🔍

Tarnagulla

VIC 3551 • Victoria

153
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
29.34 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricGold RushRuralHeritageQuiet
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About Tarnagulla

Tarnagulla is a small historic gold-rush town in central Victoria, located 183 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and 47 kilometres west of Bendigo in the Shire of Loddon. With a 2021 population of approximately 153 residents, the town retains much of its 19th-century character, including heritage bluestone and brick commercial buildings on Commercial Road. The locality was named by Polish geologist Paweł Edmund Strzelecki — derived from the Polish "Czarnogóra" (Black Mountain) — and experienced a dramatic gold rush following the discovery of alluvial gold in 1852.

Tarnagulla is celebrated for its extraordinary gold-mining heritage: the famous Poverty Reef yielded an estimated 13.5 tonnes of gold in just 13 months during the 1850s, one of the richest reef-gold finds in Australian history. Today the town is a quiet community popular with history enthusiasts, fossickers, and sea-changers drawn to affordable rural property. The Poverty Mine monument, historic cemetery, and well-preserved streetscapes make it a popular heritage tourism destination, while Dunolly (15 km south-west) provides essential services.

Tarnagulla falls under postcode 3551 and is governed by the Loddon Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Nicholls, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3551
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Loddon
Federal Electorate
Nicholls
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.78°, 144.46°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
29.34 km²
Population Density
5 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3551

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3551, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,802
Median 2023–24
$60,155
▲ 20.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$71,144

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3551; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Dunolly
15 km
N/A (driving distance)
Inglewood
28 km
N/A (driving distance)

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Buslines regional service — Bendigo via Dunolly ~55 min to Bendigo

Commute to Bendigo

Distance
47 km
By Train
N/A – no passenger rail near Tarnagulla; drive to Inglewood or Bendigo for V/Line
By Bus
~55 min via regional service
By Car (Peak)
40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
38 min

🛣️ Dunolly (15 km, 15 min) is the nearest service town. Melbourne is approximately 2 hrs 10 min by car or via V/Line from Bendigo.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited local amenities within walking distance. A vehicle is required for most errands. Short walks around the historic town centre are pleasant but functional walkability is minimal.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
153
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
321.7 / 100k
2yr Up 55.8% 10yr Down 28.5%
Motor vehicle theft
244.5 / 100k
2yr Up 57.8% 10yr Up 269.5%
Non-FV assault
308.8 / 100k
2yr Up 117.5% 10yr Up 22.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
386 / 100k
2yr Up 99.4% 10yr Up 32.6%
View all offence subgroups for Loddon →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarnagulla known for? +

Tarnagulla is known for its remarkable collection of well-preserved gold rush era buildings, making it one of the best-preserved historic goldfields towns in central Victoria. The town's hotel, mechanics institute, and period cottages are significant heritage assets.

How far is Tarnagulla from Melbourne? +

Tarnagulla is approximately 230 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, around a 2 hour 45 minute drive via the Calder Highway and local roads.

Does Tarnagulla have public transport? +

There is no public transport in Tarnagulla. Dunolly is the nearest town with limited services. A car is essential.

What is the population of Tarnagulla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tarnagulla has a population of approximately 153 residents, a small historic community in central Victoria's goldfields.

Is Tarnagulla a good place to live? +

Tarnagulla is a unique heritage destination for those who appreciate 19th-century goldfields architecture and a very quiet rural lifestyle. It suits history enthusiasts and those seeking remote central Victorian living.

What is the postcode for Tarnagulla? +

The postcode for Tarnagulla is 3551.

Is Tarnagulla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tarnagulla is part of the Loddon 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.