🔍

Smiths Beach

VIC 3922 • Victoria

315
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.74 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
BeachsideCoastalRetiree-HavenQuietTourist Hub
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About Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is a small, peaceful coastal locality on the south-west coast of Phillip Island in Victoria, situated approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD within the Bass Coast Shire local government area. With a population of around 315 residents and a compact area of just 0.74 square kilometres, the suburb is one of the island's most laid-back beach communities, characterised by a mix of permanent residents and holiday homeowners. The median age of residents skews older, reflecting its appeal as a retirement and holiday destination, and the low median household income reflects its predominantly lifestyle-driven residential makeup.

Smiths Beach is anchored by a small commercial centre at the corner of Smiths Beach Road and Marlin Street, with a surf shop, café, and general store serving the local community. The beach itself is a favourite for surfers, swimmers, and families, and is set against a backdrop of dense coastal scrub and rolling dunes. The suburb sits just minutes from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the Nobbies — the island's famous penguin parade and seal rock viewing area — making it an ideal base for exploring Phillip Island's many natural attractions. Regional V/Line coach services connect the island to Melbourne and nearby towns for those without a vehicle.

Smiths Beach falls under postcode 3922 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 Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3922
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.48°, 145.23°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.74 km²
Population Density
426 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$846K
6 sales · ▲ 2.5% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — 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.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3922

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3922, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,509
Median 2023–24
$44,874
▲ 22.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,870

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3922; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Phillip Island Bus Lines (coach) — Cowes / Melbourne (via San Remo and Dandenong) 2.5–3 hrs to Melbourne CBD

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
No direct train service; regional V/Line coach from Cowes to Melbourne (~2.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
2–2.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.75–2 hrs

🛣️ Smiths Beach is on Phillip Island, connected to the mainland via the San Remo bridge. Car is strongly recommended; coach service is available but infrequent.

Walkability Car-Dependent

A small beach community with a basic local strip; most shopping and services require driving to Cowes or onto the mainland.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
315
▲ 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 Smiths Beach. 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 Smiths Beach known for? +

Smiths Beach is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, surf-friendly beach, and proximity to Phillip Island's famous attractions including the Penguin Parade, the Nobbies, and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. It is popular as both a permanent residence for retirees and a holiday escape for Melbourne families.

How far is Smiths Beach from Melbourne? +

Smiths Beach is approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD, making it around 2 to 2.5 hours by car depending on traffic, travelling via the South Gippsland Highway and over the San Remo bridge onto Phillip Island.

Does Smiths Beach have public transport? +

Smiths Beach is served by Phillip Island Bus Lines, with regional coach services connecting the island through Cowes to Melbourne (approximately 2.5–3 hours). There is no rail service on Phillip Island; a car is recommended for getting around the island independently.

What is the population of Smiths Beach? +

Smiths Beach has a population of approximately 315 residents according to the 2021 Census, with a median age of around 51 years. The suburb also has a significant number of holiday homes, meaning the population swells considerably during summer and school holidays.

Is Smiths Beach a good place to live? +

Smiths Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet coastal retirement or a holiday home base on Phillip Island. Its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beach, and proximity to the island's natural attractions make it a highly appealing lifestyle destination, though daily amenities are limited to a small local strip.

What is the postcode for Smiths Beach? +

The postcode for Smiths Beach is 3922, located on Phillip Island within the Bass Coast Shire in Victoria.

What is the median house price in Smiths Beach? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $846,000, up 2.5% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

Is Smiths Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Smiths Beach 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.