🔍

Tarra Valley

VIC 3971 • Victoria

85
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
35.99 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietPeaceful
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About Tarra Valley

Tarra Valley is a small rural locality in the Strzelecki Ranges of Gippsland, Victoria, lying within the Wellington Shire approximately 235 kilometres east of Melbourne. With a 2021 census population of 85 people across 36 square kilometres, it is a sparsely settled community surrounded by dense native forest and the spectacular landscape of Tarra-Bulga National Park. The locality takes its name from the Tarra River, itself named in honour of Charlie Tarra, the Aboriginal guide who led explorer Count Strzelecki through Gippsland in 1840.

Tarra Valley's most notable feature is its proximity to Tarra-Bulga National Park, a 1,522-hectare reserve protecting one of the last remnants of temperate rainforest in the Strzelecki Ranges, complete with ancient tree ferns, towering mountain ash, and the famous Corrigan's Suspension Bridge over a lush fern gully. The Tarra Valley Retreat offers camping and accommodation, attracting bushwalkers and nature tourists from across Victoria. The nearest town with services is Yarram, approximately 19 kilometres to the south, while the broader community relies on Traralgon for major retail, health, and education facilities.

Tarra Valley falls under postcode 3971 and is governed by the Wellington Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gippsland, while state elections fall under the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3971
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wellington
Federal Electorate
Gippsland
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.63°, 146.82°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
35.99 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3971

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3971, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,019
Median 2023–24
$44,136
▲ 22.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$53,556

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3971; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Car required for all local trips N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
235 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Traralgon then V/Line Gippsland Line to Melbourne (approx. 2 hr 30 min by train)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr – 3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr

🛣️ Car essential; South Gippsland Highway and Princes Highway provide routes toward Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote rainforest locality with no local shops or public transport; residents depend entirely on private vehicles

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
85
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
494.7 / 100k
2yr Up 59.5% 10yr Down 28.0%
Motor vehicle theft
191.9 / 100k
2yr Up 84.4% 10yr Up 57.6%
Non-FV assault
432.8 / 100k
2yr Up 10.3% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
577.8 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Up 72.3%
View all offence subgroups for Wellington →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarra Valley known for? +

Tarra Valley is best known for its proximity to Tarra-Bulga National Park, which protects one of the last remnants of temperate rainforest in Victoria's Strzelecki Ranges. Highlights include ancient tree ferns, towering mountain ash, and the iconic Corrigan's Suspension Bridge over a fern gully.

How far is Tarra Valley from Melbourne? +

Tarra Valley is approximately 235 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 2.5 to 3.5 hours via the South Gippsland or Princes Highway depending on your route and traffic.

Does Tarra Valley have public transport? +

Tarra Valley has no public transport. There is no local bus or rail service to the locality; the nearest regional rail connection is at Traralgon, approximately 60 kilometres away on the V/Line Gippsland Line.

What is the population of Tarra Valley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tarra Valley has a population of 85 residents, making it a very small and remote rural community in the Wellington Shire of Gippsland.

Is Tarra Valley a good place to live? +

Tarra Valley appeals to those seeking a deeply rural and nature-immersed lifestyle, surrounded by rainforest and national park. It suits people who value solitude, wildlife, and natural beauty, and are comfortable with the long distances to services and major centres.

What is the postcode for Tarra Valley? +

The postcode for Tarra Valley, Victoria is 3971, shared with nearby localities including Tarraville and Woodside.

Is Tarra Valley a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tarra Valley is part of the Wellington 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.