🔍

Modella

VIC 3816 • Victoria

169
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
28.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralSemi-RuralAffordableCommuter Belt
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About Modella

Modella is a small rural locality in West Gippsland, Victoria, situated approximately 77 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD, spanning across both the Shire of Baw Baw and Shire of Cardinia local government areas. With a population of 169 residents across around 28.7 square kilometres, Modella is a farming district characterised by open paddocks, rural properties, and the gentle landscapes of the former Koo Wee Rup Swamp country. The nearby township of Bunyip, about 7 kilometres to the north-west, serves as the main local service centre.

The Bunyip River corridor runs through the broader West Gippsland region, adding natural character to the surrounding landscape. Modella suits those seeking a quieter, semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of Melbourne, with the Gippsland railway line running through Bunyip providing train access to the city. The area attracts hobby farmers, families after space, and those looking for affordability that is increasingly rare in Melbourne's outer south-east. The median individual income in the postcode area is around 5,000, reflecting the mixed rural and working-family demographic.

Modella falls under postcode 3816 and is governed by the Baw Baw Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3816
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Baw Baw
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Narracan (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.04°, 145.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
28.72 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3816

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3816, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,374
Median 2023–24
$56,850
▲ 25.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$65,710

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3816; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bunyip
7 km
N/A — car required

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Bunyip / Pakenham Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
77 km
By Train
Drive to Bunyip station (~7 km), then V/Line Gippsland Line approx. 1 hr 20 min to Flinders Street
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway and Princes Highway both accessible; drive to Bunyip for V/Line trains

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Modella is a rural locality with no local shops or services — a car is required for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
169
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
278.9 / 100k
2yr Up 42.1% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
231.3 / 100k
2yr Up 100.4% 10yr Up 40.8%
Non-FV assault
313.7 / 100k
2yr Down 11.5% 10yr Up 33.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
1.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
733.7 / 100k
2yr Up 83.1% 10yr Up 33.0%
View all offence subgroups for Baw Baw →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Modella known for? +

Modella is known as a quiet rural locality in West Gippsland, offering open farming land across the Baw Baw and Cardinia shires. It appeals to those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of Melbourne.

How far is Modella from Melbourne? +

Modella is approximately 77 kilometres south-east of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive depending on traffic conditions.

Does Modella have public transport? +

Modella has no direct public transport. The nearest train station is Bunyip, approximately 7 kilometres away, which is served by V/Line's Gippsland Line with trains running to Flinders Street in Melbourne. A car is needed to reach the station.

What is the population of Modella? +

According to the 2021 Census, Modella has a population of 169 residents across approximately 55 dwellings, a very small rural community straddling the Baw Baw and Cardinia shire boundaries.

Is Modella a good place to live? +

Modella is ideal for those seeking affordable rural land and a quiet lifestyle within reach of Melbourne. While local amenities are minimal, the proximity to Bunyip and Pakenham and relatively accessible train links make it viable for commuters willing to drive to the station.

What is the postcode for Modella? +

The postcode for Modella, VIC is 3816.

Is Modella a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Modella is part of the Baw Baw 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.