🔍

Lake Gardens

VIC 3355 • Rest of VIC

1,801
Population (2021)
$79,768
Median Household Income
1.20 km²
Area
$360/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyPrestigiousLeafyLake ViewsHistoric

About Lake Gardens

Lake Gardens is a prestigious inner suburb on the western fringe of Ballarat, Victoria, located approximately 5.5 kilometres from Ballarat's city centre. With a population of around 1,800 (2021 census), the suburb covers 1.38 square kilometres and takes its name from the nearby Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree. The area is characterised by wide, leafy streets and large period and contemporary homes.

Lake Gardens is one of Ballarat's most sought-after addresses, attracting families and professionals who value its proximity to Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and quality schools. The suburb offers a relaxed, upscale lifestyle with easy access to Victoria Park, local cafés, and recreational facilities. Ballarat's train services to Melbourne make it popular with commuters, and the suburb's green, suburban character gives it a strong community feel.

Lake Gardens falls under postcode 3355 and is governed by Ballarat Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wendouree (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3355
Urban Area
Ballarat
LGA / Council
Ballarat
Federal Electorate
Ballarat
State Electorate
Wendouree (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.55°, 143.82°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
1.20 km²
Elevation
462m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Lake Gardens for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$602K
8 sales · ▼ 19.9% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$360
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.6%

0 state housing + 27 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat Station
5.5 km
V/Line Ballarat line to Melbourne

Bus Services

  • 1,3,7 — Ballarat CBD / Wendouree ~10-15min to city centre

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
112 km
By Train
~1h 10min (V/Line from Ballarat Station)
By Car (Peak)
~1h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~1h 10min

🛣️ V/Line trains run frequently from Ballarat Station to Melbourne. Local buses connect to Ballarat city. The Western Ring Road and Western Freeway provide direct car access to Melbourne.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Quiet residential suburb with some walkable green space around Lake Wendouree; most amenities require a short drive or bus ride to Ballarat city.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
467.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 46.3%
Motor vehicle theft
449.8 / 100k
2yr Up 23.3% 10yr Up 11.4%
Non-FV assault
395.7 / 100k
2yr Up 38.7% 10yr Up 20.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
1.6 / 100k
2yr Down 52.3% 10yr Up 67.2%
Steal from vehicle
1,167 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 27.0%
View all offence subgroups for Ballarat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,695
Census 2021
1,801
▲ 6.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,932
Personal Income 2021
$39,676
▲ 10.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$39,676 / yr
$763/wk
Household
$79,768 / yr
$1534/wk
Family
$107,328 / yr
$2064/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,402
Born Overseas 335

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 72
  • 2. England 57
  • 3. India 30
  • 4. South Africa 13
  • 5. Germany 11
  • 6. New Zealand 11
  • 7. Brazil 9
  • 8. Japan 9
  • 9. Malaysia 9
  • 10. Scotland 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 711
Australian 596
Irish 312
Scottish 277
Chinese 126
German 78
Indian 43
Dutch 42
Italian 39
Welsh 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,141
Both parents born in Australia
435
Both parents born overseas
172
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.7%
No Religion
37.7%
Buddhism
1.8%
Hinduism
1.8%
Islam
1.0%
Sikhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (3.8%)
5-14 years
172 (9.6%)
15-19 years
154 (8.6%)
20-24 years
73 (4.1%)
25-34 years
138 (7.7%)
35-44 years
148 (8.2%)
45-54 years
264 (14.7%)
55-64 years
266 (14.8%)
65-74 years
250 (13.9%)
75-84 years
218 (12.1%)
85+ years
56 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Gardens known for? +

Lake Gardens is one of Ballarat's most sought-after addresses, known for its position on the shores of Lake Wendouree and proximity to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The suburb features elegant period homes and a prestigious, established residential character.

How far is Lake Gardens from Ballarat CBD? +

Lake Gardens is approximately 5.5 kilometres from the Ballarat city centre. Melbourne is approximately 110 kilometres away, around a 1 hour 20 minute drive or train journey via V/Line.

Does Lake Gardens have public transport? +

Lake Gardens is served by local Ballarat bus routes. The nearest V/Line stations are Wendouree and Ballarat, both providing regular train services to Melbourne Southern Cross in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

What is the population of Lake Gardens? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Gardens has a population of approximately 1,801 residents, an established community with a median age reflecting a mix of families and professionals.

Is Lake Gardens a good place to live? +

Lake Gardens is highly desirable for its lake views, proximity to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, heritage streetscapes, and quality schools. It suits families and professionals seeking a prestigious lifestyle in regional Victoria's largest inland city.

What is the postcode for Lake Gardens? +

The postcode for Lake Gardens is 3355.

What is the average income in Lake Gardens? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Lake Gardens is about $763 per week (around $39,700 per year). The median household income is $1,534 per week and the median family income is $2,064 per week.

What is the median house price in Lake Gardens? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $601,500, down 19.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Lake Gardens? +

The median age in Lake Gardens is 51. The largest age group is 55–64 (266 residents, around 15%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 29% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Lake Gardens a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Gardens is part of the Ballarat 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.

How much is rent in Lake Gardens? +

In Lake Gardens, the median weekly rent is $360, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).