🔍

Petticoat Creek

VIC 3233 • Victoria

7
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalGreat Ocean RoadNatureLow Density
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About Petticoat Creek

Petticoat Creek is a very small coastal locality on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, just north-east of Apollo Bay in the Colac Otway region. Population is extremely low, with only a handful of properties between steep hinterland and ocean frontage. The area is known for dramatic coastal scenery and proximity to the Great Otway National Park environment. Its character is quiet, nature-focused and low-density.

Lifestyle in Petticoat Creek is centred on coastal nature access, with most everyday services obtained in Apollo Bay or Colac. There are very limited commercial amenities within the locality itself, so residents depend on nearby towns for shopping, schooling and health care. Public transport exists along the Great Ocean Road corridor but at regional frequencies, making private vehicles important. The area appeals to residents and holiday-home owners seeking seclusion and ocean views.

Petticoat Creek falls under postcode 3233 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
3233
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Colac Otway
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.68°, 143.67°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.00 km²
Population Density
7 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3233

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3233, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$37,149
Median 2023–24
$45,019
▲ 21.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,432

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3233; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line regional coach services (Great Ocean Road corridor) — Apollo Bay, Colac and Geelong connections ~10-20 min to Apollo Bay; longer to Colac/Geelong

Commute to Apollo Bay township centre

Distance
8 km
By Train
No local passenger rail station
By Bus
~10-20 min depending on stop and timetable
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-12 min

🛣️ Regional bus coverage is useful but private vehicle remains most flexible.

Walkability Low

Walkability is limited by dispersed properties and lack of local shops/services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
7
▲ 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 Petticoat Creek. 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 Petticoat Creek known for? +

Petticoat Creek is a tiny locality on the Great Ocean Road near Lorne, known for its dramatic coastal scenery on one of Australia's most famous scenic drives. With only a handful of permanent residents, it is more of a geographic landmark than a community.

How far is Petticoat Creek from Melbourne? +

Petticoat Creek is approximately 140-145 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 2 hour drive via the Princes Freeway and Great Ocean Road.

Does Petticoat Creek have public transport? +

There is no public transport at Petticoat Creek. Lorne and Aireys Inlet are the nearest communities with limited bus services. A car is essential.

What is the population of Petticoat Creek? +

According to the 2021 Census, Petticoat Creek has a population of just 7 permanent residents, making it one of the smallest localities in Victoria.

Is Petticoat Creek a good place to live? +

Petticoat Creek is suited only for those seeking an extremely secluded coastal lifestyle on the Great Ocean Road, with Lorne's services nearby. The spectacular coastal scenery is its defining feature.

What is the postcode for Petticoat Creek? +

The postcode for Petticoat Creek is 3233.

Is Petticoat Creek a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Petticoat Creek 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.