🔍

Nicholson

VIC 3882 • Rest of VIC

1,322
Population (2021)
$72,280
Median Household Income
68.26 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideEstablishedPeacefulCar-Dependent

About Nicholson

Nicholson is a rural locality in East Gippsland, Victoria, situated on the Princes Highway approximately 295 kilometres east of Melbourne and 13 kilometres east of Bairnsdale, within the Shire of East Gippsland. The town sits on the banks of the Nicholson River, which flows into the Gippsland Lakes system, giving it a distinctive natural setting between open farming country and coastal waterways. With a population of 1,322 and a median age of 47, the community is predominantly established and long-term in character, with a median household income of $1,390 per week reflecting its rural working and lifestyle demographic.

Nicholson's riverside setting and boat ramp on the Nicholson River make it popular with recreational fishers and boaters accessing the iconic Gippsland Lakes — one of Australia's largest inland waterway systems. The town is well-positioned for day trips to Bairnsdale's shops and services, or east towards Lakes Entrance for tourism and fresh seafood. Life in Nicholson is quiet and nature-connected, appealing to those who value space, riverside recreation, and a genuine East Gippsland lifestyle.

Nicholson falls under postcode 3882 and is governed by East Gippsland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3882
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.81°, 147.75°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
68.26 km²
Elevation
21m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
47 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
13 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • No regular local bus services — Car required for all local travel N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
295 km
By Train
Drive to Bairnsdale (~15 min), then V/Line Gippsland Line to Southern Cross (~2.5–3 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs 15 min – 3 hrs 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 min

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route; Bairnsdale is the nearest service hub

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with no footpath network or local shops — a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
295.4 / 100k
2yr Up 17.1% 10yr Down 31.6%
Motor vehicle theft
146.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 147.7%
Non-FV assault
462.2 / 100k
2yr Up 10.3% 10yr Up 26.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
379.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 37.0%
View all offence subgroups for East Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,095
Census 2021
1,322
▲ 20.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,532
Personal Income 2021
$34,684
▲ 35.8% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$34,684 / yr
$667/wk
Household
$72,280 / yr
$1390/wk
Family
$86,164 / yr
$1657/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,111
Born Overseas 143

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 53
  • 2. New Zealand 12
  • 3. Germany 7
  • 4. Philippines 7
  • 5. Scotland 7
  • 6. Netherlands 6
  • 7. Ireland 5
  • 8. Canada 4
  • 9. Italy 4
  • 10. United States 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 618
Australian 583
Scottish 156
Irish 136
German 56
Dutch 42
Italian 27
Australian Aboriginal 16
Filipino 13
Polish 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

957
Both parents born in Australia
176
Both parents born overseas
133
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.6%
Christianity
36.3%
Sikhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (5.2%)
5-14 years
166 (12.6%)
15-19 years
73 (5.5%)
20-24 years
56 (4.2%)
25-34 years
135 (10.2%)
35-44 years
120 (9.1%)
45-54 years
156 (11.8%)
55-64 years
212 (16.0%)
65-74 years
209 (15.8%)
75-84 years
103 (7.8%)
85+ years
24 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nicholson known for? +

Nicholson is known for its scenic position on the Nicholson River and its proximity to the Gippsland Lakes — one of Australia's largest inland waterway systems. The town's boat ramp is popular with recreational fishers and boaters, and the surrounding East Gippsland landscape offers bushwalking, birdwatching, and nature-based activities.

How far is Nicholson from Melbourne? +

Nicholson is approximately 295 kilometres east of Melbourne, a drive of around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Princes Highway. It lies midway between Bairnsdale (13 km west) and Lakes Entrance (24 km east).

Does Nicholson have public transport? +

Nicholson has no local bus services or train station. The nearest railway station is at Bairnsdale, approximately 13 kilometres west, served by V/Line's Gippsland Line to Melbourne. A car is essential for daily life in Nicholson.

What is the population of Nicholson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nicholson has a population of 1,322, with a median age of 47 — reflecting an established, settled community with a significant proportion of older and retired residents.

Is Nicholson a good place to live? +

Nicholson suits those seeking a quiet, nature-connected lifestyle in East Gippsland. It's ideal for retirees, hobby farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts who love fishing, boating, and the Gippsland Lakes, though residents rely on Bairnsdale for schools, hospitals, and major shopping.

What is the postcode for Nicholson? +

Nicholson's postcode is 3882, shared with several localities in the East Gippsland region.

What is the average income in Nicholson? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Nicholson is about $667 per week (around $34,700 per year). The median household income is $1,390 per week and the median family income is $1,657 per week.

What is the age profile of Nicholson? +

The median age in Nicholson is 47. The largest age group is 55–64 (212 residents, around 16%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 25% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Nicholson a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Nicholson is part of the East Gippsland 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.

How much is rent in Nicholson? +

In Nicholson, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).