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.

Peterborough

VIC 3270 • Victoria

322

Population (2021)

N/A

Median Income

40.13 km²

Area

N/A

Median Rent

CoastalTourist HubQuietRural

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 local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State

Victoria

Postcode

3270

Urban Area

N/A

LGA / Council

N/A

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

Elevation

🚌 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

Census 2021

322

▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016

N/A

Income 2021

N/A

▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021