🔍

Wundowie

WA 6560 • Rest of WA

1,372
Population (2021)
$79,040
Median Household Income
55.17 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordableAvon ValleyBush Setting

About Wundowie

Wundowie is a small historic town located in the Avon Valley region of Western Australia, approximately 65 kilometres east of Perth. With a population of around 1,370 residents, this former industrial town was established in 1947 to support the state's first charcoal iron plant. The town has a predominantly Australian-born population with a strong working-class heritage, and its character reflects its unique industrial origins.

Today Wundowie offers an affordable, quiet lifestyle surrounded by jarrah and marri forests and numerous nature reserves. The town has basic amenities including a primary school, local shops, and recreational facilities. It appeals to those seeking rural living with proximity to Perth, particularly tradespeople and families looking for affordable housing. The Wundowie Iron Festival celebrates the town's industrial heritage.

Wundowie falls under postcode 6560 and is governed by Northam Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Central Wheatbelt electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6560
Urban Area
Avon - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Northam
Federal Electorate
Bullwinkel
State Electorate
Central Wheatbelt
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-31.76°, 116.38°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
55.17 km²
Elevation
288m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,400
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.5%

15 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa coach — Perth via Midland 1hr 30min (infrequent)

Commute to Perth

Distance
65 km
By Bus
1hr 30min (limited services)
By Car (Peak)
55-65 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-55 min

🛣️ No direct train service. Most residents rely on private vehicles. Nearest train at Midland (35km).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Rural town with limited footpaths. Most errands require a vehicle.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,352
Census 2021
1,372
▲ 1.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,784
Personal Income 2021
$35,984
▲ 16.9% 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
$35,984 / yr
$692/wk
Household
$79,040 / yr
$1520/wk
Family
$91,624 / yr
$1762/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 981
Born Overseas 252

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 104
  • 2. New Zealand 29
  • 3. Philippines 27
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. South Africa 11
  • 6. Sri Lanka 8
  • 7. Netherlands 7
  • 8. Scotland 7
  • 9. Italy 6
  • 10. Poland 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 611
Australian 568
Scottish 141
Irish 102
Australian Aboriginal 54
German 39
Italian 39
Dutch 34
Filipino 31
Maori 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

722
Both parents born in Australia
329
Both parents born overseas
178
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.5%
Christianity
38.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Islam
0.4%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
62 (4.5%)
5-14 years
187 (13.6%)
15-19 years
73 (5.3%)
20-24 years
78 (5.7%)
25-34 years
137 (10.0%)
35-44 years
133 (9.7%)
45-54 years
197 (14.4%)
55-64 years
228 (16.6%)
65-74 years
170 (12.4%)
75-84 years
99 (7.2%)
85+ years
15 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wundowie known for? +

Wundowie is known for its historic charcoal ironworks (operated 1948-1981) that once processed iron ore in this bush setting. The town has retained a small but proud community identity and is popular with lifestyle property seekers in the Avon Valley.

How far is Wundowie from Perth? +

Wundowie is approximately 70 kilometres east of Perth, with a drive time of around 60-70 minutes via the Great Eastern Highway.

Does Wundowie have public transport? +

Wundowie is served by bus connections to Northam, which has a train station on the Avon Arc Line providing services to Perth. A car is the most practical transport option.

What is the population of Wundowie? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wundowie has a population of approximately 1,372 residents within the Shire of Northam local government area.

Is Wundowie a good place to live? +

Wundowie offers an affordable bush lifestyle in the Avon Valley within reasonable driving distance of Perth. It suits lifestyle property owners, retirees, and those seeking rural character and affordable housing in the Perth Hills region.

What is the postcode for Wundowie? +

The postcode for Wundowie is 6560.

What is the average income in Wundowie? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Wundowie is about $692 per week (around $36,000 per year). The median household income is $1,520 per week and the median family income is $1,762 per week.

What is the age profile of Wundowie? +

The median age in Wundowie is 46. The largest age group is 55–64 (228 residents, around 17%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Wundowie? +

In Wundowie, the median weekly rent is $250, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,400 (2021 Census).