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Tawonga

VIC 3697 • Victoria

568
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
140.62 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
MountainRuralPeacefulTourist HubBushland
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About Tawonga

Tawonga is a small alpine town in Victoria's north-east, located 350 kilometres north-east of Melbourne in the Alpine Shire along the Kiewa Valley Highway. With a population of 568, the town sits at 330 metres elevation in a valley flanked by spectacular High Country ranges, approximately 12 kilometres north of Mount Beauty and close to Mount Bogong — Victoria's highest peak. The broader locality spans 140 square kilometres of mountain and valley terrain characteristic of the Victorian Alps.

Tawonga is well-placed for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing in the Kiewa River all popular activities. The town serves as a quiet gateway to the Bogong High Plains, and Falls Creek alpine resort is accessible within an hour for winter skiing and snowboarding. Mount Beauty, just 12 kilometres south, provides shops, a primary school, medical services, and a community hub. Tawonga's cool alpine climate, river scenery, and peaceful character appeal to those seeking an active lifestyle away from city life.

Tawonga falls under postcode 3697 and is governed by the Alpine Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Indi, while state elections fall under the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3697
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Alpine
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.69°, 147.18°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
140.62 km²
Population Density
4 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3697

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3697 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,719
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,691

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3697; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional bus services — Mount Beauty and Wodonga/Albury Approx. 15 min to Mount Beauty; 1.5 hrs to Wodonga

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
350 km
By Train
No direct service; nearest station Wangaratta (103 km west) with V/Line trains to Melbourne (~2.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
4-4.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5-4 hrs

🛣️ Alpine Shire location; car is essential; access via Kiewa Valley Highway and Hume Freeway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops within the locality; all services accessed by driving to Mount Beauty, 12 km south

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
568
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
83.2 / 100k
2yr Down 35.5% 10yr Down 34.6%
Motor vehicle theft
121 / 100k
2yr Up 127.8% 10yr Up 660.9%
Non-FV assault
136.1 / 100k
2yr Down 18.4% 10yr Down 25.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
249.5 / 100k
2yr Up 17.5% 10yr Up 213.9%
View all offence subgroups for Alpine →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tawonga known for? +

Tawonga is known for its stunning alpine setting in the Kiewa Valley, close proximity to Mount Bogong (Victoria's highest peak), and easy access to outdoor activities including hiking, fishing in the Kiewa River, and skiing at nearby Falls Creek resort.

How far is Tawonga from Melbourne CBD? +

Tawonga is approximately 350 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a drive of around 3.5 to 4.5 hours via the Hume Freeway and Kiewa Valley Highway.

Does Tawonga have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited in Tawonga. There is no rail service; regional buses connect to Mount Beauty and Wodonga. A car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Tawonga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tawonga has a population of 568 across a large 140 square kilometre locality, reflecting its dispersed rural and mountain character.

Is Tawonga a good place to live? +

Tawonga suits those who love the outdoors and want a quiet alpine lifestyle, with hiking, fishing, and skiing on the doorstep. The nearby township of Mount Beauty provides essential services, making it a viable base for those who can work remotely or don't need to commute to the city.

What is the postcode for Tawonga? +

The postcode for Tawonga is 3697.

Is Tawonga a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tawonga is part of the Alpine 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.