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Wensleydale

VIC 3241 • Victoria

95
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
83.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietHistoric
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About Wensleydale

Wensleydale is a small rural locality in the Surf Coast Shire of Victoria, nestled in the northern foothills of the Otway Ranges approximately 20 kilometres inland from Lorne and around 30 kilometres south-west of Geelong. With a population of just 95 at the 2021 Census, it is a sparsely settled area spanning over 83 square kilometres of rolling hills, farmland, and bushland. The postcode area has a median taxable income of $53,733 reflecting its quiet pastoral character.

Wensleydale has a notable railway heritage — it was the terminus of a branch line from Moriac that operated from 1890 to 1943, originally built to transport timber and gravel from the Otway Forest. Today the locality is valued for its peaceful countryside setting, with easy access to both Geelong and the Great Ocean Road coastal towns. The surrounding landscape offers walking trails, birdwatching, and a connection to the broader Otway Ranges, making it appealing to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle within reach of regional services.

Wensleydale falls under postcode 3241 and is governed by the Surf Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3241
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Surf Coast
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.20°, 143.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
83.37 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3241

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3241, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$46,376
Median 2023–24
$53,733
▲ 15.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,590

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3241; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited V/Line coach services — Geelong 40-50 min

Commute to Geelong CBD

Distance
30 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Winchelsea
By Car (Peak)
30-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway and local roads; Melbourne is approximately 145 km north-east

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops, services, or footpaths within the locality — a car is essential for all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
95
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
135.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 71.3%
Motor vehicle theft
98.6 / 100k
2yr Up 84.6% 10yr Down 57.1%
Non-FV assault
128.2 / 100k
2yr Up 14.5% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 62.4%
Steal from vehicle
347.7 / 100k
2yr Up 15.8% 10yr Down 46.5%
View all offence subgroups for Surf Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wensleydale known for? +

Wensleydale is known for its quiet rural setting in the foothills of the Otway Ranges and its historic railway line, which operated from 1890 to 1943 transporting timber and gravel from the Otway Forest to Geelong.

How far is Wensleydale from Geelong? +

Wensleydale is approximately 30 kilometres south-west of Geelong, which is roughly a 25–40 minute drive depending on traffic conditions.

Does Wensleydale have public transport? +

Wensleydale has very limited public transport. There is no rail service, and bus connections are minimal. The nearest train station is Winchelsea, about 20 kilometres away on the V/Line Warrnambool line. A car is essential.

What is the population of Wensleydale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wensleydale has a population of 95, making it a very small and sparsely settled rural locality spread across more than 83 square kilometres.

Is Wensleydale a good place to live? +

Wensleydale suits those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with space and privacy. It offers beautiful Otway Ranges scenery and proximity to both Geelong and the Great Ocean Road, but has no local shops or services, so a car is essential for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Wensleydale? +

The postcode for Wensleydale, Victoria is 3241.

Is Wensleydale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wensleydale is part of the Surf Coast 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.