The Basin

VIC 3154 • Greater Melbourne

4,497
Population (2021)
$104,988
Median Household Income
5.75 kmยฒ
Area
$365/wk
Median Rent
BushlandFamily-FriendlySemi-RuralNatureTree-Change

About The Basin

The Basin is a semi-rural suburb nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne's outer east, located approximately 32 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD within the Yarra Ranges local government area. Bordered by the Dandenong Ranges National Park, it offers a tree-change lifestyle with leafy streets, large residential blocks, and a strong sense of community among its roughly 3,000 residents. The suburb sits within postcode 3154 alongside neighbouring Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully. Its elevated, forested setting gives it a quiet, semi-rural character despite its relative proximity to Melbourne.

The Basin is beloved for its relaxed, bushland lifestyle and strong local identity, centred around community facilities including The Basin Triangle shopping strip, community centre, primary school, and local sporting clubs. The suburb borders the Dandenong Ranges National Park, offering exceptional walking trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas that attract visitors from across Melbourne. It appeals to families, nature lovers, and those looking for an affordable alternative to inner suburbs without sacrificing liveability. A short drive connects residents to Ferntree Gully Station and the Belgrave line for train access into the city.

The Basin falls under postcode 3154 and is governed by Knox Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

๐Ÿ“ Location

State
Postcode
3154
Urban Area
Wantrina - Rowville - Ferntree Gully
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.86ยฐ, 145.32ยฐ
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
5.75 kmยฒ
Elevation
171m

๐Ÿท๏ธ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in The Basin for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

๐ŸกHouse
$875K
11 sales ยท ▲ 0.6% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria โ€” Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

๐Ÿ  Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$365
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
40 years

๐ŸšŒ Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ferntree Gully
2.5 km
~30 min or short drive
Upper Ferntree Gully
3 km
~35 min or short drive

Bus Services

  • 688 โ€” Ferntree Gully Station via The Basin ~10 min to station
  • 691 โ€” Knox City via Bayswater ~30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
32 km
By Train
~60โ€“70 min via Belgrave Line from Ferntree Gully (bus connection required)
By Bus
Bus 688 to Ferntree Gully then train โ€” approx. 70 min total
By Car (Peak)
~55โ€“70 min via Burwood Hwy / Eastlink
By Car (Off-Peak)
~40 min via Burwood Hwy / Eastlink

๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ No train station within the suburb; bus connection to Ferntree Gully or Upper Ferntree Gully is required

Walkability Car-Dependent

The Basin Triangle provides a walkable local centre for nearby residents, but most transport and services require a car or bus

๐Ÿ›’ Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

๐ŸŽ“ Schools

๐Ÿš” Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
285.3 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
279.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
180.5 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
3.7 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
874.2 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

๐ŸŽ“ Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Demographics

Census 2016
4,416
Census 2021
4,497
1.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,764
Personal Income 2021
$42,328
15.1% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$42,328 / yr
$814/wk
Household
$104,988 / yr
$2019/wk
Family
$118,768 / yr
$2284/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

๐Ÿ“Š Population: ABS Census 2021
๐Ÿ’ฐ Income: ABS Census 2021

๐ŸŒ Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,580
Born Overseas 765

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 227
  • 2. Germany 90
  • 3. New Zealand 53
  • 4. China 36
  • 5. Netherlands 34
  • 6. Sri Lanka 28
  • 7. Scotland 23
  • 8. Philippines 19
  • 9. Italy 17
  • 10. Iran 16

๐Ÿงฌ Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,947
Australian 1,711
Scottish 547
Irish 494
German 312
Italian 182
Dutch 175
Chinese 94
Welsh 51
Australian Aboriginal 46

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,589
Both parents born in Australia
1,023
Both parents born overseas
666
One parent AU, one overseas

๐Ÿ› Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.3%
Christianity
36.7%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

๐Ÿ“Š Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
256 (5.7%)
5-14 years
612 (13.6%)
15-19 years
276 (6.1%)
20-24 years
220 (4.9%)
25-34 years
525 (11.7%)
35-44 years
599 (13.3%)
45-54 years
661 (14.7%)
55-64 years
569 (12.7%)
65-74 years
435 (9.7%)
75-84 years
222 (4.9%)
85+ years
115 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Basin known for? +

The Basin is known for its semi-rural character nestled in the Dandenong Ranges foothills, with a strong community identity, the Basin McClelland Gallery, local schools, and bushland surroundings. It sits between the urban areas of Knox and the Dandenong Ranges.

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD? +

The Basin is approximately 35 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, around a 40-50 minute drive via Eastlink and Burwood Highway.

Does The Basin have public transport? +

The Basin is served by bus routes connecting to Boronia station on the Belgrave Line (approximately 5 km), providing train services to Melbourne CBD.

What is the population of The Basin? +

According to the 2021 Census, The Basin has a population of approximately 4,497 residents, an established community in the City of Knox with a strong local character.

Is The Basin a good place to live? +

The Basin offers a unique semi-rural Dandenong Ranges lifestyle in Melbourne's outer east, with bushland surroundings, community facilities, and easy access to Westfield Knox City and Eastlink. It suits families who value nature and community without being too remote.

What is the postcode for The Basin? +

The postcode for The Basin is 3154.

What is the average income in The Basin? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in The Basin is about $814 per week (around $42,300 per year). The median household income is $2,019 per week and the median family income is $2,284 per week.

What is the median house price in The Basin? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $875,000, up 0.6% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria โ€” Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of The Basin? +

The median age in The Basin is 40. The largest age group is 45โ€“54 (661 residents, around 15%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is The Basin a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. The Basin is part of the Knox LGA โ€” 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.

How much is rent in The Basin? +

In The Basin, the median weekly rent is $365, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,950 (2021 Census).