Revealed: The best places to move to escape the city but stay connected for commuters
As living costs hits painful heights and working from home becomes the norm, people are leaving Melbourne in droves. These are the top escape hotspots – and how liveable they are.
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As the work-from-home trend continues to reshape the modern workforce, professionals are increasingly looking for idyllic regional locations to call home, while still maintaining their city jobs.
In the vast and captivating landscape of Victoria, a plethora of charming towns and picturesque locales is emerging for remote workers seeking a refreshing change of scenery.
From tranquil coastal retreats to vibrant countryside havens, these regional destinations offer a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and connectivity, making them enticing options for those yearning to escape the bustling city while keeping their careers intact.
An analysis by PwC found people looking for an escape from the city were looking for a mix of entertainment, family amenity, jobs and transport links.
PwC Melbourne managing partner Suji Kanagalingam told the Herald Sun earlier this year the shift in people’s preferences for where they live are “here to stay”.
“Since Covid, we’ve witnessed a profound trend in Victoria where many families have traded city living for a regional experience, especially now that many jobs can be done flexibly and remotely,” he said.
Here are some of the top towns to consider a tree change to if you’re still looking for somewhere to keep you easily connected to the big smoke.
Pakenham
Population: 46,421
Pakenham, while considered a suburb of Melbourne, has a regional feel and is surrounded by rolling hills and greenery.
It is about 50km southeast of the Melbourne CBD.
Families make up the main demographic but Pakenham is also popular with single people.
The state government also sees the value in Pakenham and has announced many new projects for the area, including millions for schools and healthcare facilities.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Tammy Radford said Pakenham is “well connected” and close to both the city and popular holiday destinations.
“Pakenham stands out from the crowd as a more affordable housing option than many other areas of Melbourne. The ability to build a spacious home at a reasonable price attracts new families every day. Pakenham also boasts quality schools, childcare centres and healthcare services – it’s an excellent place to raise a family,” she said.
“Surrounded by beautiful green spaces, nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Pakenham’s natural landscapes and expansive open spaces. Nearby Cardinia Reservoir, Mt Cannibal, Emerald Lake Park and Bunyip State Park offer popular destinations for hiking and exploring nature’s beauty.”
The town also offers dairy products, meats, and other agricultural goods directly from the source, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Schools
Pakenham boasts a well-serviced network of schools that caters to various age groups and educational needs.
From highly regarded public schools to prestigious private institutions, the town offers a diverse array of educational options.
The schools in Pakenham are:
- Beaconhills College
- Edenbrook Secondary
- Lakeside Lutheran College
- Pakenham Secondary College
- Pakenham Springs Primary
- St Patrick’s School
- Pakenham Consolidated School
- John Henry Primary
- Pakenham Hills Primary
- Pakenham Lakeside Primary
- Pakenham Primary
The secondary schools in the area boast well performing VCE results, with median study scores of between 25 and 30 and reasonable levels of scores above 40.
Beaconhills College Pakenham: Median study score for this school in 2022 was 30 and 3.9 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Edenbrook Secondary: This school only opened in 2021 and did not record VCE results for 2022.
Lakeside Lutheran College: Median study score for this school in 2022 was 25 and 3.6 per cent of scores were 40 and over.
Pakenham Secondary College: Median study score for this school in 2022 was 28 and 0.6 per cent of scores of 40 and over.
The area also performs reasonably well in NAPLAN tests, with students mostly performing on par with or above students with a similar background.
Transport
A train line servicing Pakenham runs into Melbourne city, stopping at both Flinders St and Southern Cross stations.
Monday to Friday and on weekends trains depart approximately every 10 minutes and every 30 minutes during night service.
This is a great option if you are commuting to work in the city or along the train line in locations such as Richmond, South Yarra, Caulfield or Clayton.
On Mondays about 7am it is estimated the journey into the city will take an hour and 12 and on a Friday afternoon about 5pm it is estimated the trip back will take roughly the same length of time.
Council Satisfaction
Satisfaction with the overall performance of Cardinia Shire Council was 6.81 out of 10, or a “good” level of satisfaction.
However, those living in growth areas of the shire are significantly more satisfied than those living in the more rural precincts of the shire.
