Purnim

VIC 3278 • Victoria

292
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
55.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietFamily-Friendly
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About Purnim

Purnim is a small rural town in Victoria's South West, located approximately 250 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 20 kilometres north-east of Warrnambool, within the Moyne Shire local government area. The town sits on the Hopkins Highway midway between Warrnambool and Mortlake, at the heart of a productive dairy and mixed-farming district covering over 55 square kilometres. With a population of approximately 292 residents, Purnim is a tight-knit agricultural community set amid the lush pastoral landscapes of south-west Victoria.

Purnim retains the essential character of a traditional Victorian country town, anchored by landmarks that include the Purnim Hotel, a historic Mechanics Institute hall built in 1901, a primary school, a football oval, and a church. Local sporting clubs and the Warrnambool District Cricket Association provide year-round community activity. Warrnambool — with its hospitals, secondary schools, shopping centres, and renowned beaches — is an easy 20-minute drive along the Hopkins Highway, giving Purnim residents convenient access to full regional services.

Purnim falls under postcode 3278 and is governed by the Moyne 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
Postcode
3278
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.28°, 142.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
55.37 km²
Population Density
5 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3278

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3278 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$53,028
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,722

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3278; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Warrnambool Approx. 25 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
250 km
By Train
Drive to Warrnambool station (~20 min), then V/Line train to Melbourne (~3 hr)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 45 min – 3 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 30 min – 2 hr 50 min

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route; Warrnambool is the regional hub

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Purnim is a small rural town with minimal retail; a car is essential for daily shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
292
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
191.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
84.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
118 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
264.2 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Purnim known for? +

Purnim is known as a traditional South West Victorian farming community, with a historic Mechanics Institute hall (1901), local football and cricket clubs, and its setting on the Hopkins Highway between Warrnambool and Mortlake.

How far is Purnim from Warrnambool? +

Purnim is approximately 20 kilometres north-east of Warrnambool, a journey of around 20 minutes along the Hopkins Highway.

Does Purnim have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Purnim; the nearest V/Line station is Warrnambool (about 20km away). Public bus connections are limited and a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Purnim? +

At the 2021 Census, Purnim had a population of approximately 292 residents, typical of a small South West Victorian farming community.

Is Purnim a good place to live? +

Purnim appeals to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in productive dairy and farming country, with strong community ties and convenient access to Warrnambool's full range of shops, schools, and health services.

What is the postcode for Purnim? +

The postcode for Purnim is 3278.

Is Purnim a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Purnim is part of the Moyne 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.