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Macarthur

VIC 3286 • Victoria

469
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
298.93 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricQuietAgriculturalPeaceful
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About Macarthur

Macarthur is a small rural town in the Shire of Moyne in Victoria's Western District, situated on the Hamilton–Port Fairy Road approximately 50 kilometres south of Hamilton and 30 kilometres north-east of Port Fairy. The town lies within the pastoral country of south-west Victoria, near the Eumeralla River, and covers a substantial 299-square-kilometre locality. With a 2021 Census population of around 469 residents, Macarthur is a quiet, historic community originally known as Eumeralla, serving the surrounding farming district.

Macarthur retains a number of historic buildings including a former court house (now home to the Historical Society), a Mechanics' Institute Hall, and the Macarthur Golf Club. The town participates in local Australian Rules football through a joint team with neighbouring Hawkesdale in the Mininera and District Football League. The broader area is known for pastoral farming and the rich volcanic plains of the Western District. Macarthur suits those seeking a quiet country lifestyle in historic surroundings, with Port Fairy and Warrnambool providing the nearest access to coastal amenities and full retail services.

Macarthur falls under postcode 3286 and is governed by the Moyne Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3286
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moyne
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.04°, 141.96°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
298.93 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3286

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3286 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$50,136
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$77,876

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3286; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Warrnambool / Hamilton 50-60 min to Warrnambool

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Warrnambool then V/Line train to Melbourne (approx. 3 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hrs to Melbourne via Hamilton–Princes Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hrs

🛣️ Warrnambool (55 km south) is the regional hub for shopping and rail connections; Hamilton (50 km north) also accessible

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small country town with basic local services; a car is needed for most shopping, healthcare, and major errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
469
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
191.1 / 100k
2yr Up 12.2% 10yr Down 37.3%
Motor vehicle theft
84.3 / 100k
2yr Up 35.0% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
118 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 26.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
264.2 / 100k
2yr Up 45.4% 10yr Up 63.8%
View all offence subgroups for Moyne →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macarthur VIC known for? +

Macarthur is known for its pastoral heritage in the Western District of Victoria, its historic buildings including the old Court House (now Historical Society) and Mechanics' Institute Hall, and its community connection through local Australian Rules football and the Macarthur Golf Club.

How far is Macarthur VIC from Melbourne? +

Macarthur is approximately 280 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, typically a 3 to 3.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway. The nearest V/Line rail connection is at Warrnambool, about 55 kilometres south.

Does Macarthur VIC have public transport? +

Macarthur has limited public transport; there is no rail service directly to the town. Regional coach connections to Warrnambool and Hamilton are available, and from Warrnambool the V/Line train provides access to Melbourne. A car is the most practical option for day-to-day travel.

What is the population of Macarthur VIC? +

According to the 2021 Census, Macarthur had a population of approximately 469 residents. The township serves a broader rural district in the Shire of Moyne in Victoria's Western District.

Is Macarthur VIC a good place to live? +

Macarthur suits those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle in Victoria's historic Western District. The town has a strong community spirit, and nearby centres like Warrnambool and Hamilton provide access to healthcare, shopping, and schools, though a car is essential for everyday life.

What is the postcode for Macarthur VIC? +

The postcode for Macarthur in Victoria is 3286.

Is Macarthur a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Macarthur is part of the Moyne 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.

What is the population of Macarthur? +

Macarthur had a population of 469 at the 2021 Census.