The three most common issues nominated by respondents were categorised into road maintenance and repairs (19.6 per cent), traffic management (10.8 per cent), and safety, policing, and crime related issues (8.2 per cent).
Crime
Despite being the third most nominated issue to address for residents of the Cardinia Shire “at the moment”, the average perception of safety living in Cardinia Shire was relatively high, with the overall perception of safety living in Cardinia Shire recorded at 7.96 out of 10, although it was somewhat lower in Pakenham 7.78.
2023 has seen a rise in crime in the Cardinia Shire, with Pakenham being the town which has the most criminal incidents recorded, this is in part due to it being the population centre of the shire.
Stealing from a motor vehicle and other thefts were the two most common crimes in the first half of this year, staying consistent with previous years.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 3839.8 for Cardinia.
Health Services
The area is well-serviced with general practitioners, and is close to Casey and St John of God hospitals, both located in Berwick about a 15-minute drive.
Pakenham is also set to get a community hospital, which is due to open next year.
It will be a small public hospital providing a range of services including chronic disease management, urgent care, specialist medical appointments and diagnostic services.
It will be managed by Monash Health and expand the services currently offered at Pakenham Community Health Centre from a new, purpose-built site.
Pakenham Medical Clinic is a bulk-billing service.
Housing
In April, Pakenham had 154 properties available for rent and 286 properties for sale.
Median property prices over the last year range from $642,250 for houses to $475,000 for units.
The average rent in Pakenham is $370 a week for a unit or apartment and $430 for a house.
Lifestyle offerings
Pakenham’s public facilities include a sports and aquatic centre, community centre and council offices.
The aquatic centre includes a 25m indoor pool, with a gym, group fitness, creche, eight multipurpose sports courts and food facilities all incorporated in the one building.
Pakenham also has an outdoor pool open during the warmer weather.
Located on Webster Way, Pakenham, the centre boasts 18 floodlit courts.
Pakenham currently has one tennis club but proposals for a second are under consideration.
Pakenham’s community centre is a Neighbourhood House & Learn Local Community College located in Henry St, managed by Living & Learning Pakenham Inc.
It provides a wide range of courses, programs, projects and services to enhance community participation and health and wellbeing opportunities for residents throughout Cardinia Shire.
There is a recreational reserve by the lake which is home to a sailing club and perfect for bird watching. There are also lots of other reserves and opportunities to get out into nature in Pakenham.
The iconic Puffing Billy train is only a short drive away, too.
Nestled alongside rich agricultural areas, you’ll have easy access to fresh, locally grown produce. Farmers markets and farm gate sales are numerous in the area. They offer a great opportunity to try a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and other agricultural goods directly from the source, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Sunbury
Population: 36,084
Sunbury is located approximately 40km northwest of Melbourne’s central business district, making it an attractive option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living close to a major city, while still having a suburban lifestyle.
For those who need to commute, Sunbury is well-connected to the city via public transport, including train services.
The Calder Freeway also connects Sunbury to the city, making commuting convenient for those who prefer driving.
With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a tight-knit community, Sunbury provides a welcoming haven for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The towns main industry is construction and well over half of the residents are families.
Since Covid, the town has been growing with more and more planning permits being approved each year.
A spokesman for Hume Council said Sunbury was the perfect place to raise a family.
“Sunbury has also become a visitor destination in itself with a range of attractions, cafes, restaurants and historical assets. And compared to some of the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Sunbury generally offers more affordable housing options, making it attractive for families and individuals looking for more affordable living arrangements,” they said.
“Anyone looking to relocate can be assured that in Sunbury they’ll find a strong community spirit, with various local events, festivals, and markets that bring people together. There are also numerous community organisations and clubs where residents can engage in activities and connect with like-minded individuals.”
Schools
Sunbury has many different educational options with private, public, primary and secondary schools as well as some alternative forms of education available.
Schools in the area include:
- Goonawarra Primary School
- Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School
- Killara Primary School
- Kismet Park Primary School
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
- St Anne’s School
- Sunbury Heights Primary School
- Sunbury Primary School
- Sunbury West Primary School
- Sunbury And Macedon Ranges Specialist School
- Sunbury College
- Red Rock Christian College
- Salesian College Sunbury
- Sunbury Downs Secondary College
The areas secondary schools offer full VCE and in 2022 performed reasonably well in median study scores and study scores over 40.
