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Surf Beach

VIC 3922 • Victoria

670
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.05 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
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About Surf Beach

Surf Beach is a small coastal locality on the southern shore of Phillip Island in Victoria, falling within the Bass Coast Shire local government area, approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD. With a population of 670 residents spread across just over a square kilometre, the community is a compact seaside settlement characterised by holiday homes and a modest permanent population. The median household income sits below the national average, typical of coastal towns that attract retirees and lifestyle seekers rather than high-earning professionals.

The locality lives up to its name, offering direct access to surf breaks along Bass Strait and a relaxed island lifestyle. Phillip Island as a whole is renowned for the Penguin Parade at Summerlands, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and wildlife including koalas and short-tailed shearwaters. The nearest town services and shops are found in Cowes, the island's main commercial centre, a short drive away. A private car is essential for day-to-day life, as public transport to and from the mainland is limited.

Surf 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
1.05 km²
Population Density
636 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$740K
3 sales · ▲ 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

  • V/Line coach (Dandenong–Cowes) — Melbourne (Dandenong / Flinders Street) Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
No direct train service; V/Line coach via Dandenong takes approximately 2.5–3 hours
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs 15 min – 2 hrs 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min

🛣️ Phillip Island is accessed via bridge from San Remo on the South Gippsland Highway; car is the primary mode of transport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Surf Beach is a small island locality with no walkable shops or services; all errands require a car to nearby Cowes

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
670
▲ 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 Surf 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surf Beach known for? +

Surf Beach is known for its direct access to Bass Strait surf breaks and its location on Phillip Island, which is famous for the Penguin Parade, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and diverse wildlife including koalas and little penguins.

How far is Surf Beach from Melbourne CBD? +

Surf Beach is approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour 15 minute drive outside peak times via the South Gippsland Highway and Phillip Island Bridge.

Does Surf Beach have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited. There is no rail service on Phillip Island; V/Line coaches operate between Melbourne (Dandenong) and Cowes, the island's main town, but the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Surf Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Surf Beach has a population of 670 residents. Like many Phillip Island localities, the population includes a mix of permanent residents and holiday home owners, with visitor numbers swelling significantly during summer and during major events.

Is Surf Beach a good place to live? +

Surf Beach suits those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle away from the city, with easy access to beaches, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Phillip Island. It is best suited to retirees, remote workers, and holiday home owners rather than those who commute to Melbourne regularly.

What is the postcode for Surf Beach? +

The postcode for Surf Beach, VIC is 3922, which is shared with several other Phillip Island localities including Cowes and Newhaven.

What is the median house price in Surf Beach? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $740,000, up 5% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

Is Surf Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Surf 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.