🔍

Kernot

VIC 3979 • Victoria

118
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
25.76 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricQuietSemi-Rural
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About Kernot

Kernot is a small rural town in the Bass Coast Shire, located in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. With a population of around 118, the town covers roughly 26 square kilometres of gently rolling agricultural land between Wonthaggi and the Bass Coast hinterland. Kernot has a quiet rural character and a history tied to the former Wonthaggi railway line, which once served the locality before its closure in 1978.

The locality has a strong sense of local history, and the Kernot Food and Wine Store — established in 1911 — remains a gathering point for the small community. Residents enjoy proximity to the scenic South Gippsland coastline, including Phillip Island, Cape Paterson, and Inverloch, all within a short drive. The area suits those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle within reach of Bass Coast's beaches and the services of Wonthaggi, the nearest major town.

Kernot falls under postcode 3979 and is governed by the Bass Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3979
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.45°, 145.59°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
25.76 km²
Population Density
5 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3979

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3979 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$48,112
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,631

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3979; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Wonthaggi, Korumburra Approx. 20–30 min to Wonthaggi

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Pakenham or Dandenong for V/Line connections
By Car (Peak)
1.5–2.5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5–2 hr

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway provides the main road connection; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Kernot has minimal local facilities; a car is required for virtually all shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
118
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
385.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 18.3%
Motor vehicle theft
160.2 / 100k
2yr Up 66.9% 10yr Up 41.1%
Non-FV assault
259.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 62.3%
Steal from vehicle
349.7 / 100k
2yr Up 24.5% 10yr Down 13.3%
View all offence subgroups for Bass Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kernot known for? +

Kernot is known for its railway heritage — a former station on the now-closed Wonthaggi line — and the historic Kernot Food and Wine Store, established in 1911, which remains a community landmark. The town also has a long local football history dating back to the early 1900s.

How far is Kernot from Melbourne? +

Kernot is approximately 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, typically a 1.5 to 2 hour drive via South Gippsland Highway.

Does Kernot have public transport? +

Kernot does not have rail service — the former Kernot station closed in 1978. Limited regional coach services connect the area to nearby Wonthaggi, but a car is the primary mode of transport for most residents.

What is the population of Kernot? +

Kernot has a population of approximately 118 residents according to the 2021 Census, making it one of the smaller towns in the Bass Coast Shire.

Is Kernot a good place to live? +

Kernot offers a peaceful rural lifestyle in South Gippsland, with easy access to Bass Coast beaches, Phillip Island, and the services of Wonthaggi. It suits those who appreciate a quiet community atmosphere and are comfortable relying on a car for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Kernot? +

The postcode for Kernot is 3979.

Is Kernot a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kernot is part of the Bass Coast 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.