Sunbury College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 28, and 2.2 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Red Rock Christian College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 29, and 7.7 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Salesian College Sunbury: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 28, and 2.4 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Sunbury Downs Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 29, and 2.9 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
NAPLAN results for the area tended to be in line with scores for children from a similar background.
Transport
A train line runs from Sunbruy to and from Melbourne city, stopping at all major city stations.
Trains depart Monday to Friday every 15 to 20 minutes and on weekends also run to a similar schedule.
This is a great option if you are travelling to work in the city but also if you work in places like Footscray, Sunshine, or St Albans.
On Mondays about 7am, a journey from Sunbury to Flinders St is estimated to take under an hour at just 49 minutes. A return trip about 5pm on any given weekday is about the same.
There is also the option of jumping on the V-line train at Southern Cross for an even shorter journey of just over half an hour each way.
Council Satisfaction
Residents of Hume are asked to undertake a satisfaction survey each year. The most recent available survey shows a satisfaction rating of 3.6 out of five, about the same as previous years.
The top five areas of importance, as identified by respondents were:
• Road conditions
• Household garbage collection, including recycling
• Roadside litter control
• Lighting of public areas
The top five areas of highest satisfaction were:
• Household garbage collection including recycling
• Provision of a range of library services
• Availability of walking and bike tracks
• Library opening hours
• Maintenance of sporting fields and courts
Crime
In the City of Hume’s 2020-2022 safety plan 83.8 per cent of respondents indicated that they felt ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ when walking alone in their local area during the day.
40.8 per cent indicated that they felt either ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ walking alone at night.
Crime in the Hume council area did increase in 2023 however, in Sunbury it declined.
Sunbury is the third highest area for crime however, it does have a larger population than other areas in the council.
The crime rate in Hume is just slightly under the average for the state.
Stealing from a motor vehicle and other thefts were the two most common criminal incidents to occur in the council in 2023.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 5,038.1.
Health Services
The Sunbury Day Hospital has been treating patients for more than two years. It provides day medical, day surgical, day chemotherapy and haemodialysis treatment. It also provides a number of specialist clinics.
Broadmeadows and Sunshine hospitals are about a 25-minute drive from Sunbury and the Northern Hospital in Epping is about a 30 minute drive.
Melton, which is about a 25-minute drive, is also set to get a new hospital by 2029.
Sunbury Community Hospital is set to be completed in 2023 and will be a small public hospital offering a range of services including day surgery, specialist appointments and diagnostic services.
There is a plethora of general practitioners available in Sunbury, with a fair amount that bulk bill.
Housing
The median house price for Sunbury is $670,000, up 1.5 per cent in the past 12 months.
The median price for a unit or apartment in Sunbury is $480,000, up 1.1 per cent in the past 12 months.
If you’re looking at renting, the average rent for an apartment or unit in Sunbury is $375 a week and for a house is $440.
Lifestyle offerings
Sunbury has lots of green space and parks to enjoy like Apex park and the Village Green.
There are also lots of parks with play equipment as well as indoor play centres available.
Sunbury has many big retailers as well as the big supermarkets.
There are also plenty of sports clubs in Sunbury to become involved with.
The Sunbury region is full of vineyards, native wildlife and a growing foodie scene.
Not far from Melbourne Airport, Sunbury is the perfect spot for those that might have to travel lots for work but still want a quiet, slower lifestyle.
Gisborne
Population: 8999
With families making up more than 80 per cent of households in Gisborne this is the perfect spot to go for those with children or if you’re looking to start a family.
Since Covid there has been an increase in building activity in the town as it grows in popularity.
Cr Annette Death, Mayor, Macedon Ranges Shire Council said the town of Gisborne is a “very special place”.
“Gisborne showcases a vibrant centre, regular markets showcasing the best of local produce and crafts, and of course the beautiful surrounds of the natural environment to enjoy,” she said.
“It has easy to access to Melbourne by car via the Calder Freeway, or by train, making it an attractive location for people who need to commute to Melbourne or to nearby regional hubs like Bendigo for work.”
