritage region of central western Victoria.

How far is Hillcrest from Ballarat? +

Hillcrest is approximately 19 kilometres west of Ballarat, roughly a 20-minute drive via the Glenelg Highway.

Does Hillcrest have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Hillcrest directly. The nearest train station is Ballarat, about 19 km away, which offers frequent V/Line services to Melbourne's Southern Cross station.

What is the population of Hillcrest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Hillcrest has a population of 99 people across 10.6 square kilometres, making it a low-density rural locality.

Is Hillcrest a good place to live? +

Hillcrest appeals to those seeking affordable rural living within commuting distance of Ballarat. It suits families and tree-changers who value space, privacy, and a connection to the natural landscape while still having access to a regional city's services.

What is the postcode for Hillcrest? +

The postcode for Hillcrest, Victoria is 3351.

Is Hillcrest a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Hillcrest is part of the Pyrenees 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.