Raymond Island

VIC 3880 • Victoria

589
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
24.79 kmยฒ
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideQuietRuralCoastalPeaceful

About Raymond Island

Raymond Island is a small island town situated in the Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria, approximately 293 kilometres east of Melbourne and 18 kilometres south-east of Bairnsdale, within the Shire of East Gippsland. The island is roughly 6 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide, and is separated from the town of Paynesville by a short 200-metre stretch of water, with residents relying on a 24-hour vehicle and passenger ferry for access to the mainland. With a population of around 589, Raymond Island offers a uniquely self-contained island lifestyle within easy reach of Bairnsdale's services.

Raymond Island is best known for its thriving koala population, originally introduced to the island in 1953, which has grown into one of Victoria's most accessible wild koala habitats. Visitors and residents can spot koalas in the wild on walking trails throughout the island's bushland reserves. The community has a relaxed, waterside character with a mix of permanent residents and holiday home owners who are drawn to the quiet waterways of the Gippsland Lakes for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The ferry connection to Paynesville keeps the island community linked to shops, schools, and services on the mainland.

Raymond Island falls under postcode 3880 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

๐Ÿ“ Location

State
Postcode
3880
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.91ยฐ, 147.73ยฐ
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
24.79 kmยฒ
Elevation
0m

๐Ÿท๏ธ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Raymond Island for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

๐ŸกHouse
$580K
7 sales ยท ▲ 52.6% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria โ€” Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

๐ŸšŒ Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
18 km
N/A (ferry + drive)

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach connections โ€” Bairnsdale Approx 20-25 min by ferry and road

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
293 km
By Train
Ferry to Paynesville then drive to Bairnsdale (~20 min), then V/Line Bairnsdale Line to Southern Cross (~3 hr 30 min)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min โ€“ 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr โ€“ 3 hr 30 min

๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Ferry operates 24/7 between Raymond Island and Paynesville; Great Alpine Road provides main road corridor west

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or major services on the island; ferry to Paynesville needed for most errands, car essential

๐Ÿ›’ Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

๐ŸŽ“ Schools

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
589
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

๐Ÿ“Š Population: ABS Census 2021
๐Ÿ’ฐ Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raymond Island known for? +

Raymond Island is famous for its large wild koala population, introduced in 1953, making it one of the best places in Victoria to spot koalas in their natural habitat. The island is also known for its tranquil Gippsland Lakes setting and relaxed waterside lifestyle.

How far is Raymond Island from Melbourne? +

Raymond Island is approximately 293 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 3 to 3.5 hour drive via the Princes Freeway and Bairnsdale, followed by a short 24-hour ferry crossing from Paynesville.

Does Raymond Island have public transport? +

A free, 24-hour vehicle and passenger ferry operates between Raymond Island and Paynesville. From Paynesville, residents drive to Bairnsdale for V/Line train connections to Melbourne. There is no bus service on the island itself.

What is the population of Raymond Island? +

Raymond Island has a population of approximately 589 residents, a mix of permanent locals and holiday home owners drawn to the island's peaceful Gippsland Lakes environment.

Is Raymond Island a good place to live? +

Raymond Island is ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed lifestyle close to the water. The ferry adds a small but distinctive element of island living, and the proximity to Bairnsdale means access to schools and services is manageable. It suits retirees, families, and those working remotely.

What is the postcode for Raymond Island? +

The postcode for Raymond Island, VIC is 3880, which it shares with Bairnsdale, Paynesville, and surrounding East Gippsland localities.

What is the median house price in Raymond Island? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $580,000, up 52.6% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria โ€” Victorian Property Sales Report.