Schools
One huge drawcard for Gisborne is its array of schools, offering everything from montessori learning to more traditional style education.
There are both private and public options available with all schools providing good results.
Schools in Gisborne:
- Gisborne Montessori School
- Gisborne Primary School
- Holy Cross Primary School
- New Gisborne Primary School
- St Brigid‘s School
- Willowbank Primary School
- Gisborne Secondary College
- Braemar College Mt Macedon Campus (9-12)
The two secondary schools in Gisborne both achieved decent results in VCE for 2022, with both schools having respectable median study scores and a high per cent of students achieving study scores over 40.
Gisborne Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 27, and 4.8 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Braemar College Mt Macedon Campus (9-12): The median study score for this school was 31, and 8.9 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Schools in the area also performed well on NAPLAN testing.
Transport
Jump on the Melbourne/Bendigo V-line train to get to Gisborne, taking about an hour to get to Southern Cross at peak times.
You can also catch the Lancefield/Melbourne V-line train for similar times.
Trains run fairly frequently between Gisborne and Melbourne, with one leaving about every 20 minutes.
This is an easy journey great for people commuting to both the city and places like Footscray, Sunshine, Taylors Lake or Keilor Downs.
Council Satisfaction
The results of the 2022 council satisfaction survey for the Macedon Ranges Council, of which Gisborne is a part showed good performance in areas such as waste management, libraries and customer service. However, community satisfaction across other service areas declined.
Around two out of three residents rated the council’s waste management services as good or very good and customer service as good or very good.
Appearance of public areas and art centres and libraries are the council’s next highest rated service areas with residents rating these areas as very good or good.
Residents identified emergency and disaster management, unsealed roads and local streets and footpaths as the most important service areas.
The lowest performing areas were unsealed roads, along with planning and building permits.
Overall performance was rated as average with nearly half of respondents ranking their overall satisfaction with the council as average.
Those aged 18-34 were most happy with the council and those aged 50-64 were least happy.
Crime
Residents in the Macedon Ranges council area have reported their top three safety concerns were road safety, safety of property and possessions and the lack of a nearby 24-hour police station.
The Macedon Ranges council area consistently sits well below the state average in criminal incidents however, it did experience a slight increase in incidents in 2023.
Gisborne is the second highest rated area in the council for criminal incidents however, it is one of the more populated areas of the shire.
Thefts and criminal damage were the two most common criminal incidents in 2023.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 2889.3
Health Services
Gisborne is further away from health services like a major hospital, with those on the outskirts of Melbourne still being the closest major hospitals.
The Northern Hospital is a 40-minute drive and the Western Hospital is about the same.
Kyneton Health at Central Highlands Rural Health, is about a 25-minute drive, and offers a comprehensive range of hospital and community-based services.
The hospital services include a 24/7 Urgent Care Centre, 27-bed overnight acute ward, two operating theatres, dialysis and oncology services. There is dedicated palliative care suite where families can stay while we look after their loved one at the end of life.
The new Melton Hospital, set to open its doors in 2029 will be about a 25-minute drive.
The area is well serviced with general practitioners but travel is likely for any specialised services.
Housing
Average house prices have fallen in Gisborne over the past 12 months, with a home now costing on average $1,077,500.
On average an apartment or unit will set you back about $645,000.
If you’re looking at renting it is slightly more expensive than some other regional areas, with rent for a house being on average $590 per week and $400 for an apartment or unit.
Lifestyle
Only 45 minutes from Melbourne via the Calder Freeway, Gisborne has become a tree-change destination for many looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lifestyle attractions in Gisborne and surrounds range from quality schools and plentiful sporting facilities to cafes and restaurants, wineries, and galleries.
“Like many of the towns in the Macedon Ranges, there are an abundance of parks and open spaces around Gisborne to get out and enjoy. The centre of town boasts playgrounds, picnic facilities and walking trails, which meander their way along the beautiful Jacksons Creek,” Cr Death said.
The monthly farmer’s market held on the first Sunday of each month draws large numbers from Melbourne as well as locals.
With a creek running through the town and the idyllic hills, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, breathe the fresh air and sip on a coffee from one of the many coffee shops.
The town centre has many cafes and wine bars, as well as a theatre, restaurants and galleries.
