🔍

Swan Bay

VIC 3225 • Victoria

103
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
11.33 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsidePeacefulNatureHeritage
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About Swan Bay

Swan Bay is a small coastal locality on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, situated within the Borough of Queenscliffe — the smallest local government area in Victoria — approximately 100 kilometres south of Melbourne and adjacent to the historic seaside township of Queenscliff. With a 2021 Census population of 103 residents across approximately 11.3 square kilometres, it is a quiet semi-rural coastal community set on the shores of the Swan Bay estuary, which forms part of Port Phillip's southern edge. The locality falls within the federal electorate of Corangamite and the state electorate of Bellarine, reflecting its position at the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Swan Bay is internationally recognised for its outstanding natural environment, with the Swan Bay wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance due to their significance as a habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds. The area forms part of the BirdLife International-recognised Bellarine Wetlands Important Bird Area, making it a destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Residents enjoy the Swan Bay Holiday Park, access to quiet sheltered beaches ideal for canoeing and swimming, and proximity to Queenscliff's heritage streetscapes, boutique shops, restaurants, and the historic Queenscliff Ferry connecting to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

Swan Bay falls under postcode 3225 and is governed by the Greater Geelong Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Bellarine (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3225
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Greater Geelong
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Bellarine (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.27°, 144.61°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
11.33 km²
Population Density
9 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3225

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3225, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,704
Median 2023–24
$48,921
▲ 17.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$76,429

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3225; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Bus Lines — Geelong CBD (via Queenscliff and Drysdale) 60-80 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
No direct rail; drive to Geelong station then V/Line to Melbourne Southern Cross (~60 min from Geelong)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Queenscliff–Sorrento Ferry provides an alternative scenic crossing to the Mornington Peninsula; Bellarine Highway connects to Geelong and the Princes Freeway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Swan Bay is a low-density coastal locality with minimal local services; residents rely on Queenscliff township for basic needs and Geelong for major shopping

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
103
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
357.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 56.6%
Motor vehicle theft
236.5 / 100k
2yr Up 57.4% 10yr Down 43.2%
Non-FV assault
291.6 / 100k
2yr Up 10.1% 10yr Up 20.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
1.4 / 100k
2yr Down 65.3% 10yr Down 53.8%
Steal from vehicle
772.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 42.4%
View all offence subgroups for Greater Geelong →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swan Bay VIC known for? +

Swan Bay in Victoria is best known for its internationally recognised wetlands, listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for their significance as a waterbird habitat. The area is also a popular destination for birdwatching, canoeing, and quiet coastal recreation, and is adjacent to the historic township of Queenscliff.

How far is Swan Bay from Melbourne? +

Swan Bay is approximately 100 kilometres south of Melbourne CBD on the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, a drive of around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes depending on traffic via the Bellarine Highway through Geelong.

Does Swan Bay have public transport? +

Swan Bay is served by McHarry's Bus Lines connecting to Geelong via Queenscliff and Drysdale, though services are infrequent. There is no passenger rail on the Bellarine Peninsula; the nearest rail connection is at Geelong approximately 40 kilometres away. A car is the primary mode of transport.

What is the population of Swan Bay VIC? +

According to the 2021 Census, Swan Bay (Vic.) has a population of 103 residents within an area of approximately 11.3 square kilometres, sitting within the Borough of Queenscliffe — Victoria's smallest local government area.

Is Swan Bay a good place to live? +

Swan Bay is ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle in a nature-rich setting close to Queenscliff's heritage village. The internationally recognised wetlands, sheltered waterways, and proximity to the Queenscliff–Sorrento Ferry make it a unique destination, though residents will need a car for all daily errands.

What is the postcode for Swan Bay VIC? +

The postcode for Swan Bay, Victoria is 3225.

Is Swan Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Swan Bay is part of the Greater Geelong 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.

What is the population of Swan Bay? +

Swan Bay had a population of 103 at the 2021 Census.