🔍

Newstead

VIC 3462 • Victoria

820
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
46.69 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageRuralLeafyVillage Feel
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About Newstead

Newstead is a charming historic town in the Victorian Goldfields, situated along the Loddon River within the Shire of Mount Alexander. It lies approximately 142 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, 17 kilometres from Castlemaine, and 55 kilometres from Bendigo, at an elevation of 219 metres. With a population of 820 across around 47 square kilometres, Newstead retains a strong connection to its gold rush heritage and is celebrated as one of central Victoria's most community-spirited small towns.

Newstead is well-regarded for its vibrant community culture, with numerous festivals and folk events drawing visitors throughout the year. Situated in the heart of the 'golden triangle' — a renowned area for recreational gold fossicking — the town is surrounded by goldfields-era tourism attractions and scenic rural landscapes along the Loddon River. The historic streetscape of Lyons Street, local cafes, and a welcoming community make Newstead a popular destination for tree-changers, artists, and creative professionals seeking a slower pace of life within reach of regional centres.

Newstead falls under postcode 3462 and is governed by the Mount Alexander Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Bendigo, while state elections fall under the Bendigo West (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3462
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Alexander
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Bendigo West (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.08°, 144.05°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
46.69 km²
Population Density
18 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3462

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3462 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,843
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,472

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3462; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Castlemaine
17 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • Limited local bus — Castlemaine ~20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
142 km
By Train
Drive to Castlemaine (17 km) then Bendigo Line train to Southern Cross (~1 h 30 min total)
By Car (Peak)
1.75–2.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5–2 hours

🛣️ Calder Freeway via Castlemaine; Castlemaine train station 17 km away provides regular Melbourne services

Walkability Car-Dependent

Newstead has a charming town centre with cafes and local shops on Lyons Street, but most larger errands require a drive to Castlemaine or Bendigo

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
820
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
304.2 / 100k
2yr Up 56.5% 10yr Down 14.6%
Motor vehicle theft
118.8 / 100k
2yr Up 22.2% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
232.9 / 100k
2yr Up 65.2% 10yr Up 20.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
313.7 / 100k
2yr Up 43.4% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Mount Alexander →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newstead known for? +

Newstead is known for its rich gold rush heritage, vibrant festivals and folk events, and its location in the 'golden triangle' — a popular area for recreational gold fossicking in regional Victoria. The historic Lyons Street streetscape and Loddon River are also beloved local features.

How far is Newstead from Melbourne? +

Newstead is approximately 142 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, a drive of roughly 1.5–2 hours via the Calder Freeway through Castlemaine.

Does Newstead have public transport? +

Newstead does not have its own train station. The nearest rail access is Castlemaine, approximately 17 kilometres away, which has regular services to Melbourne on the Bendigo Line. A local bus or private vehicle is needed to reach the station.

What is the population of Newstead? +

According to the 2021 Census, Newstead has a population of 820 people, with a density of around 17 persons per square kilometre across its 47 square kilometre area.

Is Newstead a good place to live? +

Newstead is well-suited to those seeking a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle in the Victorian Goldfields. It attracts tree-changers, artists, and history enthusiasts who value the town's heritage character, community festivals, natural environment, and access to Castlemaine and Bendigo for services.

What is the postcode for Newstead? +

Newstead's postcode is 3462, located in the Shire of Mount Alexander in central Victoria.

Is Newstead a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Newstead is part of the Mount Alexander 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.