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Long Forest

VIC 3340 • Victoria

343
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
10.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
Semi-RuralBushlandConservation AreaOuter MetropolitanNature
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About Long Forest

Long Forest is a small rural locality on Melbourne's western fringe, approximately 47 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD near the town of Bacchus Marsh, within the Melton local government area. The locality spans 10.9 square kilometres and recorded a population of 343 at the 2021 Census. It takes its name from the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve, a significant ecological area protecting rare mallee scrubland and native wildlife habitat. The median tax income of around $51,000 reflects a mix of rural landholders and commuters who value the semi-rural setting close to Melbourne.

The Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is the locality's defining feature — a protected area of nationally significant mallee scrub home to rare plants, birds, and reptiles, popular with bushwalkers and wildlife enthusiasts. The nearby township of Bacchus Marsh, approximately 5 kilometres to the east, provides supermarkets, schools, medical facilities, and a V/Line station on the Ballarat line with regular services to Melbourne. The locality appeals to those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of the city, surrounded by natural bushland and the open landscapes of the Lerderderg Valley corridor.

Long Forest falls under postcode 3340 and is governed by the Moorabool Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gorton, while state elections fall under the Melton (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3340
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moorabool
Federal Electorate
Gorton
State Electorate
Melton (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.79°, 144.39°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
10.88 km²
Population Density
32 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3340

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3340, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$51,354
Median 2023–24
$61,422
▲ 19.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$73,274

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3340; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bacchus Marsh Station
5 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • No regular local bus service within Long Forest — N/A N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
47 km
By Train
60-70 min via V/Line Ballarat Line from Bacchus Marsh Station (~5km away)
By Car (Peak)
60-80 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-55 min

🛣️ Access via Western Freeway (M8); Bacchus Marsh Station offers practical rail commute to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural locality with no local shops or services; a car is needed for all daily needs, with Bacchus Marsh township nearby

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
343
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
319.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 23.2%
Motor vehicle theft
273 / 100k
2yr Up 22.6% 10yr Up 29.3%
Non-FV assault
201.7 / 100k
2yr Up 21.3% 10yr Up 31.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 19.6%
Steal from vehicle
617.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 17.3%
View all offence subgroups for Moorabool →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Long Forest known for? +

Long Forest is known for the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve, a significant ecological area protecting rare mallee scrubland on Melbourne's western fringe. The reserve is home to nationally significant native plants, reptiles, and birds, and is a popular spot for bushwalking and wildlife watching.

How far is Long Forest from Melbourne? +

Long Forest is approximately 47 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 45–55 minute drive via the Western Freeway (M8) under off-peak conditions, or 60–80 minutes during peak hour.

Does Long Forest have public transport? +

Long Forest itself has no direct public transport services, but Bacchus Marsh train station (approximately 5 kilometres to the east) is served by V/Line Ballarat Line trains with regular services to Melbourne Southern Cross Station, with the journey taking around 60–70 minutes.

What is the population of Long Forest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Long Forest has a population of 343 residents across its 10.9 square kilometres, making it a small semi-rural community on Melbourne's outer western fringe.

Is Long Forest a good place to live? +

Long Forest appeals to those who value a semi-rural lifestyle close to nature, with the Western Freeway and V/Line Ballarat Line providing practical access to Melbourne. It suits those who enjoy bushland surroundings and prefer the relaxed pace of the Bacchus Marsh area while remaining within commuting distance of the city.

What is the postcode for Long Forest? +

The postcode for Long Forest, Victoria is 3340, shared with Bacchus Marsh and several surrounding localities in the Moorabool Valley area.

Is Long Forest a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Long Forest is part of the Moorabool 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.