Lake Wendouree

VIC 3350 • Rest of VIC

2,878
Population (2021)
$101,556
Median Household Income
4.57 km²
Area
$321/wk
Median Rent
AffluentHeritageLakesidePrestigeEstablished

About Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree is a prestigious residential suburb in Ballarat, Victoria, situated at an elevation of 452 metres on the western edge of the Ballarat CBD within the City of Ballarat. With a population of 2,878, the suburb takes its name from the iconic shallow lake that borders it — a central feature of Ballarat's heritage landscape and a venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games rowing events. The median age of 53 and a median household income of approximately $1,953 per week reflect an affluent, established community of professionals and retirees who prize the suburb's prestigious address and lakeside setting.

Lake Wendouree is one of Ballarat's most sought-after addresses, lined with heritage homes, stately Victorian-era residences, and contemporary architect-designed houses overlooking the lake foreshore. Residents enjoy the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, and regular walking and cycling paths around the lake's perimeter. Ballarat's train station, offering V/Line services to Melbourne in approximately 70–80 minutes, is within easy reach, and the suburb's proximity to the Ballarat CBD means residents have access to excellent dining, arts, and cultural amenities.

Lake Wendouree falls under postcode 3350 and is governed by Ballarat Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wendouree (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3350
Urban Area
Ballarat
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.55°, 143.83°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
4.57 km²
Elevation
452m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$795K
11 sales · ▼ 39.3% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$513K
10 sales · ▼ 10.9% 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)
$321
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,106
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
53 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

4 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat
1.8 km
22 min

Bus Services

  • Ballarat Transit Routes 1, 10 — Ballarat CBD / Central 5-10 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
Approx. 70-80 min via V/Line Ballarat Line from Ballarat station
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-80 min

🛣️ Western Freeway (M8) provides direct road connection to Melbourne; frequent V/Line services from Ballarat station

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The lake foreshore, botanical gardens, and Ballarat CBD are walkable from most parts of the suburb, though a car is helpful for larger errands

🛒 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 Wendouree. 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
Motor vehicle theft
449.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
395.7 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
1.6 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
1,167 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,882
Census 2021
2,878
0.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$42,640
Personal Income 2021
$52,520
23.2% 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
$52,520 / yr
$1010/wk
Household
$101,556 / yr
$1953/wk
Family
$149,708 / yr
$2879/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,363
Born Overseas 355

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 56
  • 2. New Zealand 32
  • 3. India 30
  • 4. Netherlands 20
  • 5. United States 19
  • 6. Vietnam 15
  • 7. China 14
  • 8. Malaysia 14
  • 9. Scotland 13
  • 10. Ireland 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,226
Australian 977
Irish 569
Scottish 429
German 97
Dutch 75
Chinese 73
Italian 71
Indian 37
Welsh 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,991
Both parents born in Australia
424
Both parents born overseas
296
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.1%
No Religion
37.1%
Hinduism
0.8%
Buddhism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.5%
Islam
0.4%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
79 (2.7%)
5-14 years
317 (11.0%)
15-19 years
178 (6.2%)
20-24 years
117 (4.1%)
25-34 years
169 (5.9%)
35-44 years
261 (9.1%)
45-54 years
391 (13.6%)
55-64 years
431 (15.0%)
65-74 years
440 (15.3%)
75-84 years
317 (11.0%)
85+ years
182 (6.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Wendouree known for? +

Lake Wendouree is known for its iconic shallow lake, which hosted the rowing events of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and remains one of Victoria's most photographed landmarks. The suburb is also celebrated for its heritage streetscapes, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and status as Ballarat's most prestigious residential address.

How far is Lake Wendouree from Melbourne? +

Lake Wendouree is approximately 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD, typically a 70–80 minute drive via the Western Freeway (M8), or around 70–80 minutes by V/Line train from Ballarat station.

Does Lake Wendouree have public transport? +

Lake Wendouree is served by local Ballarat Transit bus routes and is approximately 1.8 kilometres from Ballarat train station, which offers regular V/Line services to Melbourne Southern Cross Station in around 70–80 minutes.

What is the population of Lake Wendouree? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Wendouree has a population of 2,878 residents, with a median age of 53, reflecting the suburb's established and older demographic.

Is Lake Wendouree a good place to live? +

Lake Wendouree is consistently regarded as one of Ballarat's finest suburbs, offering heritage character, lakeside beauty, and a strong sense of community. It suits professionals, families, and retirees who value a prestigious address, natural amenity, and access to Ballarat's cultural and dining scene.

What is the postcode for Lake Wendouree? +

Lake Wendouree's postcode is 3350.

What is the average income in Lake Wendouree? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Lake Wendouree is about $1,010 per week (around $52,500 per year). The median household income is $1,953 per week and the median family income is $2,879 per week.

What is the median house price in Lake Wendouree? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $795,000, down 39.3% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $512,500, down 10.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Lake Wendouree? +

The median age in Lake Wendouree is 53. The largest age group is 65–74 (440 residents, around 15%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 33% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Lake Wendouree a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Wendouree 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 Wendouree? +

In Lake Wendouree, the median weekly rent is $321, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,106 (2021 Census).