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South Purrumbete

VIC 3260 • Victoria

124
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
41.27 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalSemi-RuralQuiet
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About South Purrumbete

South Purrumbete is a small rural locality in the Corangamite Shire of Victoria's south-west, situated approximately 12 kilometres east of Cobden and around 200 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The district has a long pastoral history dating to 1838, when the Purrumbete run was established across its fertile volcanic plains, which proved well suited to grazing and dairying. With a population of 124 residents spread across just over 41 square kilometres, South Purrumbete retains the quiet, agricultural character that has defined the area for nearly two centuries.

Life in South Purrumbete revolves around its farming community, with the surrounding volcanic grasslands still primarily used for dairy and livestock grazing. The nearby town of Cobden provides essential services including schools, shops, and a small hospital, while the regional centre of Camperdown is within easy reach for broader amenities. The area offers open countryside typical of the Corangamite region, with access to the scenic Lake Purrumbete — one of Victoria's most picturesque volcanic crater lakes — a short drive from the locality.

South Purrumbete falls under postcode 3260 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
3260
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Corangamite
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.21°, 143.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
41.27 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3260

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3260, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,803
Median 2023–24
$52,189
▲ 24.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,334

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3260; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Cobden / Colac 15-20 min to Cobden

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
200 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 20 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 20 min

🛣️ Access via the Princes Highway (A1) through Colac; a car is essential for daily life

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

South Purrumbete has no local shops or services; a car is required for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
124
▲ 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 South Purrumbete. 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 South Purrumbete known for? +

South Purrumbete is known for its rich pastoral history dating to 1838 and its fertile volcanic plains suited to dairy farming and grazing. The nearby Lake Purrumbete — a scenic volcanic crater lake — is a highlight of the surrounding Corangamite region.

How far is South Purrumbete from Melbourne? +

South Purrumbete is approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, making it around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway and through Colac.

Does South Purrumbete have public transport? +

There is no public transport to South Purrumbete. The locality is only accessible by car, with the nearest services in Cobden, approximately 12 kilometres away.

What is the population of South Purrumbete? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Purrumbete has a population of 124 residents, reflecting its character as a small farming locality rather than a residential suburb.

Is South Purrumbete a good place to live? +

South Purrumbete suits those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle in Victoria's south-west. It appeals to farming families and those who value wide open spaces and a strong agricultural community, though residents must travel to Cobden or Camperdown for everyday services.

What is the postcode for South Purrumbete? +

The postcode for South Purrumbete is 3260, which it shares with the nearby town of Cobden and surroundings.

Is South Purrumbete a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South Purrumbete 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.