🔍

Kawarren

VIC 3249 • Victoria

189
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
64.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHinterlandPeacefulBushland
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About Kawarren

Kawarren is a small rural locality nestled in the foothills of the Otway Ranges within the Colac Otway Council area in south-western Victoria, approximately 175 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Covering over 64 square kilometres of hilly farming and forest land, the locality sits in the picturesque country between Colac and the Great Ocean Road hinterland. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 189 residents, reflecting its character as a loosely settled farming community.

The locality has a growing profile as a destination for nature tourism, with the Echidna House hosting a popular monthly market (Otway Makers & Growers, held on the fourth Sunday) that draws visitors from across the region. Surrounding bushland and Otway Ranges scenery provide excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The nearby town of Colac, around 20 kilometres to the north, provides everyday services, shopping, and schools, while the Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park are accessible to the south.

Kawarren falls under postcode 3249 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3249
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.39°, 143.56°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
64.72 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3249

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3249 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$49,010
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,254

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3249; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Colac (nearest town) Car required

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
175 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Colac station (~20km) for V/Line Warrnambool Line (~2h 40min)
By Car (Peak)
2h – 2h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 50min – 2h 10min

🛣️ Princes Highway (Hamilton Highway) via Colac provides main road access to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Kawarren is a scattered rural locality with no local retail or services; all daily needs require driving to Colac or nearby towns

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
189
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Down 23.5%
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.6% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k
2yr Up 67.8% 10yr Up 11.8%
View all offence subgroups for Colac Otway →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kawarren known for? +

Kawarren is known for its beautiful Otway Ranges foothills setting and the monthly Otway Makers & Growers market held at Echidna House on the fourth Sunday of each month, which draws visitors from across the region for local produce and artisan goods.

How far is Kawarren from Melbourne? +

Kawarren is approximately 175 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 2 hour drive via the Princes Highway through Geelong and Colac.

Does Kawarren have public transport? +

Kawarren has no public transport services. The nearest V/Line train station is at Colac, approximately 20 kilometres north, which is served by the Warrnambool Line to Melbourne. A car is essential for all travel.

What is the population of Kawarren? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 189 residents in Kawarren, spread across approximately 64 square kilometres of farming and forest land in the Colac Otway Council area.

Is Kawarren a good place to live? +

Kawarren offers a peaceful rural lifestyle surrounded by Otway Ranges scenery, appealing to those seeking seclusion, nature, and a genuine country community feel. It suits hobby farmers, retirees, and those working remotely who value space over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Kawarren? +

The postcode for Kawarren, VIC is 3249, which it shares with nearby localities in the Colac Otway area.

Is Kawarren a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kawarren is part of the Colac Otway 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.