🔍

Peterborough

VIC 3270 • Victoria

322
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
40.13 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalTourist HubQuietRural
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About Peterborough

Peterborough is a small coastal locality on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, situated within the Corangamite Shire approximately 240 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. With a population of around 322 residents spread across 40 square kilometres, it combines a handful of permanent residents with a strong seasonal visitor presence drawn by its dramatic Southern Ocean coastline. The area forms the heart of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, one of Victoria's most spectacular yet undervisited stretches of rugged cliff, rock stack, and coastal heathland scenery.

Peterborough offers access to the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands lookouts, surf beaches, walking trails, and the nearby Great Ocean Road Tourist Park. It sits between Port Campbell (to the east) and Warrnambool (to the west), making it a relaxed base for exploring the western end of the Great Ocean Road without the crowds of the Twelve Apostles precinct. The locality has a small general store and accommodation options, and is a favourite of surfers, anglers, and those seeking an unhurried coastal escape — a well-kept secret among Victorian holiday-makers.

Peterborough falls under postcode 3270 and is governed by the Corangamite Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3270
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Corangamite
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.60°, 142.87°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
40.13 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach (Great Ocean Road route) — Warrnambool / Geelong Approx. 1 hr to Warrnambool

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
240 km
By Train
No direct train; V/Line to Warrnambool (~60km east), then coach or car
By Car (Peak)
2.5–3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hr

🛣️ Great Ocean Road and Princes Highway are the main routes; Warrnambool is the nearest regional service hub

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A very small coastal locality with minimal services; a car is required for all shopping, schools, and healthcare

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
322
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
278.8 / 100k
2yr Up 58.8% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
209.1 / 100k
2yr Up 58.8% 10yr Up 30.6%
Non-FV assault
164.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
253.4 / 100k
2yr Up 137.7% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Corangamite →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peterborough known for? +

Peterborough is best known for its stunning Great Ocean Road coastal scenery, particularly the Bay of Islands Coastal Park with its dramatic limestone rock stacks, cliffs, and lookouts including the Bay of Martyrs. It is considered a quieter, less-crowded alternative to the famous Twelve Apostles, just down the road at Port Campbell.

How far is Peterborough from Melbourne CBD? +

Peterborough is approximately 240 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via the Great Ocean Road or the Princes Highway.

Does Peterborough have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited. V/Line coach services connect the Great Ocean Road corridor with Warrnambool and Geelong, but Peterborough itself has no local bus or train service. A private vehicle is essential for residents and most visitors.

What is the population of Peterborough? +

According to the 2021 Census, Peterborough has a permanent population of approximately 322 residents, though visitor numbers swell significantly during summer and school holidays as it is a popular holiday destination.

Is Peterborough a good place to live? +

Peterborough suits those who love coastal living, outdoor activities, and a very relaxed pace of life. It is ideal for retirees, creatives, and those who work remotely, with the nearest full-service town being Warrnambool, about 60 kilometres to the east.

What is the postcode for Peterborough? +

The postcode for Peterborough, Victoria is 3270.

Is Peterborough a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Peterborough is part of the Corangamite 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.