Sporting facilities cater for AFL football, cricket, soccer, tennis, netball gymnastics, and lawn bowls as well as a heated indoor pool. The popular golf course is located within the township.
Rockbank
Population: 1536
An up-and-coming suburb for people wanting a bit more distance from the city without letting it go for a complete change of scenery.
With development planned for the next few years, Rockbank will offer the best of both worlds.
Rockbank has a high percentage of both family and single people households.
The main industry is construction and there is lots of infrastructure planned in surrounding areas over the coming years.
Schools
While there are few schools in the actual town of Rockbank, there are plenty a short drive away in neighbouring towns such as Melton.
The area is also growing rapidly, with new schools opening up in the next year.
Schools in and around Rockbank include:
- Staughton College
- Melton Secondary College
- Melton Christian College
- Kurunjang Secondary College
- Bacchus Marsh Grammar
- Springside west Secondary College
- Brookside P-9
- Thornhill Park Primary School (not yet open)
- Melton South Primary
- Strathtulloh Primary School
- Coburn Primary School
- Melton Primary
- Rockbank Primary School
- Aintree Secondary School (interim name)
Secondary schools performed well in 2022 VCE results with all schools pulling in reasonable results.
Staughton College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 25, and 0.6 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Melton Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 27, and 1.1 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Melton Christian College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 26, and 0.5 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Kurunjang Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 24, and 1.9 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Bacchus Marsh Grammar: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 31, 9.8 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Springside West Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 30, and 3.4 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Primary schools in Gisborne frequently perform above the average for students of a similar background in NAPLAN, secondary schools tend to drop in scores however are still relatively strong.
Transport
The best option for a streamlined journey to or from Rockbank is the Ballarat line V-Line train.
Jump on at Southern Cross Station and jump off at Rockbank Railway Station.
A one-way journey will take you about half an hour.
A journey at peak times is likely to take about half an hour and trains depart every 20 minutes or so.
During peak times it can take about an hour to drive from Rockbank to the city.
Council Satisfaction
Last year overall satisfaction with the Melton City Council was lower than the metro Melbourne average but was marginally higher than the western region council’s average of 6.46.
The average satisfaction with council services was “good” with a score of 7.17 out of 10.
Satisfaction at an “excellent” level was given with services such as regular garbage, recycling and green waste collection, library services, and hard rubbish collection.
The top five issue in the City of Melton identified by survey respondents were traffic management, roads including roadworks, parks, gardens and open spaces, safety, policing and crime, and health and medical services.
Crime
In the council’s 2020-2024 Safe City Plan it indicated the perception of safety in public areas within the council is among the “top and prominent priorities raised by City of Melton residents”.
Residents have reported lower perceptions of safety in comparison to the western region, metropolitan Melbourne and other growth council areas.
This was most significant in relation to perceptions of safety in public spaces at night.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 4272.5.
In 2023 there was a drop in criminal incidents, with thefts and stealing from motor vehicles being the top two crimes committed in the council area.
Rockbank didn’t rank in the top five towns within the council for criminal incidents, however, it does have a smaller population than other towns such as Melton.
Health Services
Rockbank does not have a hospital or emergency care. The general hospital in Melton is about a 10-minute drive away and Sunshine Hospital is also a good option 15 minutes away.
Close-by bulk-billing doctors are available in nearby towns like Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill.
There are general practitioners in Rockbank, however bulk billing is hard to come by.
Housing
A house in Rockbank, on average, will set you back $610,000 and renting is on average $420 a week but rental prices are heading up, while house prices are falling slightly.
Lifestyle
With plenty of shops and easy access to Melbourne and its services, Rockbank is just far enough removed to offer an escape from the hustle and bustle but still be well connected.
The rich, red volcanic soil in the area has helped build the reputation of local wineries. Rockbank is also the host to Victoria‘s annual Olive Festival. The earlier agricultural activities date back to the pastoral exploits of William Cross Yuille on the plains.
Rockbank is small and referred to by locals as a hidden gem.
There are lots of reserves and parks with equipment for kids which makes it easy to get your daily dose of fresh air.
Bacchus Marsh
A high percentage of families reside in Bacchus Marsh, making it a quaint and friendly town.
