🔍

Smoko

VIC 3741 • Victoria

56
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
73.04 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralMountainPeacefulCar-Dependent
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About Smoko

Smoko is a small rural locality in the Victorian Alps near the Ovens Valley, situated approximately 320 kilometres north-east of Melbourne near the town of Bright. Covering around 73 square kilometres, it recorded a 2021 Census population of 56 residents. The locality lies within the Alpine Shire Council area, in a region of stunning alpine scenery, ski fields, and the Ovens River valley.

The Ovens Valley and nearby Bright are renowned for their spectacular autumn foliage, skiing at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, and excellent trout fishing in mountain streams. Bright, approximately 10 kilometres away, provides shops, cafes, and services and is a popular base for outdoor activities year-round. A private vehicle is essential; there is no public transport. The alpine setting, river walks, and proximity to world-class skiing make this area one of Victoria's most sought-after rural locations.

Smoko falls under postcode 3741 and is governed by the Alpine Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Indi, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3741
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Alpine
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.96°, 147.06°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
73.04 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3741

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3741, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,683
Median 2023–24
$49,040
▲ 26.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,668

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3741; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach (Bright) — Wangaratta (connecting train to Melbourne) Approx 2 hr to Wangaratta

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
320 km
By Train
Drive or coach to Wangaratta; V/Line to Melbourne Southern Cross (~3 hr)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 30 min

🛣️ Ovens Highway provides main access; Great Alpine Road connects to ski resorts

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Alpine rural locality; car required for all errands, Bright is 10 km away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
56
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
83.2 / 100k
2yr Down 35.5% 10yr Down 34.6%
Motor vehicle theft
121 / 100k
2yr Up 127.8% 10yr Up 660.9%
Non-FV assault
136.1 / 100k
2yr Down 18.4% 10yr Down 25.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
249.5 / 100k
2yr Up 17.5% 10yr Up 213.9%
View all offence subgroups for Alpine →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smoko known for? +

Smoko is a quiet alpine locality in the Ovens Valley near Bright, known for its mountain setting, proximity to autumn foliage and ski fields at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, and excellent trout fishing.

How far is Smoko from Melbourne? +

Smoko is approximately 320 kilometres north-east of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via the Hume and Ovens Highways.

Does Smoko have public transport? +

There is no public transport in Smoko. V/Line coaches operate from nearby Bright, approximately 10 kilometres away, to Wangaratta where train connections to Melbourne are available.

What is the population of Smoko? +

According to the 2021 Census, Smoko has a population of approximately 56 residents in this Alpine Shire locality.

Is Smoko a good place to live? +

Smoko suits those who love Victoria's alpine lifestyle, with Bright's vibrant food scene and autumn festivals nearby, and world-class skiing at Hotham and Falls Creek accessible in winter.

What is the postcode for Smoko? +

The postcode for Smoko is 3741, covering this alpine locality in the Alpine Shire Council area of Victoria.

Is Smoko a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Smoko is part of the Alpine 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.