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Pioneer Bay

VIC 3984 • Victoria

365
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.21 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalQuietRetiree-HavenAffordableBeachside
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About Pioneer Bay

Pioneer Bay is a small coastal locality situated on the shores of Western Port Bay in Bass Coast Shire, Victoria, approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD. With a population of 365 residents and a compact area of just 0.21 square kilometres, it is a tightly-knit seaside village popular with holiday-makers and permanent residents seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle. The median household income of around $43,000 reflects the modest character typical of small coastal localities in regional Victoria.

The locality enjoys the natural appeal of Western Port Bay, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and foreshore walks in a peaceful setting. Nearby towns of Coronet Bay and Corinella provide basic services and community facilities, while the larger township of Wonthaggi offers shops, schools, and healthcare within a short drive. Pioneer Bay's serene waterfront character and affordable lifestyle make it a popular choice for retirees, weekenders, and those seeking an escape from city life.

Pioneer Bay falls under postcode 3984 and is governed by the Bass Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3984
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.31°, 145.56°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.21 km²
Population Density
1,720 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3984

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3984, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$43,394
Median 2023–24
$54,911
▲ 26.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,522

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3984; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach — Wonthaggi / Melbourne (Southern Cross) Approx. 2.5 hr to Melbourne

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest coach connects via Wonthaggi
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min

🛣️ Access via South Gippsland Highway; car is the primary mode of transport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Pioneer Bay is a small coastal village with no local shops or services; a car is essential for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
365
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
385.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 18.3%
Motor vehicle theft
160.2 / 100k
2yr Up 66.9% 10yr Up 41.1%
Non-FV assault
259.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 62.3%
Steal from vehicle
349.7 / 100k
2yr Up 24.5% 10yr Down 13.3%
View all offence subgroups for Bass Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pioneer Bay known for? +

Pioneer Bay is known for its quiet, relaxed lifestyle on the shores of Western Port Bay in Bass Coast Shire. The locality is popular with retirees, holiday-makers, and boating and fishing enthusiasts drawn to its peaceful waterfront setting.

How far is Pioneer Bay from Melbourne? +

Pioneer Bay is approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, making it around a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic and your route via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Pioneer Bay have public transport? +

Pioneer Bay has no train or regular local bus service. A regional coach connects via nearby Wonthaggi to Melbourne, but a car is the most practical way to get around day-to-day.

What is the population of Pioneer Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pioneer Bay has a population of 365 residents. It is a very small coastal locality covering just 0.21 square kilometres, with around 175 private dwellings.

Is Pioneer Bay a good place to live? +

Pioneer Bay suits those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle away from the city, particularly retirees and those who enjoy fishing, boating, and foreshore walks. Residents need to be comfortable travelling to Wonthaggi or Inverloch for everyday services, as the locality itself has limited amenities.

What is the postcode for Pioneer Bay? +

The postcode for Pioneer Bay, Victoria is 3984.

Is Pioneer Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Pioneer Bay is part of the Bass Coast 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.