It’s main industry is construction and it has a population of just over 6000.
With lots of green space and sporting facilities Bacchus Marsh is the perfect place for the family to get more active and spend more time outside engaging with the community.
Schools
Bacchus Marsh has a smaller number of schools on offer, mainly due to its size and availability of schools in surrounding areas however, the schools that are available still provide great choice.
Schools in Bacchus Marsh:
- Bacchus Marsh College
- Bacchus Marsh Grammar
- Bacchus Marsh Primary School
- Pentland Primary School
- St Bernard’s School
The secondary schools available in Bacchus Marsh both performed extremely well in 2022 VCE results.
Bacchus Marsh College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 24, and 1.7 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Bacchus Marsh Grammar: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 31, and 9.8 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Primary schools and secondary schools also perform consistently well in NAPLAN testing.
Transport
About a 45-minute journey in peak times on the V-Line train between Bacchus Marsh Railway Station and Southern Cross.
Trains depart every 10-15 minutes on multiple lines, giving you plenty of options.
A drive along the Western Freeway into the city is also expected to take just under an hour, even in peak traffic conditions.
A bus service connects the station with the town centre and other residential areas.
Not only is this a convenient line of transport into the CBD it is great for people who might commute to surrounding areas such as Melton, Sunshine, or Footscray.
Council Satisfaction
Bacchus Marsh is in the Moorabool Shire Council.
Perceptions of the council’s performance declined significantly from 2021 to 2022 on most service areas.
The largest declines occurred in the areas of elderly support services, local streets and footpaths, and family support services.
Ratings for overall performance also declined significantly, only scoring 50 out of 100 for overall satisfaction.
The council’s performance ratings are significantly lower than the large rural group and statewide averages for councils on most measures.
The key exception is customer service, where the council performs in line with both. Performance gaps between Moorabool and large rural group averages are widest in the areas of recreational facilities, elderly support services, and local streets and footpaths.
Thirty-nine per cent of residents rate the value for money they receive from the council in infrastructure and services provided to their community as “very poor” or “poor”.
This is almost twice as many as those who rate value for the money as “very good or “good”.
Crime
Moorabool experienced a drop in criminal incidents in 2023 and again sits well below the state average.
Bacchus Marsh was the town with the highest rate of criminal incidents however, it is one of the more population dense towns in the shire.
It also experienced a drop in the rate of incidents over 2023.
Stealing from a motor vehicle and breaching family violence orders were the top two criminal incidents recorded in the shire.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 3972.9.
Health Services
There are lots of bulk billing GP services available in Bacchus Marsh including the Rapha bulk billing medical centre.
The area is also well serviced by specialist services and is looked after by western health who are able to link patients in with broader services should they need.
Djerriwarrh Health Services has a general hospital in Bacchus Marsh provides an extensive range of allied health and community based services.
The Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital is also located in Bacchus Marsh offers a range of medical and surgical acute services, urgent care, maternity services, residential aged care, diagnostic services and a wide range of community health, allied health and counselling services.
Housing
The average house price in Bacchus Marsh is $660,000, the area has experienced huge growth in the past 12 months with house prices growing 6.5 per cent.
An apartment or unit in Bacchus Marsh will set you back $457,500, with the market also growing in this area over the past 12 months.
If you’re looking to rent, an apartment or unit can be found for an average of $340 a week and a house for an average of $425 per week.
Lifestyle
Surrounded by farmland, this cosy little town is dotted with markets and shopfronts.
Bacchus Marsh offers a slower pace of life, open air and relative closeness to the Melbourne CBD.
Bacchus Marsh is 52kms from the city – the same distance as Pakenham in the southeast – and Moorabool’s population is expected to more than double in the next 30 years.
One of Bacchus Marsh’s main recreation areas is Maddingley Park, which is a favourite picnic destination for both locals and visitors.
Near the south gates of the park, opposite the Bacchus Marsh railway station, is the Nieuwesteeg Heritage Rose Garden of mainly twentieth century hybrid teas.
Walks along the Lerderderg River provide access to the steep, rugged and overgrown Lerderderg Gorge and the extensive Wombat State Park that surrounds it, crisscrossed by four-wheel drive tracks, extensive bushwalking among historic mining relics and natural bush.
