🔍

Tarwin Lower

VIC 3956 • Victoria

462
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
223.04 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideQuietAgriculturalRemote
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About Tarwin Lower

Tarwin Lower is a small rural locality situated approximately 167 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, in the South Gippsland Shire of Victoria. The town rests on the southern bank of the Tarwin River, within a sweeping pastoral landscape of farmland and wetlands near the coast. With a population of around 462 residents spread across 223 square kilometres, it is a sparsely settled community with deep agricultural roots dating back to British settlement in the mid-1800s.

The area surrounding Tarwin Lower is defined by its natural beauty, with the Tarwin River, nearby Venus Bay, and the broader Gippsland Lakes region drawing visitors for fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation. The town retains a handful of local services and a historic Mechanics Institute Hall. Life here is quiet and distinctly rural, appealing to those seeking a slower pace, coastal access, and a strong connection to the land.

Tarwin Lower falls under postcode 3956 and is governed by the South Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3956
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
South Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.77°, 145.91°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
223.04 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3956

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3956 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,713
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$56,785

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3956; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Wonthaggi / Leongatha Approx. 30-45 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
167 km
By Train
No direct train service; would require driving to Leongatha then train to Melbourne (approx. 2.5 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 20 min

🛣️ Car is essential; access via South Gippsland Highway and Princes Freeway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Tarwin Lower has minimal local services; a car is essential for all daily errands and commuting

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
462
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
326.2 / 100k
2yr Up 15.6% 10yr Up 15.8%
Motor vehicle theft
249.4 / 100k
2yr Up 78.8% 10yr Up 202.7%
Non-FV assault
198.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
460.5 / 100k
2yr Up 153.5% 10yr Up 71.9%
View all offence subgroups for South Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarwin Lower known for? +

Tarwin Lower is known for its agricultural heritage along the Tarwin River in South Gippsland, as well as its proximity to Venus Bay and the coastal wetlands that attract fishing and birdwatching enthusiasts.

How far is Tarwin Lower from Melbourne CBD? +

Tarwin Lower is approximately 167 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, making it roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Tarwin Lower have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Tarwin Lower. Very limited regional bus services connect to nearby Wonthaggi and Leongatha; a car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Tarwin Lower? +

Tarwin Lower had a population of approximately 462 people at the 2021 Census, spread across a large rural area of around 223 square kilometres.

Is Tarwin Lower a good place to live? +

Tarwin Lower suits those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle close to the Gippsland coast, with fishing, farming, and natural beauty on the doorstep — though residents should expect limited local services and a long commute to Melbourne.

What is the postcode for Tarwin Lower? +

The postcode for Tarwin Lower is 3956.

Is Tarwin Lower a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tarwin Lower is part of the South 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.