🔍

Welshmans Reef

VIC 3462 • Victoria

210
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
31.11 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandHistoricQuietCar-Dependent
Advertisement

About Welshmans Reef

Welshmans Reef is a small rural locality in the Shire of Mount Alexander in central Victoria, situated approximately 15 kilometres west of Castlemaine and 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. With a population of 210 at the 2021 census, the locality occupies a scenic position between the eastern shore of the Cairn Curran Reservoir and the Maldon State Forest. The area is sparsely settled, characterised by broad acreage properties and remnant bushland typical of the central Victorian goldfields region.

The locality takes its name from the gold-mining era, when a Welshman is believed to have discovered the gold-bearing reef that drew prospectors to the district in the 1850s. Today, Welshmans Reef has a quiet rural character, attracting hobby farmers, lifestyle seekers, and those drawn to the beauty of the Cairn Curran Reservoir and the surrounding state forests. The historic township of Castlemaine — with its galleries, cafes, and farmers markets — is a short drive away, providing access to everyday services and a vibrant regional arts community.

Welshmans Reef falls under postcode 3462 and is governed by the Mount Alexander Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Bendigo, while state elections fall under the Bendigo West (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3462
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Alexander
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Bendigo West (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.08°, 144.05°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
31.11 km²
Population Density
7 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3462

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3462 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,843
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$55,472

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3462; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Castlemaine Station
15 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Castlemaine (nearest hub) Car required (~15 min)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Castlemaine Station (~15 min), then ~90 min to Melbourne CBD via Bendigo Line
By Car (Peak)
90-110 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
80-95 min

🛣️ Primarily car-dependent; Midland Highway and Calder Highway provide access to Melbourne

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; there are no shops, services, or public transport within the locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
210
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
304.2 / 100k
2yr Up 56.5% 10yr Down 14.6%
Motor vehicle theft
118.8 / 100k
2yr Up 22.2% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
232.9 / 100k
2yr Up 65.2% 10yr Up 20.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
313.7 / 100k
2yr Up 43.4% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Mount Alexander →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Welshmans Reef known for? +

Welshmans Reef is known for its gold-mining heritage — the locality is believed to be named after a Welshman who discovered a gold-bearing reef in the area during the 1850s gold rush. Today it is valued for its peaceful rural setting beside the Cairn Curran Reservoir and Maldon State Forest.

How far is Welshmans Reef from Melbourne? +

Welshmans Reef is approximately 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD, making it around a 90–100 minute drive via the Calder Highway or Midland Highway.

Does Welshmans Reef have public transport? +

There is no regular bus or rail service within Welshmans Reef itself. The nearest train station is at Castlemaine, approximately 15 kilometres away, which provides regular V/Line services to Melbourne.

What is the population of Welshmans Reef? +

According to the 2021 Census, Welshmans Reef had a population of 210 residents, spread across approximately 31 square kilometres of rural land.

Is Welshmans Reef a good place to live? +

Welshmans Reef suits those seeking a quiet, affordable rural lifestyle with space and natural beauty. It is ideal for hobby farmers and nature lovers, though residents rely on a car for all daily needs and travel to Castlemaine or Maldon for services and amenities.

What is the postcode for Welshmans Reef? +

The postcode for Welshmans Reef is 3462.

Is Welshmans Reef a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Welshmans Reef is part of the Mount Alexander 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.