Bacchus Marsh Airfield is home to the largest site in Australia for recreational gliding.
Wallan
Population: 11,074
With the state government investing millions dollars into projects in Wallan over the next few years this is a perfect spot for families to settle down in.
The top industry is construction and Wallan has a population of more than 11,000.
The median income is $710 per week.
Schools
Wallan has plenty of schools on offer with both public and private options.
Some of the private schools are a small commute however, offer a private education option outside the immediate Wallan boundaries.
The schools in and around Wallan are:
- Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School
- Wallan Primary School
- Wallan Secondary College
- Wallangarra State School
- Hume Anglican Grammar (20-min drive)
- Assumption College (10-min drive)
The secondary schools returned decent results in the 2022 VCE scores.
Wallan Secondary College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 22, and 0 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Hume Anglican Grammar (20-min drive): The median study score for this school in 2022 was 31, and 7.3 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Assumption College (10-min drive): The median study score for this school in 2022 was 27, and 1.9 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Wallan also has schools participating in NAPLAN testing and produce reasonable results.
Transport
Jump on the train for about an hour’s journey between Wallan and Southern Cross stations on the V-Line train.
There are two line options, either the Albury to Melbourne via Seymour or the Griffith to Melbourne via Shepparton.
Trains depart approximately every 40 minutes.
A bus journey will take approximately one hour from Wallan Station to Southern Cross Station.
A drive into the city takes about an hour at peak times, along the Metropolitan Ring Rd.
Public Transport Victoria has stated in their Metropolitan Rail Network Development Plan that Wallan should be connected to the electric Metro train network by 2033.
Council Satisfaction
Wallan is in the Mitchell Shire Council region and over time they have maintained a steady level of satisfaction from residents.
According to their most recent community satisfaction survey available (2021) ratings are significantly lower than Large Rural group and State-wide averages on almost all measures with the exception of lobbying.
Council has said they will focus on maintenance of unsealed and sealed roads, both of which performed poorly in their satisfaction survey.
One-quarter of residents rate the value for money they receive from Council in infrastructure and services as “very good” or “good”.
Crime Rates
Mitchell Shire Council experienced an increase in criminal incidents however, it still sits below the state average.
Wallan experienced an increase in criminal incidents in 2023 however, it is one of the most population dense towns in the shire.
Breaching family violence orders and thefts were the two most common incidents.
For the year ending the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 4703.1.
Health Services
Kilmore District Health is the nearest hospital which is about a 10-minute drive.
Kilmore District Health provides a range of acute, maternity, theatre, urgent care and aged care services.
Craigieburn Health Services General Hospital is also about a 25 minute drive from Wallan.
Wallan also has lots of general practitioners available and Wallan General Practice will bulk bill all telehealth appointments.
Housing
Wallan has witnessed substantial growth in housing. Traditionally the growth was in the northern side of the town in the Hidden Valley area.
House prices have fallen in Wallan over the past 12 months and a house will now cost on average $615,000.
An apartment or unit will cost on average $445,000.
Renting a house will cost on average $420 per week and an apartment or unit will be on average $352 per week.
Lifestyle
Boasting an array of enticing attractions such as the Adventure Playground and splash park, as well as the Hidden Valley golf resort and numerous delightful cafes, Wallan offers something for everyone.
This thriving town provides residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to savour a modern country ambience while enjoying convenient access to a wide range of amenities.
At the heart of Wallan, nestled within the town centre at Hadfield Park, lies a charming water park that primarily operates during the warmer months.
This expansive adventure playground boasts a small splash area and abundant picnic spaces, including sheltered seating equipped with barbecue facilities.
Recent improvements have also seen the enhancement of walkways, coupled with the restoration of wetland areas through revegetation efforts.
Warragul
Population: 15,757
Warragul is a picturesque regional town nestled between the Strzelecki Ranges and the Great Dividing Range, just over an hour southeast of Melbourne on the M1.
With a vibrant town centre filled with boutique shops, cafes, and easy access to large retail chains, Warragul offers the perfect balance between convenience and rural charm.
A spokesman for the Baw Baw shire said a huge drawcard for Warragul was its arts scene, which sets it apart from other regional towns.
