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Wickliffe

VIC 3379 • Victoria

123
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
171.65 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalQuiet
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About Wickliffe

Wickliffe is a small historic town in western Victoria's Rural City of Ararat, situated on the banks of the Hopkins River approximately 35 kilometres south of Ararat and around 220 kilometres west of Melbourne. With a population of 123 at the 2021 Census, the locality spans over 171 square kilometres of pastoral countryside predominantly used for grazing and cropping. The area was first settled in the 1840s when pastoralists took up runs along the Hopkins River, and a formal township was established by the early 1850s.

Wickliffe is best known for its well-preserved Gothic-style bluestone Presbyterian church, built in 1861 with a 70-foot steeple added in 1878, which stands as a prominent landmark of the town's colonial heritage. The surrounding district supports sheep and cattle grazing typical of the Grampians-adjacent pastoral zone of western Victoria. The community is small and close-knit, with residents relying on nearby Ararat, Hamilton, and Ballarat for larger services, while the peaceful rural surroundings and the historic Hopkins River valley offer a quiet and characterful lifestyle.

Wickliffe falls under postcode 3379 and is governed by the Ararat Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Lowan (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3379
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ararat
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Lowan (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.53°, 142.52°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
171.65 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3379

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3379 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$48,567
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,271

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3379; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Ararat / Hamilton 40-60 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
220 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Ararat for V/Line to Melbourne
By Car (Peak)
2h 15min - 2h 45min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 10min - 2h 30min

🛣️ Western Highway (A8) provides the main route to Melbourne; Ararat 35km north for V/Line connections

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily life in Wickliffe; the township has very limited local services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
123
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
504.5 / 100k
2yr Up 25.4% 10yr Up 18.5%
Motor vehicle theft
265.1 / 100k
2yr Up 23.9% 10yr Up 159.4%
Non-FV assault
384.8 / 100k
2yr Down 18.3% 10yr Down 27.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
538.7 / 100k
2yr Up 33.9% 10yr Up 118.2%
View all offence subgroups for Ararat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wickliffe known for? +

Wickliffe is best known for its well-preserved Gothic-style bluestone Presbyterian church built in 1861, one of the finest heritage buildings in western Victoria. The town also has a rich pastoral history dating to the 1840s and is situated on the picturesque Hopkins River.

How far is Wickliffe from Melbourne? +

Wickliffe is approximately 220 kilometres west of Melbourne CBD, making it a drive of around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes depending on traffic. The nearest regional centre is Ararat, about 35 kilometres to the north.

Does Wickliffe have public transport? +

Wickliffe has no rail service of its own. The nearest train station is at Ararat, approximately 35km north, which has V/Line services to Melbourne. A car is the most practical form of transport for residents.

What is the population of Wickliffe? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wickliffe has a population of 123 residents, making it a very small rural locality spread across approximately 171 square kilometres in the Rural City of Ararat.

Is Wickliffe a good place to live? +

Wickliffe suits those who value a peaceful rural lifestyle with a rich sense of history and open pastoral landscapes. It is best for people who are self-sufficient and comfortable with a car-dependent lifestyle, with Ararat, Hamilton, and Ballarat providing larger services within driving distance.

What is the postcode for Wickliffe? +

The postcode for Wickliffe, Victoria is 3379.

Is Wickliffe a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wickliffe is part of the Ararat 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.