🔍

Howqua

VIC 3723 • Victoria

158
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
38.97 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteMountainRuralHinterlandPeaceful
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About Howqua

Howqua is a remote rural locality in the Shire of Mansfield, nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps approximately 130 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's CBD. With a population of around 158, it is one of the more sparsely settled localities in the region, spread across approximately 39 square kilometres of alpine and sub-alpine terrain. The locality takes its name from the Howqua River, which flows through the area from its headwaters below Mount Howitt before emptying into Lake Eildon.

The area is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Howqua Hills Historic Area — managed by Parks Victoria — offering walking trails, 4WD tracks, and historic gold-era huts including the iconic Fry's Hut. Lake Eildon and the Alpine National Park are close by, making Howqua a popular base for fishing, camping, and bushwalking. The permanent community is small and tight-knit, supplemented by holiday-goers and weekenders drawn to the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding high country.

Howqua 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
38.97 km²
Population Density
4 /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

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Mansfield for V/Line coach connections (~3 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via Maroondah Highway and Mansfield–Whitfield Road; roads can be challenging in winter

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Fully remote and car-dependent; all services are accessed in Mansfield township

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
158
▲ 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 Howqua. 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 Howqua known for? +

Howqua is best known for the Howqua River and the surrounding Howqua Hills Historic Area, which contains historic gold-era huts and is popular for 4WD touring, bushwalking, and fly fishing. Its proximity to Lake Eildon and the Alpine National Park makes it a favourite destination for outdoor adventurers.

How far is Howqua from Melbourne? +

Howqua is approximately 130 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's CBD, typically around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Maroondah Highway through Mansfield.

Does Howqua have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Howqua directly. The nearest V/Line coach stop is in Mansfield, approximately 25 kilometres away. A private vehicle is essential for accessing the area.

What is the population of Howqua? +

According to the 2021 Census, Howqua has a population of approximately 158 permanent residents. The locality sees a significant seasonal increase from holiday visitors, particularly in summer and during school holidays.

Is Howqua a good place to live? +

Howqua is ideal for those seeking a deeply rural, nature-immersed lifestyle in the Victorian high country. With no local shops or services and limited connectivity, it suits self-sufficient residents or holiday-home owners who value wilderness and privacy over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Howqua? +

The postcode for Howqua, Victoria is 3723.

Is Howqua a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Howqua 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.