🔍

Princetown

VIC 3269 • Victoria

236
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
120.30 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralTourist HubQuietRemote
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About Princetown

Princetown is a small coastal hamlet on the Great Ocean Road in south-western Victoria, located within the Corangamite Shire approximately 230 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and just east of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. With a population of 236 according to the 2021 Census, the settlement covers a large locality of over 120 square kilometres of coastal terrain. Princetown sits near the mouth of the Gellibrand River where it meets the Southern Ocean, giving the hamlet a dramatic natural setting.

Despite its small size, Princetown has a pub that doubles as a general store, a post office, and some accommodation options, making it a handy stopping point for travellers along the Great Ocean Road. The locality provides direct access to beaches at the Gellibrand River mouth and is close to the Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations. Princetown Cricket Club remains an active community institution, and the hamlet attracts visitors and sea-changers drawn to its isolated coastal character and proximity to one of Australia's most celebrated scenic routes.

Princetown falls under postcode 3269 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 Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3269
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Corangamite
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.66°, 143.18°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
120.30 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3269

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3269 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,795
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,450

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3269; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Great Ocean Road Coach service (seasonal) — Geelong / Warrnambool Varies (1.5-2 hr to Warrnambool)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
230 km
By Train
No direct train; nearest V/Line services from Warrnambool (approx. 70 km west) to Melbourne (3.5 hr)
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hr

🛣️ Car is essential; Great Ocean Road (B100) provides the main access; Port Campbell is 14 km west

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Very limited local amenities; car is required for most daily needs beyond the hamlet's pub and general store

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
236
▲ 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 Princetown. 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 Princetown known for? +

Princetown is known for its dramatic coastal location on the Great Ocean Road, just east of the Twelve Apostles rock formations. The hamlet sits near the mouth of the Gellibrand River and provides access to beaches and the Port Campbell National Park.

How far is Princetown from Melbourne CBD? +

Princetown is approximately 230 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Great Ocean Road or the Princes Highway.

Does Princetown have public transport? +

Public transport to Princetown is very limited. There is no rail service; the nearest V/Line train services operate from Warrnambool (approximately 70 km west) or Colac (approximately 80 km east). Seasonal coach services run along the Great Ocean Road corridor, but a car is strongly recommended.

What is the population of Princetown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Princetown has a population of 236 residents. It is one of the smaller communities along the Great Ocean Road, though its locality covers a wide area of over 120 square kilometres.

Is Princetown a good place to live? +

Princetown suits those seeking a genuinely remote coastal lifestyle with stunning natural surroundings. Amenities are extremely limited locally, but the proximity to the Great Ocean Road's scenic highlights and beaches makes it a unique sea-change destination.

What is the postcode for Princetown? +

The postcode for Princetown, Victoria is 3269.

Is Princetown a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Princetown 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.