🔍

Lake Bolac

VIC 3351 • Victoria

368
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
273.74 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralLakesidePeacefulAgriculturalCar-Dependent
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About Lake Bolac

Lake Bolac is a small town in the Western District of Victoria, within the Rural City of Ararat, located approximately 217 kilometres west of Melbourne and 91 kilometres west of Ballarat on the Glenelg Highway. The town sits on the shores of Lake Bolac, a large shallow lake whose name derives from the Djab Wurrung word meaning swamp or lake, reflecting the deep connection of the Girai Wurrung people to this land. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 368, spread across a large locality of over 273 square kilometres of agricultural land.

Lake Bolac serves as a service point for surrounding farming properties in this broad pastoral landscape and is known for its excellent freshwater fishing, particularly for golden perch and other native species in the lake. The Glenelg Highway provides easy access to Ararat to the north and to Dunkeld and the Grampians to the west, making the town a convenient stop on the popular Western District touring route. Residents enjoy a quiet, self-reliant rural lifestyle with a genuine country community atmosphere.

Lake Bolac falls under postcode 3351 and is governed by the Ararat 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
Victoria
Postcode
3351
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ararat
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.76°, 143.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
273.74 km²
Population Density
1 /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

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Ballarat / Ararat Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
217 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Ballarat then take train to Melbourne (total 2h+)
By Car (Peak)
2h 30min - 3h
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 15min - 2h 45min

🛣️ Access via Western Highway (A8) and Glenelg Highway; car is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Lake Bolac has minimal local services; a car is required for most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
368
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
504.5 / 100k
2yr Up 25.4% 10yr Up 18.5%
Motor vehicle theft
265.1 / 100k
2yr Up 23.9% 10yr Up 159.4%
Non-FV assault
384.8 / 100k
2yr Down 18.3% 10yr Down 27.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
538.7 / 100k
2yr Up 33.9% 10yr Up 118.2%
View all offence subgroups for Ararat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Bolac known for? +

Lake Bolac is known for its large shallow lake, which offers excellent freshwater fishing — particularly for golden perch — and its location on the Glenelg Highway in Victoria's pastoral Western District.

How far is Lake Bolac from Melbourne? +

Lake Bolac is approximately 217 kilometres west of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 2.5 hour drive via the Western Highway and Glenelg Highway.

Does Lake Bolac have public transport? +

Public transport in Lake Bolac is very limited. There is no rail service to the town; the nearest train station is at Ballarat, approximately 91 kilometres to the east. A car is essential for most travel.

What is the population of Lake Bolac? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Bolac and its surrounding area have a population of 368, spread across over 273 square kilometres of farmland in the Rural City of Ararat.

Is Lake Bolac a good place to live? +

Lake Bolac suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle, access to fishing and outdoor activities, and a genuine country community. It is best suited to self-sufficient residents comfortable with limited services and long drives to major centres.

What is the postcode for Lake Bolac? +

The postcode for Lake Bolac, Victoria is 3351.

Is Lake Bolac a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Bolac is part of the Ararat 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.