“Warragul boasts an active and thriving arts community, with the renowned West Gippsland Arts Centre at its heart. This 750-seat venue, recognised by RACV as one of the top eight regional theatres in Victoria, stands proudly in the beautifully landscaped Civic Park,” they said.
If nature is your calling, Warragul has it in abundance. The local rolling green hills, vast parklands, and a plethora of recreational facilities are enhanced by access to snowfields and beaches – both just an hour away.
Explore the great outdoors, participate in regular farmer‘s and maker’s markets, and soak up the community spirit.
Schools
Warragul has a school option for many different educational needs, including a specialist school and an alternative high school.
The schools in Warragul are:
- Marist-Sion College
- St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
- Warragul Regional College
- ECG College (Alternative education)
- St Angela of the Cross Primary School
- St Joseph‘s School
- Warragul & District Specialist School
- Warragul North Primary School
- Warragul Primary School
There are several traditional secondary education options, all providing good scores in the recent VCE cohort.
Marist-Sion College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 29, and 5.1 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 32, and 10.8 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Warragul Regional College: The median study score for this school in 2022 was 27, and 1 per cent of study scores were 40 and over.
Schools also participate in NAPLAN testing where results are recorded at an average level compared to student of a similar background.
Transport
Warragul may be further from the city than other relocation options but the journey is just as easy.
If you don’t mind a drive at peak times, the journey from Warragul into the city along the M1 will take just over an hour and a half.
For those preferring to leave the car at home, the V-Line from Warragul station to Southern Cross Station will take about an hour and forty minutes.
Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes heading into the city.
Bus journeys will take up to about two hours of travel time.
Council satisfaction
In 2022 the overall performance index score of 56 – one point above the rural average for Baw Baw Shire Council – represents a slight two-point increase on the 2021 result.
Those living in Warragul and other central ward towns tended to rate their satisfaction with council higher than those living in some of the further out towns of the shire.
More than a quarter of residents rated the value for money they receive from Council in infrastructure and services provided to their community as “very good” or “good”. Slightly more residents rate Council as ‘very poor’ or ‘poor’ in terms of providing value for money.
Council’s top performing areas in 2022 were art centres and libraries, the appearance of public areas, waste management, and recreational facilities.
It rated lowest in the areas of sealed local roads.
Crime
In 2021 the council invested thousands of dollars installing CCTV cameras around public areas.
Baw Baw’s safety survey’s consistently rate the region as a safe place to walk around day or night.
The shire experienced a big drop in criminal incidents in 2023 and now sits below the state average.
Warragul was the town with the highest crime rate in the shire however, it also has the highest population.
Breaching family violence orders and criminal damage were the top two criminal incidents recorded in the shire.
For the year ending 2023 the criminal incident rate per 100,000 population was 4748.6.
Health Services
The West Gippsland Hospital is located in Warragul and provides a 24-hour emergency department, acute medical and surgical, obstetric, residential aged care, and home and community based services.
Neerim Health is also located within the shire and provides hospital services and well as community based health services.
The area is well serviced by general practitioners, with bulk billing available.
Housing
House prices have fallen in Warragul over the past 12 months with a home now costing on average $640,00.
However, prices for units and apartments in the area have growth over the past 12 months with one now costing on average $390,000.
Rental prices have increased over the past 12 months, with average rent on a house at about $450 a week.
Units and apartments cost about $100 dollars less in rent, at an average of $350 per week.
Lifestyle
Warragul is located on hills that extend north from the Strzelecki Ranges near Ellinbank, joining to the Baw Baws in the Neerim District. This range is historically referred to as the Warragul Hills and provides stunning scenery and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Warragul contains the Linear Park Arts Discovery Trail, a trail covering several adjacent parks in the town. It features painted bollards, mosaics and murals.
The trail joins up with the Drouin to Warragul Two Towns Trail.
The town has a robust sports scene with a team in just about every sporting league.
The town is especially well-known for its cycling, being the site of many road races as well as having one of the best outdoor velodromes in the state.
Warragul is close to Lardner Park which is host to major events year round including the Field Days, Agricultural show and the Trucks in Action show.
Warragul also hosts an annual show, which includes rides, stalls, games, fireworks and showbags.
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