🔍

Loch

VIC 3945 • Victoria

707
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
76.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricQuietAgricultural
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About Loch

Loch is a small historic town in Victoria's South Gippsland region, located approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Melbourne within the South Gippsland Shire. Established in 1876 and named after Governor Henry Loch, the town has a population of 707 and spans a generous rural footprint of over 76 square kilometres. The area has a relaxed country character with a mix of long-established farming families and tree-change residents drawn to its peaceful surrounds and affordable lifestyle.

Loch's main street retains a pleasingly old-fashioned village feel, anchored by the heritage Victoria Manor building — now home to the Loch Brewery & Distillery — as well as antique shops and a smattering of local businesses that attract day-trippers from Melbourne. The Great Southern Rail Trail, built on the former South Gippsland railway corridor, passes through the area and offers excellent cycling and walking through rolling farmland. There is no regular rail service; residents rely on private vehicles and V/Line coach services for travel to larger centres.

Loch falls under postcode 3945 and is governed by the South Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3945
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
South Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.38°, 145.70°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
76.41 km²
Population Density
9 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3945

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3945 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$44,250
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,566

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3945; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach (Yarram–Melbourne) — Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) Approx. 2 hrs 30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
No direct train service. V/Line coach from Leongatha (~18 km) to Southern Cross Station.
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway is the main route to Melbourne. A car is essential for daily life.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Loch is a small rural town with very limited amenities on foot; a car is essential for most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
707
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
326.2 / 100k
2yr Up 15.6% 10yr Up 15.8%
Motor vehicle theft
249.4 / 100k
2yr Up 78.8% 10yr Up 202.7%
Non-FV assault
198.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
460.5 / 100k
2yr Up 153.5% 10yr Up 71.9%
View all offence subgroups for South Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loch known for? +

Loch is known for its well-preserved Victorian-era streetscape, the Loch Brewery & Distillery (housed in the historic Victoria Manor building), and its position along the Great Southern Rail Trail — a popular cycling and walking route through South Gippsland's rolling countryside.

How far is Loch from Melbourne? +

Loch is approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 1 hour 30 minute to 2 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Loch have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Loch — the South Gippsland railway line was closed in 1994. V/Line coach services connect the broader region to Melbourne, but a private vehicle is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Loch? +

According to the 2021 Census, Loch has a population of 707 residents, spread across a large rural locality of over 76 square kilometres in South Gippsland Shire.

Is Loch a good place to live? +

Loch suits those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle with a genuine village feel, not far from the scenic South Gippsland coast. It's an appealing tree-change destination for Melbourne commuters who don't mind the drive, though limited local services mean a car is a necessity.

What is the postcode for Loch? +

The postcode for Loch, Victoria is 3945.

Is Loch a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Loch is part of the South Gippsland 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.