Merino

About Merino

Merino is a small rural town in Victoria's Western District, located approximately 363 kilometres west of Melbourne in the Shire of Glenelg local government area. With a 2021 Census population of 249 residents across 97.5 square kilometres, it is a quiet agricultural community set in the pastoral landscape of south-western Victoria. The town takes its name from the merino sheep that have defined the region's economy for over a century, and farming of sheep, cattle, wheat, and other grains continues to underpin local livelihoods.

Merino developed as a township in the latter half of the 19th century, shaped by English, Scottish, and Irish settlers who established pastoral runs and farms across the fertile volcanic soils. The town retains a classic small-town character with heritage buildings and a strong connection to the agricultural calendar. Larger service centres including Hamilton (approximately 50 kilometres to the north-east) and Portland (approximately 60 kilometres to the south-west) provide access to supermarkets, hospitals, and high schools, while Merino itself offers the quiet appeal of a genuine rural community.

Merino falls under postcode 3310 and is governed by the Glenelg Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Lowan (Western Victoria) electorate.

Nearby Suburbs

• Tahara West, VIC 3310
• Corndale, VIC 3311
• Digby, VIC 3309
• Bahgallah, VIC 3312
• Brimboal, VIC 3312
• Dorodong, VIC 3312