🔍

Ombersley

VIC 3241 • Victoria

93
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
194.83 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHinterlandHistoricQuiet
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About Ombersley

Ombersley is a sparsely populated rural locality in south-western Victoria, straddling the Colac Otway Shire and a portion of Surf Coast Shire, approximately 30 kilometres north-east of Colac and around 105 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Covering nearly 195 square kilometres of undulating pastoral and volcanic country, the locality sits at the edge of the Otway hinterland near Mount Gellibrand — an extinct scoria volcano. The 2021 Census recorded a population of just 93 people across 31 dwellings, reflecting the deeply rural and lightly settled nature of the district.

The area is best known for its rugged pastoral landscape and the historic Mountside Homestead, built in 1876 following the subdivision of the original Mount Hesse estate and classified by the National Trust of Australia. Mount Gellibrand has also been identified as a future wind farm site, highlighting the region's renewable energy potential. Residents depend on Winchelsea to the east or Colac to the west for most services including schools, retail, and healthcare. With no public transport and limited infrastructure, Ombersley is suited to those seeking a remote rural lifestyle with easy access to the Otway region's spectacular natural environment.

Ombersley falls under postcode 3241 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3241
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.20°, 143.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
194.83 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3241

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3241, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$46,376
Median 2023–24
$53,733
▲ 15.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,590

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3241; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

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

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
105 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Winchelsea or Colac for V/Line Warrnambool Line trains to Melbourne (~2 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Rural locality; private vehicle essential. Princes Highway passes through Winchelsea and Colac.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Ombersley has no local services or shops; all errands require a significant drive to Winchelsea or Colac.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
93
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Down 23.5%
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.6% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k
2yr Up 67.8% 10yr Up 11.8%
View all offence subgroups for Colac Otway →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ombersley known for? +

Ombersley is known for its pastoral landscape and the historic Mountside Homestead, a National Trust-classified property built in 1876. The locality also features Mount Gellibrand, an extinct scoria volcano that has been earmarked as a future wind farm site.

How far is Ombersley from Melbourne CBD? +

Ombersley is approximately 105 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic and the exact route taken.

Does Ombersley have public transport? +

Ombersley has no public bus or rail services. The nearest V/Line train stations are at Winchelsea (approximately 25 km east) and Colac (approximately 30 km west), both on the Warrnambool Line.

What is the population of Ombersley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ombersley has a population of 93 residents across approximately 31 dwellings. It is one of the most sparsely populated localities in the Colac Otway Shire region.

Is Ombersley a good place to live? +

Ombersley offers a peaceful, remote rural lifestyle in the Otway hinterland, appealing to those who value wide open spaces, volcanic landscapes, and historic pastoral heritage. Residents must travel to Winchelsea or Colac for all essential services, so a private vehicle is essential.

What is the postcode for Ombersley? +

The postcode for Ombersley, VIC is 3241.

Is Ombersley a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ombersley is part of the Colac Otway 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.