Waterloo

VIC 3373 • Victoria

122
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
73.70 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalPeaceful
Advertisement

About Waterloo

Waterloo is a small rural locality in Pyrenees Shire in central Victoria, situated approximately 9 kilometres north of Beaufort and 162 kilometres west-north-west of Melbourne. With a population of around 122 residents and covering nearly 74 square kilometres, the locality has deep roots in the Victorian gold rush era, when it was settled as part of the Baxter Lead alluvial goldmining precinct. Today it retains a quiet agricultural character, with scattered farms and houses where a once-larger township stood.

Following the gold rush, Waterloo supported a township with stores, a primary school, hotels, and a public hall — all of which have since closed, leaving behind a farming community with a strong sense of local history. The nearby town of Beaufort in Pyrenees Shire provides essential services including shops, schools, and community facilities, while Ballarat, approximately 50 kilometres to the south-east, serves as the major regional centre. The Waterloo Community Group continues to maintain community spirit in this historically significant locality.

Waterloo falls under postcode 3373 and is governed by the Pyrenees Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3373
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.46°, 143.34°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
73.70 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3373

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3373, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,928
Median 2023–24
$45,684
14.4% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,735

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3373; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Beaufort
9 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
162 km
By Train
Drive to Beaufort (9km), then train to Southern Cross Station (~1h 45min on Western line)
By Car (Peak)
1h 50min–2h 20min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 40min–1h 55min

🛣️ Western Highway (A8) provides main access. Ballarat is the nearest major city at ~50km south-east.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Waterloo has no local shops or services remaining; all errands require driving to Beaufort or Ballarat.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
122
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
386.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
286.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
236.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
510.6 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waterloo known for? +

Waterloo is known for its gold rush history, having been settled during the Victorian gold rush as part of the Baxter Lead alluvial goldmining precinct. It once supported a full township with stores, a school, and hotels — remnants of its prosperous past.

How far is Waterloo from Melbourne CBD? +

Waterloo is approximately 162 kilometres west-north-west of Melbourne CBD, making it a 1.75 to 2.5 hour drive via the Western Highway.

Does Waterloo have public transport? +

Waterloo has no local public transport. The nearest train station is at Beaufort, approximately 9 kilometres away, which has services on the Western line to Melbourne. A car is needed to reach Beaufort station.

What is the population of Waterloo? +

According to the 2021 Census, Waterloo has a population of approximately 122 residents. It is a small farming community spread across nearly 74 square kilometres of Pyrenees Shire.

Is Waterloo a good place to live? +

Waterloo suits those seeking an affordable, historic rural lifestyle in central Victoria. The nearby town of Beaufort provides daily services, and Ballarat — the major regional city — is about 50 kilometres away. It appeals to hobby farmers and those valuing quiet country living.

What is the postcode for Waterloo? +

The postcode for Waterloo, VIC is 3373.

Is Waterloo a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Waterloo is part of the Pyrenees 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.