🔍

Tambo Upper

VIC 3885 • Victoria

325
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
42.35 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideAgriculturalRemote
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About Tambo Upper

Tambo Upper is a small rural locality in the Shire of East Gippsland in Victoria's far east, located in the upper reaches of the Tambo River valley approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Bairnsdale and around 300 kilometres east of Melbourne. With a 2021 Census population of 325 residents spread across 42.3 square kilometres, the area is predominantly agricultural in character, with grazing properties and mixed farming defining the landscape. The Gippsland East state electorate reflects the locality's deep roots in Victoria's rural far-east region.

The Tambo River, which gives the locality its name, flows through the area and is popular with anglers and nature enthusiasts. Tambo Upper is close to the Mitchell River National Park and the broader East Gippsland wilderness, offering superb access to bushwalking, fishing, and camping. Tambo Estate winery operates in the postcode area, part of a small but emerging Gippsland wine scene. Amenities are limited to those found in nearby Bairnsdale, and a private car is essential for all daily needs. The locality appeals to those seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle in one of Victoria's most scenic river valleys.

Tambo Upper falls under postcode 3885 and is governed by the East Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3885
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland East (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.29°, 148.12°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
42.35 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3885

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3885 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,941
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,840

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3885; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bairnsdale
30 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services — Bairnsdale Approx. 40 min (infrequent)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
Drive to Bairnsdale station (~30 km), then V/Line Gippsland Line to Melbourne Southern Cross (~3 hr 15 min)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 20 min – 3 hr 50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr – 3 hr 20 min

🛣️ Princes Highway (A1) via Bairnsdale and Sale is the main route; a car is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No local shops or services — all errands require a drive to Bairnsdale or nearby towns

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
325
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
295.4 / 100k
2yr Up 17.1% 10yr Down 31.6%
Motor vehicle theft
146.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 147.7%
Non-FV assault
462.2 / 100k
2yr Up 10.3% 10yr Up 26.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
379.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 37.0%
View all offence subgroups for East Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tambo Upper known for? +

Tambo Upper is known for the Tambo River, which runs through the area and is popular for fishing and recreational activities. The locality is also associated with the small East Gippsland wine scene, with Tambo Estate winery operating in the area.

How far is Tambo Upper from Melbourne? +

Tambo Upper is approximately 300 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, typically a 3 to 3.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway through Sale and Bairnsdale.

Does Tambo Upper have public transport? +

There is no rail service directly to Tambo Upper. V/Line coach services provide limited connections to Bairnsdale (~30 km away), which has a V/Line train station on the Gippsland Line. A car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Tambo Upper? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tambo Upper has a population of 325 residents spread across approximately 42 square kilometres, making it a sparsely populated rural locality in the Shire of East Gippsland.

Is Tambo Upper a good place to live? +

Tambo Upper is ideal for those seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle in a beautiful river valley setting, with access to world-class fishing, national parks, and the East Gippsland bush. However, all amenities and services are in Bairnsdale, and a car is absolutely necessary.

What is the postcode for Tambo Upper? +

The postcode for Tambo Upper, Victoria is 3885.

Is Tambo Upper a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tambo Upper is part of the East Gippsland 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.