🔍

Meerlieu

VIC 3862 • Victoria

90
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
97.02 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalLakesideQuiet
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About Meerlieu

Meerlieu is a small rural locality in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, situated within Wellington Shire and approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Bairnsdale. Covering around 97 square kilometres of agricultural and pastoral land, the locality had a population of 90 at the 2021 Census and is characterised by farming properties, open paddocks, and scattered rural residences. The area sits between the major regional centres of Sale and Bairnsdale, offering reasonable access to services in both towns.

Meerlieu lies within easy reach of the Gippsland Lakes, one of Victoria's most celebrated natural environments, making it attractive to those who value a country lifestyle with access to outstanding recreational opportunities. The surrounding district is primarily used for cattle grazing and mixed farming. Residents access services, schools, and shopping in Bairnsdale to the east or Sale to the west, while the locality's rural character and relative affordability make it a quiet option for those seeking acreage living in Gippsland.

Meerlieu falls under postcode 3862 and is governed by the Wellington Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3862
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wellington
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.60°, 147.23°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
97.02 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3862

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3862, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$42,056
Median 2023–24
$53,259
▲ 26.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$61,609

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3862; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus service — Bairnsdale / Sale N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Bairnsdale Station for Bairnsdale Line trains (~3 hr 30 min to Flinders Street)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 10 min - 3 hr 40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 50 min - 3 hr 20 min

🛣️ Princes Highway (A1) provides main access to Melbourne via Sale; car is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote rural locality with no local services; a car is required for all errands and travel to Bairnsdale or Sale

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
90
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
494.7 / 100k
2yr Up 59.5% 10yr Down 28.0%
Motor vehicle theft
191.9 / 100k
2yr Up 84.4% 10yr Up 57.6%
Non-FV assault
432.8 / 100k
2yr Up 10.3% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
577.8 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Up 72.3%
View all offence subgroups for Wellington →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meerlieu known for? +

Meerlieu is known for its quiet rural character and proximity to the Gippsland Lakes, one of Victoria's most iconic natural environments. The locality is primarily agricultural, with cattle grazing and mixed farming the dominant land uses.

How far is Meerlieu from Bairnsdale? +

Meerlieu is approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Bairnsdale, typically a 25–35 minute drive. It is also accessible from Sale to the west, approximately 40 kilometres away.

Does Meerlieu have public transport? +

Meerlieu has no public transport. The nearest train station is Bairnsdale, approximately 30 kilometres away on the Bairnsdale Line. A car is essential for all travel and daily errands.

What is the population of Meerlieu? +

According to the 2021 Census, Meerlieu has a population of 90 residents. It is a sparsely settled rural locality spread across nearly 97 square kilometres of East Gippsland countryside.

Is Meerlieu a good place to live? +

Meerlieu is well-suited to those seeking affordable acreage living in a quiet rural setting. Its proximity to the Gippsland Lakes, and reasonable access to the regional services of Bairnsdale and Sale, make it appealing for hobby farmers and those wanting to escape urban life.

What is the postcode for Meerlieu? +

The postcode for Meerlieu is 3862, shared with Bairnsdale and several other East Gippsland localities.

Is Meerlieu a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Meerlieu is part of the Wellington 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.