Overall score
Barwon Heads
59.3/100
Point Lonsdale
44.9/100
Barwon Heads for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Barwon Heads
59.3/100
Point Lonsdale
44.9/100
Crime rate
Barwon Heads
32.9 / 1k
Point Lonsdale
16.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barwon Heads
86
Point Lonsdale
30
Population
Barwon Heads
4,353
Point Lonsdale
3,788
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Barwon Heads | Point Lonsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.3/100 | 44.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.2/100 | 22.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 32.9 / 1k | 16.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 25 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 86 | 30 |
| Planning activity | 109 | 75 |
| Population | 4,353 | 3,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Barwon Heads reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Point Lonsdale is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
Barwon Heads tends to lead on walkability and nearby cafés and amenities, while Point Lonsdale stands out for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Barwon Heads, while Point Lonsdale remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.